AP Photo/Steven Senne The Patriots kick off the 2022 preseason tonight. Here are ten players that we will be watching and evaluating in this game. 1. Cameron McGrone, LB: McGrone missed all of last season due to a torn ACL. He is back and while he hasn’t popped in camp yet, tonight will be our first opportunity to see him in action. McGrone has good size and instincts and he…
Kickoff: The Patriots open the 2022 preseason tonight at home against the New York Giants. The two teams have played each other 31 times in the preseason, making the Giants the Patriots most common preseason opponent. The two teams are meeting for the 16th time in 17 years in the preseason. The 2020 match up was cancelled due to COVID. The Giants have a first year head coach in Brian…
It is well documented that the Patriots offense is struggling right now, particularly the offensive line. It is also well documented that quarterback Mac Jones is frustrated and the reason we know that is his body language. Jones has been more demonstrative in practices thus far this preseason than we saw in his rookie season. Last season he might occasionally throw his arms up after a bad play but it…
Image courtesy of USA Today It is no secret that the Patriots offensive line has struggled in training camp thus far. It is seemingly the topic of conversation at every practice especially yesterday’s. They struggled mightily. So why are they struggling? Well, there are three reasons. 1. New position coaches in Matt Patricia and Billy Yates: As someone who has coached offensive line, I know how hard it is to…
Second year defensive tackle Christian Barmore has been a force thus far in training camp. He has been virtually unblockable at times. Veterans and rookies alike are struggling to block him one on one and on double teams. Barmore has come into camp in good shape, something that was a point of emphasis for him. He dedicated himself this off-season and the work is paying off thus far. He is…
Jabrill Peppers is itching to get back on the field. The veteran safety who signed with the Patriots this off-season was in pads for the first time this pre-season yesterday but is still not cleared to participate. Instead, Peppers played the role of player, coach. He had a walkie talkie and he was listening to the defensive calls as they came in. Peppers admitted that he is still learning the…
When the Patriots signed defensive end Henry Anderson to a two year deal last off-season, the move was universally applauded because of Anderson’s versatility and the possible fit. After getting off to a slow start last season, Anderson missed the majority of the 2021 season with a torn pec. Anderson suffered the injury in Week 4 and was placed on injured reserve on October 6, 2021. Anderson is now back,…
The Patriots have signed punter Jake Bailey to a four year, $13.5 million dollar extension. The 2020 All-Pro is signed through 2025. The deal gives Bailey some security and it gives the Patriots some much needed cap relief. As a result of the extension, Bailey’s cap number in 2022 will $1.85 million. As a result of the extension, the Patriots have created between $4.75 to 5 million in cap space….
Depth Chart: Mac Jones, Brian Hoyer, Bailey ZappePlayer to Watch: Mac Jones Breakdown: Jones beat out Cam Newton forward the starting job last season and started every game for the 10-7 Patriots and a 47-17 playoff loss in Buffalo. The Patriots started 1-3, but one loss against Miami was caused by a Damien Harris fumble on the final possession in field goal range and another ended with a field goal hitting the upright vs…
Depth Chart: Damien Harris, Rhamondre Stevenson, James White, Ty Montgomery, Kevin Harris, Pierre Strong, J.J. Taylor Player to Watch: Rhamondre Stevenson Breakdown: The Patriots running backs have the chance to be the best position group on the team. The unit is deep and has a variety of components. Headlining the list are Damien Harris and Stevenson. Harris, a 2019 third-round draft pick, was the workhorse back for most of last year. His tough running style fit…