The Patriots’ roster is in the beginning stages of its final form in New England as they trudge through a lengthy offseason. The last time the team was really discussed (outside of inner fan circles) was the NFL Draft. They made headlines by electing to take Cole Strange in the first round. While many were outraged at the pick, good signs have come from him in OTAs. The draft is over. Now, the media and Patriots’ fans alike must set their eyes on a preseason that will say a lot about this team. Time to get into some hot takes we could see from New England in the upcoming season.
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Mac Jones‘ Sophomore Season is One for the Ages
If you’re a Pats fan who has touched a news blog this offseason, you’d see the tremendous comments on second-year quarterback Mac Jones‘ improvement. The latest reports say his leadership is off the charts, something fans saw coming but not in the second year. Now, I get it. Teams are not going to put out reports saying their player stinks, but the Jones hype should be real. There is no doubt that he is getting smarter. Jones has also lost weight which will make him more elusive in the pocket, and that arm strength should continue to improve. The only thing that remains is if he will be able to compete with the AFC’s best.
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Cole Strange is the Most Stable of the Offensive Line
Strange was seen taking first-team reps early and often in New England. It seems the starting guard spot is Strange’s to lose, which makes sense because there are nearly zero pieces behind him. With that being said, Strange could be the main guy on the line this year. Isaiah Wynn is almost always going to miss a few games each season. Michael Onwenu had his struggles in the second year and lost a ton of playing time. David Andrews will always be there, but his durability is in question as the years add up. Finally, Trent Brown is a guy like Wynn who does a great job but always misses time. With that being said, the unlikely first-round pick could be a big-time producer for New England.
Damien Harris is Not the Lead Back by Week 8
The Patriots came into this year’s draft and selected two running backs for a reason. While Damien Harris has been a familiar face (and a great back) for three years in Boston, he is on a contract year, and it’s clear Bill Belichick is looking towards the future. Sophomore running back Rhamondre Stevenson should have his ball-control issues cleaned up, and he is an absolute tank. James White is coming back, and the additions of Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong make the room incredibly crowded. It seems like a very Patriot thing to do to: Phase out the guy who will most likely not be on the team next year halfway through the season with all the talent behind him.
Patriots Win Three in a Quadruple Prime Time Slate
The Patriots will play four straight prime-time games from November 24 to December 18. This consists of three away games against the Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Las Vegas Raiders. It will also include one home game against the Buffalo Bills. These four opponents are incredibly daunting and will put the New England right on the national stage. Getting off to a good start is paramount in this stretch, and wins against the Vikings and Cardinals seem very possible. The Bills and Raiders games, on the other hand, will be much more difficult. However, New England can steal one of these games, especially from Las Vegas, as they are well aware of how new head coach Josh McDaniels runs his system.
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