Five thoughts on the Patriots after four practices and before the pads go on Monday...
1. The most important factor to watch with the offense this week is how it does in 11-on-11s.
A year ago we told you not to read too much in the first four days of practice during the acclimation process when it came to the QB competition because they hadn't really started doing meaningful drills and situations. The same holds true with the passing offense the final three days last week, when the defense dominated most of the time. It was all red zone work, and there's only so many routes, without the benefit of a run game threat, that you can run that will surprise a defense after four days of work.
But after offseason practices, minicamp and now four days of training camp, there's one aspect of this offense that is concerning ... how they execute when there is at least the appearance of a pass rush. In 7-on-7s, the passing offense and Mac Jones have looked sharp. Once you put some big offensive and defensive linemen on the field, the results switch.
What should we make of that? Is it a big deal?
Truth be told, we're not sure what it means. But it's odd. And slightly concerning. When there's a clean pocket, everything looks great with the passing offense. When you put big bodies out there, things get clunky.
We're not so much worried about the first four days. But that combined with the OTAs ... slightly concerning. Let's see if the QBs fare a little better in full-field situations.
2. What are the Patriots going to do with Kyle Dugger?
His interception near the end of Saturday's practice notwithstanding, Dugger has really struggled covering tight ends so far in camp, when that position is a featured component of the offense in the red zone. We've seen Dugger get outmuscled, lose coverage and just flat-out beaten.
OK, so he's a better downhill guy than in coverage. Not a huge deal. But it becomes slightly alarming when you're talking about personnel.
In sub-package defenses, there will be four down linemen, plus at least one linebacker/big safety like Jabrill Peppers. That leaves six defensive backs, with three being corners. Devin McCourty is going to be on the field at all times. Adrian Phillips is going to be out there. If you're the Patriots, do you think about another CB, or do you just go with Dugger? It will be interesting to see if that's a tough call going forward or not.
3. Pass-catching back is becoming a concern.
Red zone is an area for the pass back. James White made a living there. Those guys are often just beating a LB to the pylon. A good, quick running back with great hands and blitz pick up is a key position.
Right now it's a big question mark for the Patriots.
White is still coming back from his hip injury. JJ Taylor has basically been invisible. Pierre Strong hasn't yet popped in his first couple of practices — no shock for a rookie, but even White and Shane Vereen didn't earn roles as rookies. Of course, that was back when the Patriots had multiple personnel options at just about every position every year, so they could choose to be patient. Circumstances are different now. Patriots had a rookie QB from Day 1. Who would have ever thought that would happen?
Yes, Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson have done a nice job in practice, but that's not what they do. Doubtful either can bring what they need to be a real dangerous receiving back. Patriots need better. Will that be White, Strong or Taylor, or someone from the outside? Time will tell.
4. Let's see if the cornerbacks can keep it rolling defending a full field.
I told you about a month ago that I wasn't all that worried about the Patriots at cornerback, I thought they had enough parts to make something provided there's a decent pass rush. After four days of red zone work, I'm not going to say I was validated because even some of you could look OK defending a crowded 15 yard box, but I feel good about where they are.
They have a bunch of different yet talented parts to mix and match in Jonathan Jones, Jalen Mills, Terrance Mitchell, Malcolm Butler, Jack Jones, Marcus Jones, Shaun Wade and Myles Bryant (when he returns). They did some nice work in the red zone, so that's a positive heading into week 2.
Now the game changes because, often, they will have to defend the entire field with no endline as an extra defender. There will be cornerback and receiver one-on-ones with no help, so we'll see what's what.
5. Time for offensive line, pass rush to show their stuff.
Not much to go on, but I would say the line's pass blocking has been underwhelming so far, and no one outside Anfernee Jennings has popped opposite Matthew Judon.
It's now or never for Josh Uche, who got some linebacker snaps last week.
One-on-ones will be back this week, so we'll start to get the answers on: Cole Strange against NFL DTs, what will Christian Barmore do for an encore, was Davon Godchaux worth the money, will Uche, Jennings or Ronnie Perkins step up to become the next rusher?
Yes, I'm giddy that I get to hear pads popping again. LET'S GOOOOOOOO!
NICKEL PACKAGE
1. This NFLPA statement on behalf of DeShaun Watson was interesting, before the decision came down that he will get six games:
Our joint statement with Deshaun Watson on the impending arbitration decision: pic.twitter.com/9ObLnHiX6J
— NFLPA (@NFLPA) July 31, 2022
Week 6 is Patriots at Browns.
The union thought it was going to be 2-6 games. Six games is a very tough call for Roger Goodell, who has the power in the CBA to appeal the ruling by the arbitrator to himself. Goodell always thinks he has to appear tough on behalf of the league to advertising partners. I would bet the NFL at least appears initially that they are going to fight this.
2. ESPN reported that the Patriots extended Jake Bailey, which should give them some good cap relief. Patriots obviously think Bailey's season last year was all injury-related, and his performance in the offseason basically proved that. He's back to booming kicks and should be back to being one of the best in the league again.
3. My former boss, Peter King, was out at Pats camp the other day and one of his takeaways was this:
Regarding coaching the quarterbacks and calling the offense, it looks like play-calling could land in the headset of senior football adviser/offensive line coach Matt Patricia. We’ll see how that goes. In 26 years as a football coach, Patricia has never had the title of quarterbacks coach, offensive coordinator, running backs coach, wide receivers coach or tight ends coach. Not to say it’s disqualifying, but it’ll be interesting to watch. I won’t be surprised if Belichick eventually has a significant hand in play-calling.
Interesting. Peter does often talk to some very high-ups when he comes to town. My read on it so far is Patricia will coordinate the offense and gameplan, and Belichick may indeed call plays, especially at crucial junctures.
4. Most impressive Patriots player in camp so far: DeVante Parker. If he stays healthy, he makes the Patriots and Jones so much better. Good last couple of days from Jonnu Smith. Let's see if he keeps stacking.
5. Guys I'm waiting for to pop more this week: Josh Uche, Ronnie Perkins, Tyquan Thornton, Isaiah Wynn, Yodny Cajuste, Malcolm Butler.