Pats Pulpit
The New England Patriots will look to keep their winning streak alive as they welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Gillette Stadium on Sunday. It will mark the first of two matchups in a row against the NFC South, as eyes also look forward to the trade deadline next Tuesday.
So before the action continues, let’s get right into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
The Patriots team looks a lot better than many expected. How close are they really to being a bonefide contender? What would be your trade deadline approach with the Patriots? – Sportzballer
I would not expect any big-time moves. Mike Vrabel has made it clear they will continue to operate with a long-term approach. My preference would then be to add depth on the defensive side of the football. That ideally starts along the edge, as the Patriots could use a third rusher to work-in with Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson.
With Keion White now traded, New England is left with just Anfernee Jennings, who has been in-and-out of the lineup, UDFA Elijah Ponder, and the newly acquired Caleb Murphy. There is not much depth there, and while we were also fans of Bradyn Swinson in the draft and the rookie still resides on the practices, the 6-2 Patriots might not want to rely on a rookie if they don’t need too.
My top choice would be Jaelan Phillips, a talented former first-round pick who has missed time due to injuries in recent years. But, the 26-year old currently resides in the AFC East on the Dolphins which could complicate the matter. Perhaps that leads to a veteran addition elsewhere like Arden Key (Tennessee).
New England could also look for depth at safety and linebacker (reunion with Mack Wilson?), but running back is the other interesting position. To me, this one depends on Rhamondre Stevenson’s outlook after the back missed the first two days of practice this week with a toe injury.
If Stevenson is forced to miss significant time, New England may need to acquire a more experienced back like Tony Pollard, who has been a popular name in trade rumors. If Stevenson will be back soon, they should be set with TreVeyon Henderson and Terrell Jennings — or perhaps make a smaller addition like Jerome Ford or Dameon Pierce.
Someone with kick return experience would also be a boost, as the Patriots have struggled generating explosive returns since losing Antonio Gibson.
With Dugger being traded we are quite thin at safety. Who would be some realistic trade candidates for us to add some depth? – jpd985
If healthy, Craig Woodson and Jaylinn Hawkins will rarely come off the field for New England. That could leave them comfortable with Dell Pettus and newly signed John Saunders Jr. behind them. Arizona’s Jalen Thompson would be an intriguing name if they’re looking for upgrades, while additional depth options could include Jason Pinnock (49ers) and Xavier Woods (Titans) are versatile options.
Although his coverage numbers have not been good...
