Pats Pulpit
The last time we saw the New England Patriots play a competitive football game, they looked drastically different both on and off the field. However, the last eight months brought massive change to the organization from the top down — change whose impact will be on display on Sunday: at 1 p.m. ET, the Patriots will play their first game of the Mike Vrabel era against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders.
Throughout the week, our focus was on that particular contest. We looked at the Raiders’ roster, the decisive matchups, the key questions entering the game, the Patriots’ X-factors for the contest, and a lot more.
However, those are not the only stories coming out of Gillette Stadium and indeed the NFL this week. So, to clean out the notebook, welcome to the latest edition of our Sunday Patriots Notes.
With the recent addition of defensive tackle Eric Gregory, the Patriots’ 53-man roster now features 12 rookie players. Almost a fourth of the team is set to make its NFL debut on Sunday, but not the entire class will naturally be involved at the same level.
A handful of rookies will see extensive action, while others might only play rotational roles or be ruled out entirely. For that first group, which is headlined by fourth overall draft pick Will Campbell, the game against the Raiders will be trial by fire: the ramp-up period is over, now it is time to showcase what they have learned over the last few months going back to the offseason workout program.
Campbell and third-round pick Jared Wilson are set to start at left tackle and guard, respectively, and if all goes according to plan will lead the Patriots’ rookies in snaps against Las Vegas. For veteran Morgan Moses, who will line up alongside them as New England’s right tackle, the key for them lies in their poise and confidence.
“Keep poised. Be poised,” Moses said his message to them would be. “Believe in the techniques and the work that you put in for these last six, eight weeks. And then go out there and play football. You guys are here for a reason. You were drafted for a reason. Obviously, they worked their tails off all offseason and all training camp to be in the roles that they are. So, just going out there not doubting yourself.”
Besides the two offensive linemen, the Patriots will also rely on a trio of Day 3 selections to play prominent roles. Craig Woodson emerged as a starter-level safety over the course of training camp, pushing former top option Kyle Dugger down the depth chart and making another veteran, Jabrill Peppers, expendable.
Woodson earning the starter title on Sunday as well would therefore not be a surprise.
“Very comfortable or he wouldn’t be in there,” said defensive coordinator Terrell Williams about the fourth-round pick. “He’s a rookie. He’s earned his way to being one of the guys that has a...
