With the Patriots cancelling the final two OTAs and instead going on a team building paintball trip where Belichick shot Kyle Van Noy in the face, we’re now on to the worst part of the NFL calendar, aka The Void between the end of OTAs and the start of training camp.
Yes, it will be a long six weeks or so, and it’s unlikely there’s any earth shattering news. Though with this team you never know, especially when the depth at tackle and tight end still leaves a bit to be desired. Still, let’s just plan on taking a bit of a break before it’s balls to wall.
With that in mind, here’s a bunch of Posits. Tune into Patriots Unfiltered tomorrow (Thursday) from 12-2 at Patriots.com as I’m excited to be joining the guys in studio to talk Pats.
— At this point I’m just crossing my fingers that it’s all going to work out with Isaiah Wynn at left tackle. The second-year player will certainly give the offense a bit of a different feel from Trent Brown and though I’m excited to see what he can do, I’m also a bit concerned about duplicating the run game from the championship run last season.
— Removing Brown, Gronk and Dwayne Allen from that ground attack is a big deal. The running game was treading water for much of the 2019 regular season due to injuries, but in the playoffs they were lights out behind Sony Michel, James White and Rex Burkhead. James Develin was a big part of it as well. Can they do the same with Wynn, Matt Lacosse and an under the radar guy who is TBD at either tight end or third tackle? This is my biggest question about the 2019 Pats.
— Rookie Yodney Cajuste is an under-the-radar pick who could have a shot at playing time if he can get on the field. He was MIA in minicamp but that third tackle spot is wiiiiide open.
— I love the addition of rookie Damien Harris and last year’s regular season snaps with Cordarrelle Patterson at running back shouldn’t have to be replicated should Michel or Burkhead get dinged again. Honestly, given their injury history I wouldn’t be totally surprised to see Harris lead the team in yardage. He’s just like Michel, a thick, tough runner who makes one cut and lowers his shoulders.
— Turnover is a part of life in the NFL, and though things are thin and uncertain at tackle and tight end, the Patriots did a great job covering their asses at other positions where they lost guys, namely defensive end and wide receiver. Despite Patterson and Chris Hogan departing and the question marks of Josh Gordon and Demaryius Thomas, first-round pick N’Keal Harry appears to be the real deal, at least from what he showed in minicamp.
— I do still think they need a quick-open slot guy who can return punts that can take some pressure off Edelman. Braxton Berrios had a standout catch in one of the minicamp practices, maybe he’s the guy. It would be a big boost for the long term prognosis.
— Speaking of Edelman, I had the chance to meet him this past week after my Youtuber sister did a partnership with Stop N Shop. Didn’t get to say much to Jules but it was cool to shake his hand. My sis went with the 28-3 tee, but clearly me and Jules were on the same page with some Bruins love.
— At defensive end the Pats have made similar additions across the board, including Michael Bennett and Chase Winovich. Two players who will hopefully replace a lot of what Trey Flowers did. As we saw with the offense last year, new players are going to have to step up in the big moments.
— Not sure I can remember being more excited to see a defense in training camp that this one. They’re just so deep and talented, it’s hard to remember a recent team that had so many intriguing players. Bringing guys like Bennett in, and bringing Jamie Collins back are just slam dunk moves that will transform the defense in a good way.
— If there was a spot where I’d love to see an unexpected player emerge it’s strong safety, where Obi Melifonwu saw a lot of action with Patrick Chung still rehabbing. Chung is so vital and having someone capable behind him would be great insurance.