New England Patriots: 3 concerns as we inch closer to regular season

By Sam Minton | Aug 7, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after their teams 41-33 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /

The secondary

The New England Patriots secondary looked horrible the last time we saw them. They were the No.1 reason the Patriots didn’t win the Super Bowl. There were lapses in coverage and some terrible tackling.

Stephon Gilmore is the No.1 guy now. With Malcolm Butler in Tennessee, he will be the corner looked upon to lock down opposing wideouts. Gilmore struggled early on in the season. That can’t happen this year. The Patriots could fall down a deep hole if Gilmore struggles once again.

Eric Rowe and Jason McCourty seem to be competing for the No.2 spot on the depth chart. Rowe was awful last year and McCourty is just learning the playbook. If Gilmore struggled early on it is fair to say McCourty will as well.

After that, it is a rookie battle. I don’t know if I’m confident in J.C Jackson and Keion Crossen just yet.

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The Patriots also have a new defensive coordinator in Brian Flores. It seems like Flores is going to be more aggressive so the secondary needs to be strong. If they play like they did last season it could be a long season for Patriots fans.

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