Catching up on a few things on this off day, before the Patriots take on the Giants on Thursday night, as we get into our latest 53-man roster ...
• The defensive film wasn't all that exciting against the Vikings. The Patriots largely dominated backups and third-stringers, which they should have done. We'll just get into the up/down and post our ratings.
THREE UP
DE Anfernee Jennings: Nice trade showcase with three sacks and a QB hit. The Patriots should be able to make a deal with someone for a good player that isn't quite a great fit for this scheme.
DT Jeremiah Pharms: He always finds a way to impact a game and should have solidified a spot on this team. Really strong work against the run.
DEs Truman Jones and Bradyn Swinson: Jones posted another four pressures, and Swinson had two pressures and a run stuff.
THREE DOWN
CB Tre Avery: Factored into two 20-plus receptions and wound up getting released.
CB Kobee Minor: The seventh-round pick had a couple of rough coverage reps.
LB Monty Rice: Wonder if a roster spot is in jeopardy after not filling properly against the run, and a 20-yard pass reception.
NEW 53
A few changes and I have a lot of continuing questions...
Receiver: I no longer think Polk has a spot on this team, the only question is whether they bother with injured reserve or not. ... I'm still don't see the need for Bourne to be on this team but I am having thoughts of keeping him just as a veteran option for depth. ... I don't see the sense in keeping Baker. Possibly on the practice squad. ... I would really like to find a way to keep Jiles on the practice squad.
Tight end: I'm putting Westover on the 53 for now, but I think he's one that gets released during waiver claims. Remember, the Patriots are 4th in the pecking order and I'm looking for help at center, guard, linebacker and tight end.
Tackle: Campbell, Moses and Bryant are locks, but Lowe could go in a waiver claim.
Guard/center: The Patriots only have four (Onwenu, Bradbury, Wilson and Brown) worth having on the roster. Wallace sticks for now, just because he does have talent, but could depart in a waiver claim. I would not be shocked if they kept just four.
Edge/tackle: No changes here because I think they can get Peko to the practice squad, but I do wonder if they keep six at DT. That is a lot, however.
Linebacker: Anything could happen with this group, and I'm now keeping Tavai because I am scared to death if Spillane goes down. I have some confidence in Tavai there, but not many. ... Could Mapu really stick? He was the personal punt protector in practice the other day, so it might happen. I just haven't seen anything on the field. ... I really like Cam Riley. Would I be shocked if the Patriots kept him over Monty Rice? No.
Cornerback: I seriously considered keeping seven cornerbacks, and that would also not shock me. Battle, Bolden, Minor, Crossley and Polk (who had a great KO return hustle tackle the other night) are all very close and look like NFL players. I'm not sure what separates any of them. Any combination would be justified.
Kicker: I'm still going with Borregales over Romo, but it's very close.