After what felt like the longest offseason in history we’re on to the regular season, at last.
The New England Patriots won all three of their 2021 preseason games, though victories in warm-up games won’t mean much come Sunday September 12th when the Miami Dolphins come to town. Coach Bill Belichick will be the first to tell you the team was far from perfect this preseason. Still, after the uncharacteristically aggressive free agency spree, a big draft and months of meeting, activities and practice, it’s always heartening to see some players shine, be they veterans, new arrivals or rookies. Here are five players, three of whom are rookies (you have to imagine Bill Belichick loves to see that) who stood out for all the right reasons during the Patriots undefeated preseason.
MAC JONES
Not just the star of Patriots camp, Jones was one of the stars of the entire NFL preseason. The highly touted rookie QB from Alabama was as advertised, and then some; poised, confident, pro-ready, accurate, efficient and decisive. Jones never started yet saw action in all three preseason games.Fans in Foxboro greeted him with a massive ovation on August 12th, and Jones delivered on their pre-emptive praise, looking the part of not just a competent quarterback for now, but a legitimate franchise QB of the future. Former QBs turned TV analyst constantly heap praise on Jones, remarking on his presence and things like the tempo Jones plays with, and how he throws his receivers open. There’s been quite the debate as to whether or not Jones beat out veteran Cam Newton for the starting job (not likely), though Jones made the most of his opportunities on game day and at practice when Newton was absent. Though we have no idea when it will be, Patriots fans and coaches alike have to be both excited for and confident in Jones whenever he takes over under center.
MATT JUDON
Looks like Bill Belichick nailed it this time on his high priced former Raven defensive free agency acquisition. Right from the get-go Judon has looked the part of the game-changing, disruptive defensive presence the Patriots were hoping for when the gave him a four year $56 million contract. Judon impressed in his first series against the Washington Football Team and hasn’t let up since, generating pressure on quarterbacks with his combination of moves, speed and power. He’s sounded like he’s bought in to “The Patriot Way” right away, even offering to kick field goals if asked. Judon is well liked by teammates both younger and old (he and Devin McCourty had a funny exchange at their postgame presser), and seems to relish the role of being a mentor to younger defenders in his mold like Josh Uche. At this point it’s hard to imagine Bill Belichick could ask for anything else out of the sixth year defender.
Honorable mention goes to Judon’s de facto mentee, Josh Uche, the second year linebacker who generated excellent pressure and garnered a couple of sacks this preseason. Judon even joked that with the way Uche picks his brain he could be coming for Judon’s job soon. Pretty sure coaches and fans alike are happy to see them working in tandem
RHAMONDRE STEVENSON
Just a few weeks back the biggest note on Stevenson this preseason was from his position coach, Ivan Fears, who said when asked what he liked about the rookie back from Oklahoma, Fears replied, “He’s here. I like that he’s here.” Cut to a few weeks later and Stevenson looks primed for some real work this season, having scored five preseason touchdowns (including one very memorable 91 yard scamper). Stevenson showed surprising speed and footwork to compliment his power toting the rock, a combination that seems to have him primed for backup work to starting back Damien Harris, especially now that Sony Michel is in Los Angeles. But when you lead the NFL in yards after contact and forced missed tackles, preseason or not, you’re likely to be appreciated for more than just being here.
JJ TAYLOR
Little guy, big impact. Taylor, the undrafted second year back out of Arizona seems to have found a role on the Patriots this year with his quickness, elusiveness and versatility (Taylor was on return duty in the preseason finale against the NY Giants). While Damien Harris is entrenched as the starter, with Rhamondre Stevenson his likely backup, and James White the third down passing back, one might wonder what Taylor’s role could be. But with his size, special teams ability and change of pace style all five foot five of Taylor could see some of the carries and opportunities in a number of ways, especially if Stevenson acts as the second part of a 1-2 punch with Harris. He’s already a fan favorite (Pats fans love an underdog), and if he can bust out his video game-like spin move on occasion he could be in line for more cheers from fans, and work from his coaches, this season.
CHRISTIAN BARMORE
The Patriots had trouble both generating a pass rush and stopping the run in 2020 (the worst kind of defensive daily double). Their defensive front was in tatters thanks to free agency, COVID opt-outs and injuries. We knew the team would address this issue, and address it they did, aggressively, in free agency and the draft. And while Mac Jones may be the crown jewel of the 2021 Patriots draft given the position he plays, the other rookie out of Alabama that’s turned heads is Christian Barmore. The defensive lineman made an impact quickly, and frequently, with his power and speed up front. Barmore came on at the end of last season, finishing as defensive MVP of the National Championship, and it seems he’s continuing that high level of play early on. He’s drawn praise from new teammates like Matt Judon and could see some significant situational work, and more, along the revamped and vastly improved front.
Final note: three of the five players who stood out this preseason are rookies. Just sayin’...
