New England Patriots: 3 things to watch in Week 3 of preseason

By Sam Minton | Aug 23, 2018

FOXBOROUGH, MA - AUGUST 16: Jay Ajayi #26 of the Philadelphia Eagles is tackled by the New England Patriots defense in the second quarter during the preseason game at Gillette Stadium on August 16, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – AUGUST 16: (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /

The wide receiver situation

Ever since the news of Julian Edelman’s suspension broke, fans have been worrying about the Patriots wide receivers. When you release Jordan Matthews, and Malcolm Mitchell, two wideouts who were looked at to play a big role in the Patriots offense, the concern grows even more.

Against Philadelphia, the star wideout was actually a running back. James White had 6 catches for 61 yards and a touchdown. Brady and White already seem in midseason form which is great news. White will be getting a ton of playing time early on and should have an expanded role due to the departure of Dion Lewis.

Also, Cordarrelle Patterson had a great game for the Patriots. He had 4 catches for 51 yards and a touchdown where Patterson juked a corner out of his shoes. Patterson will probably be catching a lot of screen passes. He has great speed and can make defenders miss. If he can continue to rack up the YAC he will become one of Tom Brady’s favorite targets.

The Patriots will need a lot of wide receivers to step up their play in the first month of the season. Jacob Hollister and Riley McCarron have been solid so far and are looking to make up for Edelman’s absence

On Friday I hope to see one of these guys steal the show.

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