Video: How the Patriots are simulating Russell Wilson in practice
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots are preparing for one of the toughest tests they’ll get all season with Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson. For a player like this, they need to get creative.
It’s difficult to simulate a QB with the combined throwing and running ability of Wilson, but the Pats are giving it a go with a pair of new additions to the roster. Undrafted rookie cornerback Myles Bryant, whom the team promoted to the main roster on Wednesday, was seen practicing as Wilson in the backfield during the media availability portion of practice on Thursday.
They did the same with former Bengals quarterback Jake Dolegala, who signed with the practice squad this week. Watch below for a series of videos from reporters in attendance in Foxboro.
When you’re getting ready to face Russell Wilson ...
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 17, 2020
CB Myles Bryant (41) plays the role of the elusive QB early in practice. pic.twitter.com/myBMqgS6V7
Rookie CB Myles Bryant is playing the role of Russell Wilson in Patriots practice. PS QB Jake Dolegala was also scrambling around. pic.twitter.com/RZ2EdQDFGD
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) September 17, 2020
Patriots had CB Myles Bryant simulating Russell Wilson in practice pic.twitter.com/jjN9s43mWN
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 17, 2020
Ahead of Seattle, the defense works on scramble drills with 5-foot-9 CB Myles Bryant playing QB. pic.twitter.com/zVvI3PlU1Y
— Chris Mason (@ByChrisMason) September 17, 2020
Here’s QB Jake Dolegala helping the Patriots prep for Russell Wilson pic.twitter.com/RVuiaeXiMI
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) September 17, 2020
This isn’t the first time the Patriots used a smaller, shifty defensive back to simulate a mobile QB. They did it in 2018, when they used Keion Crossen in a similar practice role to get ready for Deshaun Watson and the Houston Texans.
MORE: Russell Wilson Closes QB Gap In Patriots-Seahawks
According to multiple reports, the Patriots had full attendance at practice on Thursday. They had no absences listed on Wednesday’s injury report, either. Five players were limited: DT Adam Butler (shoulder), LB Brandon Copeland (knee), WR Julian Edelman (knee), WR N’Keal Harry (shoulder), and CB Jonathan Jones (foot).
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff or send him a nasty email at [email protected].