1. The Patriots’ issues drafting in recent years has been a major topic of late, and Saturday was a prime example as to why. The team released Derek Rivers, a third-round pick in 2017, and then Hjalte Froholdt, a fourth-round selection last year. Rivers was the Patriots’ first selection in that draft and he has just 2.5 sacks in 14 career games. Even taking he was a third-round pick, as well as his injury history, into account he didn’t give the Patriots much at all. And then when it comes to Froholdt, he was a late-round pick, but flat out waiving him less than two years after drafting him is an indication he doesn’t have much of a chance of working out for any team. The writing was on the wall when he barely saw any playing time earlier in the year when the offensive line was dealing with a number of injuries. Looking at the drafting as a whole since 2017, the only players to truly feel confident in are Kyle Dugger, Michael Onwenu, Damien Harris, Jake Bailey and Isaiah Wynn. Out of 31 players, that isn’t great, although it is worth noting the 2020 rookie class deserves more time to make a determination on given COVID-19 and how that impacted the offseason. But in general, the 2017 draft was essentially a waste with only Deatrich Wise still on the roster, 2018 not getting much at all with only Wynn, Sony Michel, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Ryan Izzo still on the roster, and then last year seeing Joejuan Williams, Yodny Cajuste, Jarrett Stidham and Froholdt being selected in the first four rounds and being non-factors. Which draft picks should Bill Belichick and Co. feel good about in the last four years? Those can be counted on one hand, and that isn’t good at all.
2. It’s been discussed at length Harry struggling to produce on the field and now it’s time to acknowledge his ability to stay healthy is also an issue. There always seems to be something with him, as he was added to the injury report again Friday with a shoulder injury. He missed half of last year after going on injured reserve before the start of the season, and then has been banged up a good amount this year. While none of the injuries have been overly serious, it just always feels like he’s dealing with something.
3. While the Patriots have a long-shot of making the playoffs, the two straight wins have at least opened the door for it being a possibility and that is a good thing. The last thing anyone wanted in this region was games not meaning anything and draft talk starting in November. What fun is that? Sure, getting a higher draft pick by not making the playoffs is a thing, but shouldn’t continuing the franchise’s streak of getting into the postseason every year since 2010 and its first season without Tom Brady also be a thing too?
4. Listening to Stephon Gilmore talk Friday, it really does seem like the cornerback enjoys playing in New England. “That’s a question you have to ask the organization,” he said. “The only thing I can do every day is just come to work and prepare and try to give it my best each and every week. Some stuff you can’t control in life, you just have to go out there and enjoy yourself. We have great coaches here. We have great players. We have young players here that are getting better and better. I’m just enjoying the moment. I love being here, and I love the culture. So I’m happy that I’m a Patriot.” From this viewpoint, while he certainly hasn’t been the same player as a year ago, the organization should find a way to keep him around for the future, which likely means re-doing his contract before next season.
5. With Pro Bowl voting opening this week, it’s truly worth wondering, which Patriots actually deserve to make the team? There really aren’t many deserving and it will be interesting to see how the voting shakes out. The Patriots’ best shot at getting a Pro Bowler might be on special teams with Matthew Slater and Jake Bailey.
6. Activating Sony Michel off injured reserve doesn’t necessarily mean he’s going to have a role in the game Sunday. With J.J. Taylor not making the trip, Michel could just be replacing him on the roster, which is really just being around in case of emergency. Taylor hasn’t played a single snap since Week 3 and Michel needed to activated before next week or else he would have had to stay on IR.
7. The Patriots will host the Cardinals next Sunday and they will likely be roaring to bounce-back following a tough loss to the Seahawks last Thursday night. The extra time will also help quarterback Kyler Murray heal from an AC joint injury. The Patriots defense certainly will have its work cut out for them given the speed the Arizona offense has and Murray’s ability to have an explosive play anywhere on the field.
