Patriots Daily: Michigan Wins CFB Playoff; Future Contracts in New England

The New England Patriots season came to an end on Sunday and now the college football season has come to an end as well. On Monday night, the Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies 34-13 in a dominant performance. Michigan running back Blake Corum (134 yards rushing, two touchdowns) was named Offensive MVP of the game. Defensive MVP honors went to cornerback Will Johnson (four tackles, interception).

As far as intriguing figures in the game for New England Patriots fans, a head coach and two quarterbacks stand out. Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh could be in high demand by NFL teams this season. He was listed as my top candidate to coach the 2024 Patriots if the team moved on from Bill Belichick. After a successful NFL run with the San Francisco 49ers, and winning a national title for his alma mater, it will be interesting to see if Harbaugh makes another run at the pro ranks.

The championship game quarterbacks were Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy and Washington’s Michael Penix, Jr. After an outstanding game in the semifinals against Texas, draft pundits were talking about Penix as a possible top ten selection, even in play to be New England’s selection third overall. It appears that is no longer the case. Both quarterback’s could end up going in Round 1, though both seem very much in play for New England in the second round, No. 35, if they opt to select a different position with their top pick. Stay tuned.

Seven Signed to Future Contracts With New England

On Monday, the Patriots signed seven members of their practice squad to future contracts. This means all of the players will be under contract with New England for the 2024 season, and be part of the offseason roster. Those seven are:

DL William Bradley-King
LB Joe Giles-Harris
CB Azizi Hearn
DL Trysten Hill
WR T.J. Luther
OT Andrew Stueber
RB Ke’Shaun Vaughn

In addition, prior to the season finale the team place TE Hunter Henry on injured reserve. To replace him on the 53-man roster, the Patriots signed La’Michael Pettway off the practice squad. PFN will continue to keep up with all Patriots roster moves throughout the offseason.

Also in today’s Patriots Daily: Bears decision on Justin Fields; NFL head coach openings; Aaron Rodgers flushes BS; and more.

New England Patriots

Patriots Football Now – Bill Belichick Willing to Relinquish Power in New England

Patriots Football Now – Boston Herald Report Looks at Dysfunction of 2023 Patriots

NFL News

Yardbarker – Scouts View: Film reveals what Bears should do with Justin Fields

NFL.com – Assessing the NFL head coaching openings

ESPN – Aaron Rodgers says Jets need to flush B.S.

Pro Football Network – Why did the Washington Commanders fire Ron Rivera?

PFN+ – 2024 NFL Draft Previews

Boston Bruins

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Fun Fact of the Day

Today former New England Patriots WR Chad Johnson (aka Ochocinco) turns 46. From 2002-2009, Johnson (playing for the Cincinnati Bengals) led the NFL in receiving yards with 9,623. He was also fifth in receptions (656) and sixth in touchdown receptions (61).

Tweet of the Day

Tweet of the Day is from the official Michigan football account on X, celebrating their title…

Our Mission: To Win the National Championship
Mission Status: Completed to Perfection#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/XhLiJLdkBY

— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) January 9, 2024