The New England Patriots finish up their week in Green Bay with a preseason game at Lambeau Field against the Packers on Saturday night. Here are seven players to watch, assuming we get to see quarterback Mac Jones and more of their projected main roster…
WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) makes a catch during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Smith-Schuster is a huge part of the Patriots’ plans on offense. But his explosiveness, level of playmaking, etc. are yet to be determined, until we at least get to see him in game action. He’s lined up in different spots and made catches in a variety of situations, but needs to prove he can do it against a real opponent.
That’s especially a question for him after the catch, with opposing players actually trying to tackle him. We’ll get our first decent idea of what Smith-Schuster could really be in the 2023 version of the Patriots offense under Bill O’Brien on Thrusday night, if and when he plays.
WR DeVante Parker
DeVante Parker of the New England Patriots scores a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on Oct. 2, 2022. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
Smith-Schuster may be the “engine” that keeps the Patriots offense humming down the field, if all goes well. But if they’re going to make big plays, the kind that flip the field and change games, Parker is their best hope.
The good news is, Parker has made his share of big plays in camp and in joint practices against the Packers. He was also good last summer before an inconsistent 2022, but the big difference in 2023 so far is the buy-in that O’Brien has gotten from him and others. Long way to go for Parker to prove consistency, but an explosive play on Thursday night would certainly inspire more confidence in this year’s offense.
TE Hunter Henry
Hunter Henry of the New England Patriots catches a pass against Jevon Holland of the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on Jan. 1, 2023. (Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
The theme of this watch list, offensively, is their key pass-catchers and the roles they’re expected to play. In light of that, Hunter Henry is a big name to watch if and when he plays against the Packers.
Henry is expected to be a top red zone target and get open down the seam, which is no surprise. But we want to see the red zone success before we believe it. If they’re going to improve in the red zone after finishing dead-last in 2022, Henry needs to be a big part of that.
DT Christian Barmore
Foxboro, MA, Sep. 25, 2022: New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore reacts during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. (Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports)
The theme for the defense, here, is guys we hope will take a step forward in 2023. With most of the 2022 group returning, year-to-year improvement will have to come internally. That’s where Barmore comes in.
If he can emerge as a true game-breaking disruptor on the defensive interior, that would make a massive difference for the defense. Barmore still has one of the highest ceilings on the team. Thursday night would be his first chance to build real momentum.
LB Mack Wilson Sr.
New England Patriots linebacker Mack Wilson Jr. trains with a resistance rope during 2023 training camp in Foxboro. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
The Patriots still don’t have a clear idea of who is going to make plays off the ball and in coverage at linebacker. Ja’Whaun Bentley has been used in coverage at times in training camp, but the safer bet for a “coverage linebacker” in this defense is Wilson.
If he can make a similar play in the game against the Packers that he’s made at times in practice, that would be a good sign.
S Jabrill Peppers
Foxborough, MA, July 26, 2023: New England Patriots defensive back Jabrill Peppers makes his way to the practice fields for training camp. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Replacing Devin McCourty will be a big story for the defense in 2023, and Peppers will be one of the central figures in that transition. With a full year in New England under his belt, Peppers is in position to make a year-2 jump. Thursday night could be the first glimpse at what he’ll bring to the unit this season.
OT Sidy Sow
Foxborough, Massachusetts, Aug. 10, 2023: New England Patriots guard Sidy Sow lines up against the Houston Texans during a preseason game at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)
Sow continues to rep at right tackle with the starters, an indication that he’s trending toward becoming the starter. That would supplant veterans Riley Reiff and Conor McDermott, who have disappointing in camp so far. So we’ll have our proverbial peepers peeled for the rookie if he’s out there with the starters in a real game situation.
