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THE
NEXT
BRADY?
2021
NEW ENGLAND
PATRIOTS
SEASON
PREVIEW
Time will tell, but
A special publication of
rookie QB Mac Jones
The Eagle-Tribune,
The Salem News, is showing some similar
The Daily News of Newburyport
and the Gloucester Daily Times traits to Patriots legend
Wednesday, September 8, 2021
2
North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
2021
Table of contents
NEW PAGE 4 With QB
ENGLAND Bill Burt: Yes, the Pats will Matthew
Stafford
be a threat in 2021
PATRIOTS on board,
the rams
SEASON PAGE 5 should
Patriots 2021 schedule
PREVIEW be one of
the NFC’s
PAGES 6-7 AP strongest
COVER: Mac Jones photo by Noah K. Murray, teams.
Associated Press. Tom Brady photo by Hadley Revisiting 2001: The 2021
Green, North of Boston Media Group. Patriots may look a lot like PAGE 11
Photo illustration by Dan Ryan.
the 2001 team: with a good The 2021 Patriots roster
offensive line, a good running PAGES 12
game, a good defense and, Six to Watch: A half-dozen
well, a decent quarterback players who must perform at
PAGE 8-9 an all-star level if the Patriots
Dozen to Watch: Burt looks are going to be true
at 12 teams with a chance, contenders
breaking them down from PAGE 14
legit Super Bowl contenders The Next Brady? Mac Jones
Associated Press photo to others that are good shares a lot of characteristics
Bill Belichick’s flurry of off-season transactions show he
thinks his team can contend for the title this year.
enough for playoff berths as Tom Brady.
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3 North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
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North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Patriots a threat in 2021? Absolutely
BY BILL BURT The Patriots, when Edge edge rusher Matt the AFC East and for the
healthy, have a top-five Judon, tackle Davon God- conference, though it won’t
The New England Patriots offensive line, which is chaux and middle line- be easy with the Buffalo
have the appearance of just impressive considering the backers Kyle Van Noy and Bills and Kansas City Chiefs,
another middler, Wild Card loss of guard Joe Thuney, Dont’a Hightower are a respectively, as guardians of
chasing team. arguably the best lineman huge upgrade over the 2020 those two ‘ships.
They are coming off a 7-9 from the last three seasons. defense. While the Miami Dolphins
season, with more disap- They might have one of Lest we forget special appeared to surpass the
pointments than celebra- the best running back corps teams, the Patriots field the Patriots last year, at 10-6,
tion. Compared to, say, the in the NFL with Damien best punter in the NFL, Jake they should be had by this
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Harris looking like a true Bailey, and the trusty Nick new Patriots group.
which return all 22 starters, “RB1” player and two able, Folk kicking field goals, as Then there are the Bills, a the
the Patriots have redone though unproven, backups well as full-timers Matthew different animal altogether. Patri-
nearly 40% of last year’s in J.J. Taylor and Rhamon- Slater, Justin Bethel and They appear ready to com- ots will
team. dre Stevenson, not to men- Brandon Bolden. pete for a Super Bowl. be under- AP
Their division, the AFC tion trusty specialist James Last and definitely not But the ascent from good dogs in only one
East, is almost as good as it White. least, there’s that other guy, to very good to great is not (Tampa Bay in Week 4) or Rookie running back
gets, second only to the NFC They have two legit Pro the head coach. always linear. The Bills two (L.A. Chargers in Week Rhamondre Stevenson had an
West (Rams, Seahawks, Car- Bowl-caliber tight ends in A telling sign of the Patri- would need to blow through 8). eye-opening pre-season.
dinals and 49ers). Hunter Henry and Jonnu ots’ own expectations was the AFC East at 5-1, splitting Then there’s a six-game
Worst of all, they have Smith, as opposed to none the amount of guaranteed with the Patriots or Dol- stretch, from Nov. 14 to New England, after nearly
quarterback issues. They’ll in 2019 and 2020. Nelson money expended over a phins. (Remember, winning Dec. 26, in which the Patri- two years of ridiculous
start an over-the-hill dude Agholor, Kendrick Bourne 24-hour period on nearly 10 in Miami is tough for teams ots could be underdogs in expectations.
