Question 1: Do the Patriots have their franchise quarterback on their roster?
The New England Patriots have a surprising question at quarterback coming in to the year, as they picked up recently waived QB Matt Corral from the Panthers. Corral was a 3rd round pick just a year ago before he spent his entire rookie season on the shelf with an injury. The Panthers obviously moved up to the top spot in this years draft to take Bryce Young, which led to them waiving Corral. The Patriots started camp with Mac Jones as the clear starter, but he comes in after a sophomore slump that came following a stellar rookie season all things considered. Corral is clearly the more talented quarterback from a physical level, but the offense he ran in college was not similar to what is run in the NFL. The big question for Corral is can he make the easy throws and keep the offense on track, which is especially important for a New England team that lacks big play ability. Jones’ best feature is his ability to manage an offense and be accurate in the short to intermediate game, but does he have the talent to really thrive as an NFL QB? Are either of them the guy for the future?
Question 2: How long does this offensive line group last?
This is one of the more complete offensive lines in the league, but it is not the most youthful group. Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange are the only projected starters that are under thirty years old. There is no doubt that the offensive line is the strength of this offense, but how long will they stay together? The Patriots will have to put resources in to improving the skill players on the offense, so it will be interesting to see if they can keep the trenches as a strength.
Question 3: Who stays and who goes in the front 7?
It’s an interesting mix of solid veterans and intriguing youth in the front line of the Patriots defense. Matthew Judon is no doubt the best player, but he is also the oldest. Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, and Davon Godchaux are all solid players, but they are not improving and none of them will be a true difference maker. The young guys are Josh Uche, Christian Barmore, and Keion White. You have to expect that the Patriots will give them all a chance to see if they can prove themselves and earn a spot, or if they too are just solid role players like the veterans in front of them.
Question 4: Who earns targets on this offense?
Tyquan Thornton projects to being a big part of this offense, but he is out for the first 8 weeks of the season. Every other receiver on this team is pretty much mid at best. Juju, Devante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Mike Gesicki, Hunter Henry. Do any of them step up and prove themselves as more than what we think they are? Do any of them earn a future spot?
The Answers
Answer 1: The Secondary
This Patriots secondary is loaded with high level athletes that will all be seeing the field right away. Christian Gonzalez looks like he will be a #1 corner early on, Kyle Dugger and Jabrill Peppers are both sublb eligible, and both are solid deep safeties as well. Ameer Speed and Isaiah Bolden are young and unproven, but are both great athletes that have a chance to be great DBs in the future. Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones are both solid, fast corners as well. The DBs are the biggest strength on this team right now and project to be a big piece of their future.
Answer 2: The Backfield
Ezekiel Elliott and Rhamondre Stevenson are not going to scare defenses with their home run speed, but the will pick up tough yards behind a strong line. With the way injuries are having two starting caliber running backs is a big positive that will allow the Patriots to dictate the ground game, and hopefully free up passes off the back of that
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