Patriots Gridiron News 11/5: Breaking Down Barkevious Mingo

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan | Nov 5, 2016

Sep 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Barkevious Mingo (51) against the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Cardinals 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

New England Patriots linebacker Barkevious Mingo is prepared for an increased role with the team.

If you combine the two recent trades between the New England Patriots and the Cleveland Browns the two teams basically swapped Jamie Collins for Barkevious Mingo.

That’s the only way you can really make sense of the trade if you are a Patriots fan since the direct return for the Pro-Bowl linebacker was basically nothing. In Mingo, New England has a player who is just as freakish athletically as Collins, but also a player who hasn’t lived up to the high expectations set for him when he entered the league as a top 10 draft pick.

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Bill Belichick and the Patriots will try to utilize that talent in the same way they did Collins. Unfortunately for Mingo, the team has other players who can fill that void. With rookie linebacker Elandon Roberts ahead of him on the depth chart, Mingo could see his defensive snaps increase. But even if they don’t, he is focused on doing whatever the team asks.

"“We’re just here to play,” Mingo said via the Boston Herald. “We don’t get too involved in what kind of decisions those guys make. We’re here to play to the best of our ability and whatever happens, happens.”"

The skills and flash Mingo showed during the final preseason game was again on display towards the end of the team’s 41-25 victory over the Buffalo Bills. Mingo was used both on the edge and inside and showed an ability to break into the backfield like Collins does.

At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Mingo’s only downfall may be his small stature, but if Belichick and defensive coordinator Matt Patricia gets anything out of him, the Collins’ trade won’t sting as much or even at all (if he hits his ceiling).

As for now, the talented linebacker is cool with however the team decides to utilize his skills.

"“Honestly, when I go out there, when my number’s called, I just expect to make the best play I can possibly make,” Mingo said. “I guess I can’t answer that. I’m not coach Bill. I’m not coach Matt. I can’t make those decisions. Those are their decisions.”"

Whatever those decisions are will be on display when the team opens the second half of their season against the Seattle Seahawks a week from Sunday.

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