or an inexperienced rookie and holdover Jakobi Meyers newbies – $137.5 million. from the Northeast). five games, including two The Patriots are expected
-- both no-no’s this time of are three true wide receiv- Bill Belichick is someone The Patriots schedule is against the Bills. to be pretty good. I expect
year for “good” teams. ing options, as opposed to who throws money around not very hard. Finishing But by then, the Patriots them to be better. Maybe a
But appearances can be just Meyers in 2020. like manhole covers. third has its privileges, as in might be ready for that lot better.
deceiving. The Pats stack And guess what? The His belief – I believe, not playing the three other bear of a schedule when the Stay tuned.
up on the other side of the Patriots defense will be bet- through his actions – is that AFC division winners. weather chills up a bit. You can email Bill Burt at
ledger, too. ter than the offense. the Patriots can contend in Over the first eight games, This is a new era in bburt@northofboston.com.
5 North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
2021
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS SCHEDULE
1 Sun., Sep. 12 Miami 4:25 p.m. CBS 10 Sun., Nov. 14 Cleveland 1 p.m. CBS
2 Sun., Sep. 19 @New York 1 p.m. CBS 11 Thu., Nov. 18 @Atlanta 8:20 p.m. FOX
3 Sun., Sep. 26 New Orleans 1 p.m. FOX 12 Sun., Nov. 28 Tennessee 1 p.m. CBS
4 Sun., Oct. 3 Tampa Bay 8:20 p.m. NBC 13 Mon., Dec. 6 @Buffalo 8:15 p.m. ESPN
5 Sun., Oct. 10 @Houston 1 p.m. CBS 14 BYE WEEK
6 Sun., Oct. 17 Dallas 4:25 p.m. CBS 15 Sun., Dec. 19 @Indianapolis TBD
7 Sun., Oct. 24 New York 1 p.m. CBS 16 Sun., Dec. 26 Buffalo 1 p.m. CBS
8 Sun., Oct. 31 @Los Angeles 4:05 p.m. CBS 17 Sat., Jan. 2 Jacksonville 1 p.m. CBS
9 Sun., Nov. 7 @Carolina 1 p.m. CBS 18 Sat., Jan. 9 @Miami 1 p.m. CBS
The
Patriots will
get another
look at one of the
league’s newest superstars
in Los Angeles Chargers quarterback
Justin Herbert, shown here last November.
The Patriots return to Los Angeles on
Halloween to meet Herbert, an MVP
candidate in 2021.
AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
6
North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Familiar Formula: 2021 Patriots look a lot like 2001 team BY BILL BURT Only instead of a hit from less about Tom Brady and
There are a lot of similarities BBURT@NORTHOFBOSTON .COM Mo Lewis sidelining Drew more about all three phases.
between the 2001 Patriots Bledsoe, opening the door It appears, with free agency,
and the 2021 version that Remember this story, New for a young quarterback out that Belichick has tried to
opens this weekend. Englanders? of Michigan, it was COVID- create a team that emulates
Here, former Pats The Patriots didn’t 19 protocols that gave an that one, adding tight ends
quarterback Tom look good at all the extra opportunity to a young (Jonnu Smith and Hunter
Brady throws a year before, espe- quarterback out of Alabama, Henry), wide receivers (Nel-
cially the veteran Mac Jones. son Agholor and Kendrick
pass during the
quarterback. But the comparison Bourne), a pass rusher (Matt
AFC divisional Said quar- between 2001 and 2021 isn’t Judon), a defensive run stop-
playoff terback gets just about young, driven per at nose guard (Davon
against the sidelined. quarterbacks. Godchaux), a big left tackle
Tennessee A young, Both squads are built the (Trent Brown) and a slot
Titans in non-athletic, way Bill Belichick intended: cornerback (Jalen Mills), to
January recently tough, line of scrimmage name a few.
