New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots carved out yet another preseason victory over the Minnesota Vikings, 20-12, on Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Who stood out for better or worse?
I’m so glad you asked…
It’s hard to make a better case for a roster spot than Efton Chism III did on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis, Minn.
Chism finished the ballgame with six receptions and one score, including four grabs on the drive in which he found the end zone. The Patriots don’t necessarily need another slot receiver, but they found one and better roster him to make sure he doesn’t get scooped up by someone else.
It’s no longer a question, folks — the kid is here to stay.
New England’s pass-rush unit has been sneakily dominant throughout the summer, and a major part of that overall success has been in part to having a legitimate difference-maker on the outside.
K’Lavon Chaisson has been exactly that, and chipped in on several hurries during the first quarter of this game.
It’s nice having a real player on the edge, and this guy should continue being that in obvious passing situations this season.
You haven’t ever heard that name before reading it just now, have you?
Oh… you have?
Liar.
Isiah Iton has flown all the way under the radar this summer, but when you put together his body of work, it’s that of a legitimate rotational player.
The Patriots will almost certainly look to roster someone who can fill that inside-out role along the defensive front, and Iton has firmly supplanted himself as the best option above the likes of Joshua Farmer, Jahvaree Ritzie and Jeremiah Pharms Jr.
Joshua Dobbs has been… bad.
Dobbs has completed 16-of-28 passes for 238 yards and two touchdowns through two preseason contests, but major accuracy issues have put a real damper on everything he’s done to this point.
Kyle Williams will be the first to tell you, as he’ll likely miss some time after taking a brutal shot to the head on an errant pass Saturday.
It’s tough replacing a backup quarterback who is technically taking in more cash than your starter, but this simply can’t be the club’s best option entering the season.
Anfernee Jennings isn’t a defensive fit on paper, but he’s a damn good football player.
The Patriots are going to be uber-aggressive along the defensive front this season, and while that might not be his game, Jennings has quickly started to adapt to the overall plan.
It’s unlikely they’d outright cut him due to his contract, but continued performances like the one he just put up will not only keep him on the roster, but help him carve out a legitimate role.
It’s almost time that we all have...
