Two New England Patriots stood out to me as clear winners from Thursday night's preseason finale. Let's start with Hassan Haskins. I've had Haskins as my leader for New England's RB3 job, and I think Thursday strengthened his case. The numbers weren't spectacular — nine carries for 24 yards — but this battle has always been about more than rushing production. Haskins can handle short-yardage situations. I trust him more in pass protection. And importantly for an RB3, he showed another potential avenue toward contributing on special teams by returning kicks. Behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, that skill set makes sense. Then there's Nnamdi Obiazor. I couldn't take my eyes off No. 48. The rookie finished with 12 tackles, including six solo, and continued making his case for a spot in New England's linebacker rotation. And that could be bad news for Chad Muma. Muma entered camp looking much closer to a roster lock, but Obiazor has consistently flashed while Muma hasn't separated himself. At some point, New England has to decide between veteran experience and younger upside. After Thursday? Give me the upside. Haskins looks like my RB3. Obiazor looks like he belongs on the 53. #NewEnglandPatriots #Patriots #HassanHaskins #NnamdiObiazor #ChadMuma #TreVeyonHenderson #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.
Two New England Patriots stood out to me as clear winners from Thursday night's preseason finale. Let's start with Hassan Haskins. I've had Haskins as my leader for New England's RB3 job, and I think Thursday strengthened his case. The numbers weren't spectacular — nine carries for 24 yards — but this battle has always been about more than rushing production. Haskins can handle short-yardage situations. I trust him more in pass protection. And importantly for an RB3, he showed another potential avenue toward contributing on special teams by returning kicks. Behind Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson, that skill set makes sense. Then there's Nnamdi Obiazor. I couldn't take my eyes off No. 48. The rookie finished with 12 tackles, including six solo, and continued making his case for a spot in New England's linebacker rotation. And that could be bad news for Chad Muma. Muma entered camp looking much closer to a roster lock, but Obiazor has consistently flashed while Muma hasn't separated himself. At some point, New England has to decide between veteran experience and younger upside. After Thursday? Give me the upside. Haskins looks like my RB3. Obiazor looks like he belongs on the 53. #NewEnglandPatriots #Patriots #HassanHaskins #NnamdiObiazor #ChadMuma #TreVeyonHenderson #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.