Here’s a rewritten version of the content in my own words:
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Mike Rice, ESPN NFL reporter covering the New England Patriots since 1997, shared insights and updates about the Patriots and the NFL from Foxborough, MA.
1. Borregueles’ Mindset:
Miami’s special teams coach Danny Calter reflects on a defining moment from last season’s Virginia Tech game that shows kicker Andy Borregueles’ mindset. With only 20 seconds left before halftime and Virginia Tech leading 24-14 after a 57-yard field goal, most expected a routine locker room break. But after a kickoff return to midfield, Borregueles confidently took charge, showcasing his belief that no kick is too long or moment too big. A critical pass interference penalty and a 56-yard field goal from Borregueles helped Miami secure a 38-34 win. The Patriots hope Borregueles, their sixth-round pick and first kicker selected in the 2025 NFL Draft, brings similar clutch performances.
The timing of selecting Borregueles wasn’t accidental; it came amid uncertainty about Baltimore Ravens’ kicker Justin Tucker, who was facing a 10-week suspension. New England chose Borregueles at pick No. 186, the same pick Baltimore had before releasing Tucker.
The Patriots once heavily relied on reliable kickers like Gostkowski during their six Super Bowl wins from 2001 to 2018, but their kicking success has declined since 2020, ranking low in field goal accuracy and performance in critical situations. Borregueles, a Venezuelan who moved to South Florida as a child and set records at Miami, finished college with a perfect kicking record on extra points and demonstrated resilience by bouncing back after an early miss in the season. His strong leg and mental toughness to handle adversity make him a promising addition.
Calter believes Borregueles is well-prepared to handle windy Northeast conditions, having practiced in similarly challenging weather in Miami, and embraces doubt as motivation.
2. UFL’s Role in Patriots’ Roster Building:
Offensive tackle Yasir Durant, recently signed to a one-year deal with the Patriots, owes part of his opportunity to the United Football League (UFL), where he played this season to prove his development. Without UFL film to show scouts, Durant’s chances of making the roster would have been slim. Durant’s prior NFL experience and connections to Patriots’ offensive line coach Doug Marrone also helped.
Agent Eric Schmela notes that spring leagues like the UFL, USFL, and XFL serve as vital platforms for players from smaller schools or those recovering from injuries to demonstrate they remain healthy and capable, helping them gain or regain NFL attention.
3. Kraft’s Inspirational Motivation:
Patriots owner Robert Kraft shared on the Adam Schefter Podcast how he often references the Patriots’ historic comeback in Super Bowl LI, overcoming a 25-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Falcons in overtime. It serves as a reminder to his football company employees that apparently impossible feats can be achieved.
4. Calter’s Visit:
Miami’s Danny Calter and his top assistants visited Patriots’ spring practice, a visit arranged through special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who previously worked with Miami. Both being young coordinators, they bonded over shared philosophies. The visit happened before New England drafted Borregueles and was valuable for professional growth and support.
5. Patriots’ Unique Kicker Drafting:
Since 2020, the Patriots have been the only NFL team to draft three kickers — Justin Lowisser, Chad Ryland, and Borregueles — all within the top 200 picks. Only eight kickers overall have been taken in that range since 2020, highlighting New England’s focused strategy on securing kicking talent.
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Fan Take:
This news is crucial for NFL fans as it shows the Patriots’ renewed focus on mastering special teams, a phase that can often decide close games. If Borregueles lives up to his potential, he could restore the Patriots’ kicking reliability and be a key factor in future success, influencing how teams value kickers in the draft.
