The New England Patriots have a problem on defense that they better hope doesn't become important this season. The starters aren't my concern. Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Craig Woodson and Kevin Byard give New England plenty to like when everyone is healthy and available. It's what happens behind them that worries me. New England's defensive depth struggled badly against Cleveland in the preseason finale. Dylan Gabriel went 12-of-15 with three touchdowns, and rookie Taylen Green followed by completing five of seven passes while adding 66 yards on the ground. For everything Mike Vrabel has said about building depth, that's concerning. Fortunately, Cleveland couldn't stop Kyle Williams. Williams finished with two catches for 55 yards and another touchdown, giving him a touchdown in all three preseason games. And don't just label him a straight-line speed threat. His release has improved. He's creating separation. And even his other reception against Cleveland — a deeper curl — showed there's more developing in his game than simply running past defenders. Now I want to see whether that chemistry we've watched between Williams and Tommy DeVito can translate to Drake Maye. Because if it does? New England suddenly has another legitimate weapon fighting for WR3 or WR4 snaps. #NewEnglandPatriots #Patriots #KyleWilliams #DrakeMaye #ChristianGonzalez #MikeVrabel #PatriotsNews #NFL Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.
The New England Patriots have a problem on defense that they better hope doesn't become important this season. The starters aren't my concern. Christian Gonzalez, Carlton Davis, Marcus Jones, Craig Woodson and Kevin Byard give New England plenty to like when everyone is healthy and available. It's what happens behind them that worries me. New England's defensive depth struggled badly against Cleveland in the preseason finale. Dylan Gabriel went 12-of-15 with three touchdowns, and rookie Taylen Green followed by completing five of seven passes while adding 66 yards on the ground. For everything Mike Vrabel has said about building depth, that's concerning. Fortunately, Cleveland couldn't stop Kyle Williams. Williams finished with two catches for 55 yards and another touchdown, giving him a touchdown in all three preseason games. And don't just label him a straight-line speed threat. His release has improved. He's creating separation. And even his other reception against Cleveland — a deeper curl — showed there's more developing in his game than simply running past defenders. Now I want to see whether that chemistry we've watched between Williams and Tommy DeVito can translate to Drake Maye. Because if it does? New England suddenly has another legitimate weapon fighting for WR3 or WR4 snaps. #NewEnglandPatriots #Patriots #KyleWilliams #DrakeMaye #ChristianGonzalez #MikeVrabel #PatriotsNews #NFL Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! KALSHI For a limited time, Download the Kalshi app and use code [LOCKEDON] to get up to $500 in bonus credits when you trade $25.