Preseason speculation is getting old. It’s time for the New England Patriots’ regular season to start.
We’re still 11 days out from the Patriots’ regular season opener against the Arizona Cardinals, and the media is growing so bored they’re fabricating quarterback controversy of which there is no evidence.
Perhaps that will go away when Tom Brady’s suspension begins this weekend? We’ll find out.
For less manufactured analysis, let’s dive into this week’s mailbag.
@DougKyed Predictions for Mingo as a Patriot? #MailDoug
— @grimes_geoffrey
Cleveland Browns fans will probably laugh at this — and I can’t entirely blame them — but I’d be pretty surprised if Barkevious Mingo didn’t become a nice situational piece for the Patriots.
I don’t think he’ll be used much on early downs against the run, but his ability to rush the passer and drop back in coverage only adds another element and chess piece to the Patriots’ defense. Having more players like that makes the Patriots more unpredictable and deceptive. And that unpredictability can only work to Mingo’s benefit, because it will help make rushing the passer easier if the Patriots can catch the opposing offense off guard.
There’s no doubt the undersized Mingo failed to live up to his first-round billing, but he can fill Akeem Ayers’ role from 2014 as a strong-side linebacker/pass rusher.
Other teams are even excited to see how the Patriots will mold Mingo.
@DougKyed What does D.J. Foster need to do against NYG in order to make a last-minute charge at a roster spot? #maildoug #notfemaildoug
— @TeamCrazyMatt
He has to show what he did Friday against the Carolina Panthers but in a larger sample size. The Patriots probably have a pretty good sense of what Tyler Gaffney is after three games. They know less about Foster, because he was hurt for most of the summer.
@DougKyed do you think the patriots have faith in Brissett as the temporary backup or do you think they’ll try a different option? #Maildoug
— @ChaseDawg2
I believe they have faith in Jacoby Brissett, and he solidified that Friday by going 9-of-9 for 85 yards with a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers.
It certainly isn’t ideal for Brissett to start any games this season, but as Belichick said earlier this summer, it’s not like there any better quarterbacks out there.
They could still choose to pick up another QB after roster cuts, but I would guess they won’t. I expect Garoppolo to start and Brissett to back up for the first four weeks of the season.
@DougKyed if all are healthy, who is the best option at RG?
— @ChefdDds89
That’s a difficult question. From what we know, I’d say Josh Kline, but that’s only because we haven’t seen Jonathan Cooper yet.
I thought Kline was the Patriots’ most consistent offensive linemen last year, but I can understand why they like Shaq Mason’s upside. He’s extremely athletic for an offensive lineman. Cooper is a former first-round pick, however, so I’d like to see him get a shot at the job. Ted Karras didn’t look ready Friday against the Panthers.
@DougKyed #maildoug what’s the biggest thing to worry about this season (sans the QB situation)?
— @StephenMWarren
Definitely the offensive line. Marcus Cannon has been solid this preseason, but it’s still slightly frightening to think about him entering the season as the starting right tackle. And there isn’t a better option on the team or on the open market.
Success on the offensive line is even more important to begin the season. Otherwise Garoppolo will struggle, and the running game can’t bail him out.
There’s a lot of pressure on Dante Scarnecchia and his unit.
@DougKyed how’s your dog doing
— @Tmoose415
That’s very kind of you to ask. Thunder just turned 2 on Sunday, and he’s doing fantastic. He loves playing ball and greeting me.
My kitten, Harambe, is doing very well too. He likes to hide and attack my wife and me.
@DougKyed is the lack of depth at linebacker a huge concern? #maildoug
— @JCheatwood2
Not overly. Shea McClellin, Rob Ninkovich and Barkevious Mingo all are considered edge players, but they can also play standing up off the line. The Patriots also obviously love Jonathan Freeny, or else they wouldn’t have extended his contract for two years.
If Dont’a Hightower or Jamie Collins suffer an injury, I’m not sure if one player would fill in, or if it would be a combination and rotation. Freeny could fill in on early downs, rookie Kamu Grugier-Hill could take on coverage responsibilities and either McClellin or Mingo could increase their role in rushing the passer.
It wouldn’t be ideal, but there’s certainly a plan in place.
@DougKyed Sup? #MailDoug
— @June__NYC
Watching the last episode of “The Night Of”, playing with my kitten, eating a cupcake. Normal adult stuff.
@DougKyed hi doug first time caller long time listener: can you explain how brady’s new haircut proves he clearly hates jimmy g
— @minakimes
I’m not sure if this was intended for the mailbag, but I’m going to address it anyway.
Is he going for a Matt Damon circa-1999 look? Was he inspired by Chris Klein in American Pie? Did he find my school picture from 7th grade?
I really don’t understand what’s happening there. I think Julian Edelman needs to have a talk with him.
@DougKyed Which RB’s will have reliable playing time at the start of the season? Do the Patriots have an every down back? #MailDoug
— @bmaninc
This sounds like a fantasy football question. Is this a fantasy football question?
LeGarrette Blount and James White will have regular playing time to begin the season. Blount will be the early-down back, and White will be the pass-catching specialist. Neither is an every-down back.
Tyler Gaffney could steal some carries from Blount if he makes the team, and D.J. Foster could steal some receptions from White if he makes the team. If the Patriots trade for a back, all bets are off.
Hey @DougKyed, Is @FightOwensFight the greatest WWE Universal Champion of all time? I say yes. I hope he keeps the belt forever.
— @JeffWIIM
I don’t know, Jeff. That’s really tough to say in the long line of great WWE Universal Champions.
Seriously, though, how about WWE turning over the reins to the indie guys? Finn Balor and Kevin Owens have been the first two top Raw champions of the new era. That’s pretty cool.
It seems WWE is embracing it’s status has niche entertainment, and that’s a good thing for all the smarks out there.
Thumbnail photo via Doug Kyed
