Being on the roster bubble is not a comfortable place. Working as hard as you can just to see a guy make the team because he is just a little older or a little younger or a little taller. The brutal nature of the condensed rosters makes it a difficult time of year.
The Patriots are no different and they will have to release players to get down to the 80 player mandate by August 24th ahead of the final cuts to 53 on the 31st ahead of the start of the regular season. They have already started it and will continue to look at improving their already deep roster.
Per @globejimmcbride, the #GoPats have released Rashod Berry, David Wells, and Marvin Hall. #FPC @FullPressNFL
— Full Press Patriots (@FPC_Patriots) August 15, 2021
This article will deal with the playing time and situations that the defensive personnel found themselves in during the Patriots’ win over the Washington Football team this past Thursday. As a bonus, we will also look at the state of some special teams players and dive into when they played, who they played with and against, and whether that means they are safe, have work to do, or are in danger of not making the team. For the offensive players and battles look here.
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Defensive Line
One of the biggest surprised early on was Akeem Spence playing with many of the presumed starters and backups over newcomer Henry Anderson. While this is most likely due to Anderson’s recent absences due to injury and relative inexperience with the team. It is something to monitor. If Henry Anderson is slower to pick up the plays it may mean that Spence can squeeze onto the roster somewhere. Defensive End Tashawn Bower also played with starters and backups in the 2nd quarter and made some impressive plays as well. Look for him to try and carve out a role for himself.
Nick Thurman, Bill Murray, and Montravius Adams all played a large number of snaps in the 2nd half. There may not be room for any of them due to the depth of the position. Carl Davis could be in competition with Davon Godchaux. Davis had a disappointing 2020 and Godchaux was signed as a presumed starter. They could keep both as depth as a run-stuffing interior tackle is important.
Linebackers
Josh Uche did not play with many of the starters though this was likely to acclimate Matthew Judon, Kyle Van Noy in the system. Veterans Dont’a Hightower and youngster Ju’Whaun Bentley also rotated together in the middle linebacker role. The rotation of this group continued as Harvey Langi appeared as the next middle linebacker. He still has some work to do if he hopes to be considered for an expanded role on the defense. He is in the mix as a special teams ace and may crack the roster there. Recently re-signed Cassh Maliua was playing the majority of the 2nd half and seemed to struggle against the Football team players. He has very little time to impress the coaching staff and try to continue on the team.
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Safeties
Adrian Phillips continued his impressive second year and was quickly sitting down with the starters and enjoying his night. Kyle Dugger was next in line and he seemed to struggle in coverage and will need to work on that. He is in line to get some significant snaps as he develops. Malik Gant who was recently signed impressed as he played a large amount of the second half. He originally signed with the Patriots in 2019 and as a UDFA and was injured in the preseason finale. Making his way back onto the roster would be a feel-good story.
Cornerbacks
This is where some of the more interesting battles are going on in camp. And with Stephon Gilmore rehabbing his injury and possibly “holding in” due to a contract dispute the primary outside corners began with JC Jackson and Jalen Mills. Mills was signed as a do-it-all defensive back and that was on display. He does need to improve his coverage skills if he wants to earn snaps upon Gilmore’s return. Michael Jackson and Dee Virgin become the next options up. Dee Virgin appeared to find some success and may be making a push for a spot. Surprisingly Joejaun Williams played in the 2nd half and while he made some splash plays it is concerning that the 2nd round pick has not made more of an impact.
Special Teams
One of the stories of the night has got to be rookie Quinn Nordin’s leg and the impressive strength that he showed. Splitting the uprights on three of his field-goal attempts the lone blemish was the missed extra point. Aside from that the UDFA would seem to be in a battle with veteran Nick Folk and may take the job. Beyond that All-Pro punt returner, Gunner Olszewski has that top spot locked in. Recently released Marvin Hall did not do enough to stay. JJ Taylor is an interesting case as he handled the kickoff returns and spelled Gunner for one punt return. This skill set is critical for Taylor in his chances for a roster spot.
As we look ahead to the Eagles and the Giants game the pecking order should become more clear. The veterans that get comfortable in their roles find their spots more secure. If they falter there is plenty of youth that can take their places.