2004 in drafted dominating, special teams Are any of these guys All-
Foxborough. quarterback oriented with a ball-control Pros? Maybe Judon, maybe
from a big- offense and play-making Smith. But most are above-
AP Photo/ time school defense. average players, all assum-
Stephan Savoia is called in That 2001 team took about ing roles.
to replace the two months, with Brady The 2001 Patriots appar-
former super- officially taking over, to get ently caught Pro Bowl vot-
star. Then magic its identity. The 2021 Patriots ers by surprise with Brady
happens. will need to take advantage and Lawyer Milloy named
Pretty much of an early schedule in their reserves with Ty Law and
sounds like 2001 and favor to establish some of Troy Brown added as alter-
Tom Brady, doesn’t it? those same characteristics nates. Running back Antow-
Well, sans the “magic,” as soon as possible. ain Smith, picked up after
it also sounds a lot like the The Pats Dynasty Part I, the Bills let him go, rushed
2021 Patriots. from 2001 through 2004, was for 1,157 yards and 12 TDs
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7 North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
The Pro Bowl team from a There was toughness be all, end all,.
year ago had Stephon Gilm- about that team that didn’t The Patriots in 2001
ore, punter Jake Bailey and really have explosive play- included some key holdovers
special teams star Matthew ers on the offensive side of from the Bill Parcells teams
Slater. Judon was on the the ball. in the mid-1990s -- see Law,
team as a Raven. The year Well, guess what? The Milloy, Ted Johnson, Adam
before, Dont’a Hightower 2020 version seems to be cut Vinatieri, Tory Brown, Bled-
was on the team before opt- from the same mold, only soe and Tedy Bruschi. The
ing out of the 2020 season. with a little more ability for 2021 version, while not as
As good as Smith was the big play while expect- gifted, appears to have more
in 2001, the 2020 Patriots ing to be harder to run depth at every position.
running back corps, with against with the additions That 2001 team caught
Damien Harris, J.J. Taylor, on defense. us by surprise, coming off
rookie Rhamondre Ste- Belichick’s entire tenure a 5-11 record in Belichick’s
venson and James White, in New England has been first year taking the reins
trumps that year’s in talent centered around special from Pete Carroll and
and depth. teams, an often forgotten Bobby Grier.
We didn’t know it then but aspect of the game. Men- This team won’t have the
the 2001 Patriots ended up tions of “field position” often element of surprise.
with finishing 7th overall in appear in his post-game Belichick is the greatest
rushing attempts and 8th in statements, particularly football coach who ever
rushing touchdowns. after a win. lived.
While they weren’t supe- If the Patriots are anywhere Mac Jones, if he enters
rior averaging 3.8 yards per near 11 or 12 wins, expect the fray, was selected as a
carry, Belichick was com- to hear a lot about it this fall sort of Brady clone -- accu-
mitted to running the foot- and winter, with three play- rate, mentally tough and a
ball with what turned out ers devoted solely to special winner.
being a second-year system teams -- Slater, Justin Bethel As for winning the Super
quarterback. and Brandon Bolden. Bowl in February 2022, that
On defense, the Patriots That’s not to say the quar- would have to be consid-
ranked 19th in rushing terback won’t have to make ered a long shot.
yards allowed but were plays every Sunday or Mon- Right?
stingy near the goal line, day night, but of Belichick’s You can email Bill Burt at
allowing only seven rushing plan works, the position, at bburt@northofboston.com.
8
THE DIRTY DOZEN
North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Bill Burt ranks the 12 best teams in the
NFL and picks real Super Bowl contenders
Buffalo Bills
BY BILL BURT elite defense. This is their 5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers They are my favorites to quarterback
BBURT@NORTHOFBOSTON.COM year, period. Fifth for a team with Tom win their black-and-blue Josh Allen
Brady and 22 returning division, but I question is an
Bill Burt ranks the NFL’s 3. Kansas City Chiefs starters? Yup. I believe the this team’s ability to make important
top 12 teams competing for a The best player on the Bucs have a hiccup year, and the right decision in big player
Super Bowl in 2021. planet, Patrick Mahomes, it’s maybe even worse than games. They are bunched in 2021.
