FOXBOROUGH — Some thoughts on the Patriots heading into final cuts as we mourn the fact that we won’t anymore more halftime interviews between WBZ's Steve Burton and Bill Belichick for almost an entire year.
- Now that it looks like CB Cyrus Jones (knee) is done for the season with a serious knee, that leads to two questions. If he was on the roster, who takes his spot, and who will be the punt returner?
- Let's go back for a second before we go forward. And I apologize in advance because this is going down the rabbit hole a bit in my warped mind. But we're having fun with it, so bear with me.
- Based on how players were played (and, more importantly, not played) in this game, it appears two players left off on my latest 53-man roster projection (after I learned DE Derek Rivers can be placed on injured reserve before the cutdown and not be subject to waivers), were on the roster: QB Jacoby Brissett and CB Justin Coleman.
- Before we get to the Cyrus Jones injury, I need to correct that first. The only (potential) fat I see on my roster: RB D.J. Foster, RB Brandon Boldin, TE James O'Shaughnessy, OT Cam Fleming, DT Vincent Valentine, S Jordan Richards, S Brandon King, LB Elandon Roberts, LB David Harris.
- To get Coleman and Brissett on, I'm cutting King and O'Shaughnessy (going with two tight ends plus James Develin, and hoping to have a promising player, perhaps O'Shaughnessy, back on the practice squad).
- Now, with Jones going to IR, that leaves my roster with 52 players (of course, we don't know about some injuries and whether or not more players could be shuffled onto IR). Do I fill it with another corner, like Kenny Moore or Will Likely (punt-return experience)? Do I bring back King or O'Shaughnessy? Or do I just wait for to make a claim?
- For my 53rd spot, I'm putting King back on the team because I know they love him, and he has some versatility. Plus, the Patriots have some age at safety.
- Now for punt returner. Chris Price ably laid out the in-house candidates. Barring a claim, which I think is more likely after the Thursday night opener (when the Patriots have a 10-day layoff, which gives more time to acclimate a new player), I think the Patriots go with a platoon: Foster in less-pressure situations, and Danny Amendola when I just need a sure-handed fair catch.
- It was really something to see an undrafted guy like DT Adam Butler just kicking it on the bench with veterans, like he's a first-round pick. Shows how far he has come. Yeah, that's right #SuckItFelger #LinePlayIsCool
- If there's one young player I'd like to find a spot for, it's CB Kenny Moore. The kid has a nose for the ball, is tough for his size and carries a little attitude. Reminds a bit of Malcolm Butler as a rookie. Plus, Moore keeps showing up on special teams as a gunner. I'm guessing the coaches are going to be discussing him a lot before Saturday's cutdown.
- I like O'Shaughnessy as much as anyone but do the Patriots really need a "move" tight end with all the receivers and running backs they appear to have?
- I still can't get the thought of trading Dion Lewis out of my head. He has looked great this preseason, but we all know he's likely to go down with an injury at some point. I'd sell high to an NFC team. I mean, why else did you sign James White to a contract extension?
- David Harris appears to be on the roster, but if he doesn't get quicker within the scheme given time, he could be a candidate to be released some point later.
- Cam Fleming and Jordan Richards are the weak links on this roster, yet they'll still be here again. The Patriots can't find two upgrades over them? What am I missing (besides six Super Bowl rings)?
- Most important things Jacoby Brissett did well in this game (and they were vast improvements over where he was two weeks ago, so he's been getting coached up): being decisive from the pocket, and tightening up his delivery.
- Ted Karras is just a gamer. He can play on my (imaginary Super Bowl-less) team anytime. Cut from the same cloth as Dan Connolly (who was a way better athlete and much quieter).
