Last summer I was curious, mentioned more than a few times about the all the LB/Hybrid's we acquired and we saw the hell they caused opposing lines & QB's.
All those spots will be filled by younger players. Bentley wearing the dot.
They're replacing some big-time players. For instance I'm not sure the average fan recognizes Hightower's ability to drop, help in coverage. Just be good enough in that area to stay on field. It wasn't a huge part of the game but again he could do it all in needed.
KVN destroyed TEs at times. Got under bigger linemen. Was vg at using his hands and his play strength was underrated I think. He really put a few guys on his shoulder, established 1/2 man .. Just did I really good job at keeping his outside shoulder clean along the line.
Just things you might not think of, see or didn't know. Even Collins, not great run defender at all but good enough and was a + player in coverage/pass rush.
I love the incoming group. Have faith but wouldn't be surprised if we saw similar struggles that we saw in the secondary before they put it together a few years ago.
Lots of young players with big time communication, adjustment & disguise responsibilities.
They're all dogs though. Wino, Bentley, Uche, Jennings. All scheme versatile, mean & with similar physical makeups & skill set.
Jennings seems like a classic PTP. Heavy, accurate hands. Uche to a lesser extent there but he has it. Just a trait you always see in a Pats LB. Heavy, active, accurate hands.
OL is easily the most important unit on the team imo. Health has been an issue. Besides Thuney it's either minor or major but it's something. If healthy we're set everywhere but RT.
You'd have to believe the staff wants one of the young guys to take the job? Cajuste like Jennings showed off a lot traits we look for. Smart, quick thinker on the fly. Really good at picking up & recognizng blitzes, stunts. Big time length & hand usage. Bull-like in a phoonebooth.
Love to see what Herron brings.
New QB. Like big time, mobile, either 2nd year Stiddy or Cam - new. Big jump from Brady in a lot of ways even though many things will remain the same.
Small to big.
Cadence and energy at the line, energy in huddle, audibles/checks - getting everyone's attention/on the same page.
Cam's health.
Stidham's progress, confidence pre-snap. Patience & feel post.
Harry's release & footwork off the line. Usage & ability to stay on the field.
Very excited for Asiasi & Keane. Asiasi is another player that could take on a huge role. Both are really filling huge voids left on the team. It would be nice to have that flex-weapon along nowadays. Again young players asked to fill a big role.
Williams & Dugger are both interesting watches going forward. Their roles, how big, how they fit in there. Again lots of communication, quick adjustments - with an all-star group. Not an easy task. I'm sure Bill will make it as specific as possible for them.
I'm also looking at the coaching staff. It's been an efficient machine for two decades. Few new faces in new spots. Bill really wants his staff to not only be well rounded but put in situations they're not familiar with or maybe not their first choice.
Season starts in a month.