will almost do the next-to- where I have them. Repeat- up with the Steelers
Legit contenders Bill Burt
impossible … get to the ing is tough. You need a and Ravens, but Baker
Super Bowl after losing driven, maniacal coach. The Mayfield appears to have
predicts
1. Buffalo Bills the year before. The Chiefs Bucs have a player’s coach made the jump — much Allen will
What I like most about are a great regular-season in Bruce Arians, and getting to my surprise — to being finish the
the Bills is their patience team but still have holes everything out of this team, good. He is the difference season
in this “what have you on defense come late Janu- again, won’t happen. in that division, but still with the
done for me lately” era. ary. Can’t win AFC title in not in the Bills’ or Chiefs’ MVP -- and
Theirs has not been a Buffalo. Close but no cigar league. a Super Bowl
meteoric rise but a steady title.
one. Bills are the most 4. San Francisco 49ers 6. Green Bay Packers 8. New England Patriots AP Photo/David Dermer
complete team in NFL with The 49ers are going to This is a big year for Aaron Yup. The Patriots. They
MVP-caliber QB in Josh be good. We just don’t Rodgers. There is a new are not as good as Buffalo 9. Tennessee
Allen. know how good. This team crop of QB stars. Time is or Kansas City and a tad Titans coach John Harbaugh. The
obliterated the Patriots running out if winning rings behind the Browns, but There is something Ravens have apparently
2. L.A. Rams a year ago like no other is tops on his list. The Pack- they can beat every other about this team I don’t like. thrown everything behind
You have to give it to team did. And they did ers have consecutive 13-3 AFC team, head to head, Maybe it’s quarterback Jackson’s style, again, and
Rams management. They it with toughness. The seasons on their resume, but even playing on the road. Ryan Tannehill. While this it will probably mean a
made a mistake in Jared question I have is at they couldn’t finish the job, I believe the pressure is team is built for “tough- playoff berth. Jackson’s
Goff (see 4-year, $140 million quarterback. With Jimmy especially last year in Green on Bill Belichick to have a ness” and counts on Der- MVP-season in 2019 was
extension) and cut the cord. Garoppolo, they would Bay in late January. With great year as coach, and I rick Henry for 2,000-plus aided by a tough, upper-tier
They traded him for Mat- contend for a title. With Rodgers not really all-in with believe it will happen. The yards, the defense under running back (Mark Ingram
thew Stafford, and like the the rookie, Trey Lance, Packers, I question this team. Patriots’ issues at quarter- Mike Vrabel has been a with 15 TDs). The Ravens
Bills, they now have every- they are a year away. It’s back will be trumped by huge disappointment, rank- don’t have that. I see prob-
thing in place, including an up to them. 7. Cleveland Browns a great defense and ball- ing 28th in yards allowed lems, again, in January.
In a weak NFL, the control offense. and 24th in points allowed
Browns are contenders. in 2020. I don’t see that 12. Pittsburgh Steelers
improving measurably, This is Ben Roethlis-
and Tannehill isn’t all that. berger’s last stand. And it
should be. The Steelers, in
Good but not my opinion, have lost their
that good identity. They don’t do
anything really well. They
10. New Orleans Saints are still tough. They appear
focused on a running game
I believe Jameis Winston and improved offensive line.
will be good in 2021. If But this team doesn’t excite
that’s the case, the Saints me.
