The New England Patriots have entered the dog days of the offseason workout period.
We’re between the draft and organized team activities, which means there’s not a lot happening over the next week and a half. Patriots fans still have plenty of questions about their backup quarterbacks and the new rookie class. So, let’s dive into this week’s mailbag.
@DougKyed any chance jacoby beats out jimmy for weeks 1-4 starts at qb?
— @_FrankieNJ
There’s a chance in the sense there was a chance Lloyd Christmas and Mary Swanson would end up together in “Dumb and Dumber”, so sure, one in a million.
From an outside perspective, I can see how the Patriots selecting Jacoby Brissett in the third round looks bad for Jimmy Garoppolo, but if anything, it tells me they think Jimmy G will play well enough in Weeks 1 through 4 (if Tom Brady serves his suspension) that they’ll be able to deal him for something considerable next offseason. The Patriots drafted Brissett to be the next backup, not the current backup.
@DougKyed who will have the bigger impact, hogan or Bennett
— @nbsmith100
I think Chris Hogan will finish with the better stat line, but Bennett probably will have the bigger impact.
Hogan projects as the Patriots’ “X” receiver, which guarantees him a pretty big role in the offense. Bennett, as the No. 2 tight end, will probably be on the field for the majority of offensive snaps, but it’s unlikely he’ll come close to top receiver numbers.
Bennett also can make a major impact in the running game, however, which should make him more valuable than Hogan. The Patriots now have two tight ends can make an impact in the running game, making the offense more versatile and less predictable.
@DougKyed Sup?
— @June__NYC
Watching the Red Sox kill it, writing a mailbag, getting excited to eat pizza this weekend. Normal stuff.
@DougKyed With all 3 TE having injuries last year, and with how much the patriots use them do you see them carrying 4 TE?
— @HoughtonJustin
I would be surprised if the Patriots carry four tight ends on the 53-man roster in 2016, since they’ll have three quarterbacks. I think they carry Gronkowski, Bennett and Clay Harbor, and one or two of Michael Williams, A.J. Derby, Bryce Williams and Steven Scheu make the practice squad.
@DougKyed assuming Garoppolo is starting those 4 games, how do you think he ends up doing?
— @patricks1591
I have a lot of confidence in Garoppolo. I think he’ll play very well, and I think two years as a backup has prepared him well if he has to start those first four games.
For that reason, I don’t necessarily think a four-game suspension for Brady is the worst thing for the Patriots. I think they’ll go 3-1, and I think the Patriots will be able to trade Jimmy G for a first- or second-round pick after the season.
That being said, I don’t think Brady deserves to serve a four-game suspension. So, don’t send me angry tweets.
@DougKyed what was your most memorable patriots game from the early 2000’s?
— @hollywood181
Definitely the “Snow Bowl” or “Tuck Rule Game,” depending on where you’re from, against the Oakland Raiders. I attended that game and wore about 15 layers had had about five inches of snow piled on top of my head when the game was over.
@DougKyed Whose your favorite SuperHero #AskDoug
— @MKhan3000
Batman, even though he doesn’t have super powers.
@DougKyed Think you can explain the difference between “star” and “money” in detail for us plebeians some time?
— @Big_Jazz_Boy
The star defensive back is the nickel (against three receivers) defensive back or slot cornerback, while the money defensive back enters the game in dime (against four receivers).
Some teams bring a money defensive back onto the field in nickel situations, however, to cover tight ends or running backs. The star usually is an undersized cornerback, while the money can be a cornerback or safety. In some situations, the money defensive back can play a hybrid safety/linebacker role.
@DougKyed Which late-round pick do you think has the best chance of making the roster? Of making the biggest on-field impact in the future?
— @TeamCrazyMatt
I’ll go with Kamu Grugier-Hill, because he can contribute on special teams right away. I think he has the potential to play a hybrid linebacker/safety role on defense too with some seasoning.
@DougKyed 3rd LB on the depth chart?
— @therealdjcstods
Behind Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins? Shea McClellin. The Patriots gave him a starter’s contract at three years, $9.05 million with a $2.5 million signing bonus.
Unrelated weird note on McClellin? He’s listed as a weak-side linebacker on the Patriots’ roster. The Patriots rarely get into specifics with positions or roles on their roster, and McClellin is a better fit at middle linebacker or on the strong-side. Odd.
@DougKyed do you think there is more athleticism on the off. line? Seems that gives some great versatility options.
— @jpc19671
The Patriots definitely placed a bigger emphasis on athleticism, especially at guard, in recent years. Shaq Mason, Jonathan Cooper and Joe Thuney are three of the most athletic interior offensive linemen in the NFL. Josh Kline also has solid athleticism.
It definitely fits Dion Lewis’ skill set, and it worked well before he tore his ACL.
The Patriots are trending more athletic on the offensive line and stouter and less athletic at defensive tackle.
@DougKyed do you think the patriots add another veteran RB or are we going to go with what we have?
— @ToriGrignon
I think they should, but I’m not sure if they will. I’d use some of the money freed up by restructuring Danny Amendola’s contract on a back like Arian Foster, Knowshon Moreno or Chris Polk. I think there should be more competition for LeGarrette Blount, Donald Brown, James White, Tyler Gaffney and D.J. Foster on the running back depth chart.
@DougKyed if you were a professional wrestler, what would your finishing move be? #AskDoug
— @JeffWIIM
I’d use a powerbomb, but not a pinning powerbomb. I always loved Kevin Nash’s Jackknife Powerbomb.
@DougKyed Would you like to see Rollins return to the authority or go out on his own when he returns?
— @TheDTSB
On his own. He’ll make a fantastic babyface when he returns.
@DougKyed which WWE Black Friday cut will you miss the most?
— @lobster_dog
Damien Sandow. I legitimately can’t figure out why WWE couldn’t find a place for him unless he’s a problem child in the locker room or something. That guy was good in the ring and legitimately funny.
Thumbnail photo via Derick E. Hingle/USA TODAY Sports Images
