Patriots Young Defensive Backs
Jul 29, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Jack Jones (53) and New England Patriots wide receiver Tre Nixon (82) run a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
Las Vegas has a high-flying offense led by Derek Carr. Wide Receiver Davante Adams supposedly looked really good in practice this week. He’s the best receiver in the league, so it’s going to be a good test.
The defense had a lot of 1-on-1s and half-field stuff throughout the course of the week. Hunter Renfrow won some 1-on-1s and some of the younger Patriots defensive backs, Marcus and Jack Jones, struggled. I expect them to play better in a game situation Friday.
Position Battles on D-Line
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – AUGUST 11: LaBryan Ray #74 of the New England Patriots looks on during the preseason game between the New York Giants and the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on August 11, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
The defense, like Ted Johnson said, it’s going to be sneaky-good this year. Their ability to get some pressure and rotate some guys up front on the defensive line will be valuable. We have to see where guys like DaMarcus Mitchell and LaBryan Ray are going to fit in along with Davon Godchaux, Christian Barmore, Carl Davis, Henry Anderson, Lawrence Guy, and Deatrich Wise. They have a lot of depth up front.
Linebacker Depth
Jul 30, 2022; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Josh Uche (55) walks to the practice field at the Patriots training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
I want to see the coaches continue to push these linebackers with pressure off the edge. Matthew Judon has had a great camp, Josh Uche looks good on the edge, and even though Ronnie Perkins went down, I still think they feel pretty good about the linebacker depth.
Starters Into Second Quarter
Aug 19, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones (10) at the line of scrimmage against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
I think the starters go for about a quarter or quarter and a half against the Raiders, then it’s onto the backups. Hopefully you come out of this one healthy and get some rest before you head down to Miami in Week 1.