could make some noise
come January. With Drew Honorable mention
Brees gone, coach Sean
Payton will make the Seattle Seahawks: Decent
Saints a tougher team on playoff team at best
both sides of the ball. The Indianapolis Colts: Carson
Saints were fourth fourth Wentz squeaks Colts into
in yards allowed and fifth playoffs
in points allowed in 2020. Arizona Cardinals: Coaching
This team is good. a big issue
Miami Dolphins: Quarter-
11. Baltimore Ravens back is the issue
This is a career year for L.A. Chargers: Will be on
Lamar Jackson and head playoff bubble; a year away
9 North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021 10
PATRIOTS 2021 ROSTER
11 North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Active Harvey Langi.............48........LB........6-2........250.........28.........4.......Brigham Young Reserve/Non-Football Injury
Player................... #......Pos.....HT...... WT......Age....Exp..............College Shaq Mason...............69........OL........ 6-1......... 310..........28.........7........... Georgia Tech Joshuah Bledsoe......34...... SAF.......5-11........ 201..........24.........R....................Missouri
Nelson Agholor......... 13........WR.......6-0........ 198..........28.........7.............................USC Devin McCourty........32........ DB.......5-10....... 195..........34........ 12....................Rutgers Cameron McGrone...45........LB........ 6-1.........236.........21.........R...................Michigan
Henry Anderson.......94........DE........6-6........300........ 30.........7................... Stanford Jakobi Meyers........... 16........WR.......6-2........200.........24.........3..................N.C. State
David Andrews..........60.........C.........6-3........300.........29.........7.....................Georgia Jalen Mills................... 2......... CB........6-0.........191..........27.........6.............................LSU Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform
Devin Asiasi...............86........TE........6-3........257.........24.........2..........................UCLA Quinn Nordin..............3...........K......... 6-1......... 189..........23.........R...................Michigan Byron Cowart.............99........DL........6-3........300.........25.........3.................. Maryland
Jake Bailey.................. 7...........P.........6-2........205.........24.........3................... Stanford Gunner Olszewski.....80.......WR.......6-0........ 190..........24.........3.......... Bemidji State Stephon Gilmore......24........ CB........ 6-1.........202........ 30........10.......South Carolina
Christian Barmore...70.........DT........6-4........ 310..........22.........R................... Alabama Mike Onwenu............. 71.........OL........6-3........350.........23.........2...................Michigan Terez Hall....................59........LB........6-2........235.........24.........2....................Missouri
Ja’Whaun Bentley.....8..........LB........6-2........255.........25.........4...................... Purdue Ronnie Perkins.......... 51.........LB........6-3........247.........21.........R.................Oklahoma Jarrett Stidham.........4......... QB.......6-3........ 215..........25.........3......................Auburn
Justin Bethel.............29........ DB........6-0........200.........31........10.......... Presbyterian Malcolm Perry........... 19........ RB.......5-10....... 175..........24.........2...........................Navy
Adrian Phillips........... 21........ DB........5-11........ 210..........29.........7......................... Texas Reserve/Retired
Brandon Bolden........25........ RB........5-11........220.........31.........9............... Mississippi Patrick Chung............23..........S.........5-11........ 215.........N/A....... 12.....................Oregon
Kendrick Bourne.......84.......WR....... 6-1.........203.........26.........5.. Eastern Washington Matthew Slater......... 18........WR.......6-0........205.........35........ 14.........................UCLA
Jonnu Smith.............. 81.........TE........6-3........248.........26.........5................Florida Int. Julian Edelman..........11........WR......5-10....... 198.........N/A....... 13...............Kent State
Trent Brown...............77.........OL........6-8........380.........28.........7.......................Florida
Yodny Cajuste...........72.........OL........6-5........ 310..........25.........2...........West Virginia Rhamondre Practice Squad
Joe Cardona..............49........LS........6-3........245.........29.........7...........................Navy Stevenson...........38....... RB........6-0........227.........23.........R.................Oklahoma Tashawn Bower.........96........DL........6-5........250.........26.........4.............................LSU
Carl Davis...................98........DL........6-5........320.........29.........7........................... Iowa J.J. Taylor...................42....... RB........5-6........ 185..........23.........2..................... Arizona Myles Bryant.............. 41........ DB........5-9........ 185..........23.........2..............Washington
Cody Davis.................22........ DB........6-2........203.........32.........9............... Texas Tech Josh Uche..................55........LB........6-3........245.........22.........2...................Michigan James Ferentz..........65........OL........6-2........300.........32.........5........................... Iowa
Kyle Dugger...............23........ DB........6-2........220.........25.........2.......... Lenoir-Rhyne Kyle Van Noy..............53.........LB........6-3........250........ 30.........8.......Brigham Young Nick Folk......................6...........K......... 6-1.........222.........36........ 14.................... Arizona
Yasir Durant...............63.........G.........6-7........330.........23.........2....................Missouri Shaun Wade...............26........ CB........ 6-1..........191..........22.........R................Ohio State Garrett Gilbert.......... 14........ QB.......6-4........ 221......... 30.........4............................SMU
Davon Godchaux......92.........DT........6-3.........311..........26.........5.............................LSU James White..............28........ RB.......5-10.......205.........29.........8.................Wisconsin Brian Hoyer.................5......... QB.......6-2........ 216..........35........ 13.......Michigan State
Lawrence Guy............93.........DL........6-4........ 315..........31.........11..........Arizona State Joejuan Williams......33........ CB........6-3........ 212..........23.........3................Vanderbilt Matt LaCosse.............83........TE........6-6........255.........28.........5....................... Illinois
Damien Harris...........37........ RB........5-11........ 213..........24.........3................... Alabama Chase Winovich........50........DL........6-3........250.........26.........3...................Michigan Ben Mason..................35.........TE........6-3........256.........22.........R...................Michigan
Hunter Henry............85........TE........6-5........250.........26.........6.................. Arkansas Deatrich Wise Jr....... 91.........DL........6-5........275.........27.........5.................. Arkansas Bill Murray..................97.........DL........6-4........265.........24......... 1........William & Mary
Justin Herron............75.........OL........6-5........305.........25.........2.............Wake Forest Isaiah Wynn...............76.........OL........6-2........ 310..........25.........4.....................Georgia Tre Nixon....................87........WR.......6-0........ 187..........23.........R.............................UCF
Dont’a Hightower.....54........LB........6-3........260.........31.........9................... Alabama Alex Redmond...........64.........G.........6-5........294.........26.........5..........................UCLA
J.C. Jackson...............27........ DB........ 6-1......... 198..........25.........4.................. Maryland
Reserve/Injured
N’Keal Harry.............. 15........WR.......6-4........225.........23.........3..........Arizona State D’Angelo Ross............39........ DB........5-9........ 190..........24.........2............. New Mexico
Jakob Johnson.........47.........FB........6-3........255.........26.........3................Tennessee Will Sherman.............68........OT........6-4........300.........22.........R...................Colorado
Anfernee Jennings.. 58........LB........6-3........259.........24.........2................... Alabama
Jonathan Jones....... 31........ DB.......5-10....... 190..........27.........6......................Auburn Jahlani Tavai.............52.......MLB......6-2........250.........24.........3....................... Hawaii
Dalton Keene.............44........TE........6-4........ 251..........22.........2........... Virginia Tech
Mac Jones.................. 10........ QB.......6-3........ 217..........22.........R................... Alabama Kristian Wilkerson.... 17........WR....... 6-1......... 214..........24......... 1...SE Missouri State
Raekwon McMillan...46........LB........6-2........242.........25.........4................Ohio State
Matt Judon..................9..........LB........6-3........275.........29.........6............Grand Valley
Nick Thurman............95........DL........6-4........305.........26.........2....................Houston
Ted Karras..................67.........OL........6-4........305.........28.........6....................... Illinois
Brandon King.............36........LB........6-2........220.........28.........7......................Auburn Source: Patriots.com. Roster as of Sept. 3, 2021
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North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021 Six underrated Pats who could make a big difference
BY BILL BURT Thuney, who signed a
BBURT@NORTHOFBOSTON.COM huge free-agent deal with
the Chiefs, is no easy
Here are six members of task. While he primar-
the New England Patriots ily played right tackle
who aren’t household names (10 games), Onwenu was
and will have the opportu- the 14th guard chosen
nity to make their mark on in the draft (6th round)
this team in 2021: and was one of only four
rookies who played every
Josh Uche, linebacker game. This is a big deal
The Patriots are loaded in because this area was the
a lot of areas when it comes strength on Pats O-line
to numbers. Linebacker is last year. If he continues
one of areas. A noted pass his good health and goes
rusher out of college, Uche back to his natural posi-
has been asked to do a lot tion at guard, with the
more in his early time here. Associated Press photos same approach from 2020
He is expected to start out The Patriots are hoping fullback Jakob Johnson can stay as a rookie, the Patriots
Josh Uche (55) sacks Giants quarterback Daniel Jones in the
as a rotational guy, but healthy and add more depth and pwoer to their running game. ability to be balanced, a
Patriots’ final pre-season game.
from the early looks this rarity with most teams,
summer, he might headed much depth, Uche might be the Patriots Dynasty Part will be uber-focused on run- push for Pro Bowl status could be the difference
to full-time status if he can playing 80% of the defen- II was full-back, played by ning the football with their if the Patriots are a legit between 8 wins and 12
cover the short passing and sive snaps. This could be a James Develin. He set the bevy of backs and good threat in the AFC. wins. He’s another Michi-
improve his run-stop skills. breakout year and second- tone for a good, up-the-gut offensive line. But the first gan guy (see Uche and
Bill Belichick loves these round steal by Belichick in running game through the last line of defense is the Mike Onwenu, left guard Chase Winovich), but this
specialists/athletes – see 2021. Super Bowl season in 2018. blocking full-back, which is It’s not the same as one has a mean streak.
Tedy Bruschi – and tries to The new Patriots, with the popping up more and more replacing a living legend, The less Thuney’s name is
get more out of them. On Jakob Johnson, full back quarterback asked to do a on NFL rosters. Johnson but Onwenu taking over
a lot of teams with not as The sleeper position of lot less than Tom Brady did, needs to stay healthy and for Mr. Reliable, Joe See SIX, Page 15
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14
North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
THE NEXT BRADY? Mac Jones shares qualities
with former Pats QB
BY BILL BURT over philosophical differ- red-shirted, stayed in
BBURT@NORTHOFBOSTON.COM ences – Brady didn’t want to Tuscaloosa long enough
be “ruled” anymore – would to take over for an injured
Bill Belichick is known for replace him with a clone. Tagovailoa as a junior, when
being ahead of the curve. NFL.com lists some of the he lead Alabama to a Citrus
He implemented a two technical qualities about Bowl win over … Michigan.
tight end offense a decade Jones, as described by scouts: His national championship
ago. Now everyone has two Won’t take unnecessary ring came a year later.
pass-catching tight ends. chances very often. Survival instinct and
A decade earlier, he made Feel for pocket; slides to stick-to-itiveness despite
the slot receiver an offensive avoid pressure. the anguish, is something to
fixture. Now everyone has a Very confident making behold.
tough, little, yards-fighting placement throws. Belichick has spent a lot
slot guy. Feathery touch of time over the past decade
The term he invented for attacking over the top of talking about mobile quar-
players expected to play linebackers. terbacks and how tough
another position or two (or Accuracy to prevent they are to defend.
three or four), “position flex- receivers from having to Talking about Cam New-
ibility,” is now common in break stride. ton before the Patriots
football meeting rooms. Expedites release on played Carolina in Octo-
Then came April 29, 2021 hot reads and in the face of ber 2017, he said, “When
when Belichick surprised pressure. you’re talking about mobile
many people by not angling Perfect placement with quarterbacks, guys that
the Patriots for a higher hanging it high for receiver are tough to handle, tackle,
draft pick to snap up one of to leap and make plays. can throw, run, make good
those new-wave QBs favored Wins at the back decisions – I mean, I would
around the league — the shoulder. put Newton at the top of the
big, athletic, run-pass option Willing to get rid of the list.”
guys who are playmakers ball rather than take a loss “He makes good decisions,
when a play breaks down. or make a mistake. he can run, he’s strong, he’s
After North Dakota State’s Some elusive qualities hard to tackle,” Belichick
Trey Lance was taken third when he turns into a runner. said. “He can do a lot of dif-
overall by the San Francisco OK, apart from the last ferent things, beat you in a
49ers, there was one of those one, this description is lot of different ways.”
dudes left in the mix – Justin Brady. When Belichick looked at
Fields. It should also be men- Brady — probably the least
The Patriots needed to tioned that Brady and mobile quarterback of his
angle into the top 10 to get Jones showed another trait generation — he saw what
Fields, who was arguably when they played in college could be accomplished with
the best proven athletic — patience. controlled passing.
quarterback in the draft. Both had reason to He still believes it can
Instead of trading for a transfer. work, despite the league’s
better pick, the Patriots, Brady had to fight and trend toward the likes of
with the 15th pick, chose claw his way onto the field, Justin Fields. Belichick’s
Mac Jones. losing a battle to start at message to the NFL: “We
Mac Jones? Michigan with Brian Griese are not changing.”
Here are some of the as a sophomore. It’s asking a lot — prob-
abstract qualities college Then, after starting as ably too much — to think
scouts used to describe the a junior, Brady spent his Jones is “The Next Brady.”
former Alabama QB: Smart. senior year sharing duties That’s not fair for anyone.
Tough. Competitive. Non- with a freshman, Drew But the traits are there,
athletic. Accurate. Driven. A Henson. they really are.
winner. Jones spent three years Belichick expended some
Do those qualities sound playing behind Jalen Hurts draft capital to see if it is a
familiar? and Tua Tagovailoa. possibility. Now we’ll see
Yup. Tom Brady. Almost any other major how long it takes the rest of
Mac Jones drops back to pass against Washington during a pre-season game. Though he was
How ironic that the same program would’ve started the NFL to come around.
the fifth quarterback taken in the 2021 NFL Draft, he had arguably the best pre-season of all
coach who “let” Brady get the Floridian as a fresh- You can email Bill Burt at
rookie passers. away from New England man. But Jones, who was bburt@northofboston.com.SIX
15 North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
Continued from Page 12
mentioned, the better the
Patriots will be.
Henry Anderson,
defensive tackle/end
His is another underrated
free-agent
signing
by Bill
Belichick.
A noted
run-stop-
per – and
oft-injured
– over his
first three
Henry Anderson seasons COURTESY OF THE NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS/David Silverman
with the New England Patriots offensive lineman Michael Onwenu was
Colts, Anderson became one of the breakout stars of 2020, starting every game at
a tough, interior pass- tackle. This year he returns to guard, his natural position.
rusher (7 sacks) in his
first year with the Jets. He
established himself as an
every-down player in New
York, missing only three
games over three seasons.
He can play inside, while
his preference appears to
be at defensive end. This
interesting veteran sign-
ing by Belichick makes you
wonder if Anderson will
float around the line as a
rotational player. He doesn’t
have to get 10 sacks to make
a difference but quarter-
back pressures, a problem
the last two seasons, could
be his biggest asset.
Jalen Mills, defensive back
While Mills is technically
a cornerback, he was among Associated Press photos
the most Rookie Christian Barmore is surrounded by veterans, which
versatile will give him a chance to grow into his enormous potential.
defensive
backs of time or is traded. He has about his coach-ability.
in the looked good this summer. That hasn’t appeared to
league, His aggressive style, par- be the case. The 6-foot-4,
playing ticularly with his hands, 310-pounder has looked
at all five reminds some of Ty Law. great in one-on-one drills.
positions While we focused more Could he be the next
includ- on the tight ends and pass Richard Seymour, who
Jalen Mills ing both rusher when free agents was two inches taller, and
corner signed in New England, arguably the best disrup-
spots, slot corner, and both Mills adds grit to an alreadytor of his generation?
safety positions. Is he a gritting defense. That’s probably too much
possible replacement for to ask, but he’s got some
Stephon Gilmore? Maybe. Christian Barmore, real pros all around him
But his experience and the defensive tackle (Anderson, Lawrence Guy,
fact he signed a four-year Some had him as the No. Davon Godchaux) and
deal says Belichick has 1 defensive tackle in the behind him (Kyle Van Noy
plans to use him a lot — in draft. So how did the Patri- and Dont’a Hightower).
a lot of different ways. His ots get him at 38th, moving He won’t be asked to be
worth multiplies if Gilmore up from 46th overall? Well, a star — at least not in
misses an extended amount there were alleged issues September.16
North of Boston Media Group • PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2021 • Wednesday, September 8, 2021
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