New England Patriots: 3 adjustments teams must make following bye
By Matt Fiore
Get the young players involved
The New England Patriots rank as the oldest team in the NFL, some value the veteran leadership, while others want a more youth commanded team. But with what looked to be a decently strong 2019 Draft class, the Pats really haven’t used any of their rookies.
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The list starts with rookie wide receiver N’Keal Harry, taken with the last pick in the first round. He landed on injured reserve the first half of the season, but looks like he will be finally making his debut this week.
Many question his role and usage rate with Tom Brady, as historically, the future Hall-of-Fame quarterback has never really having this type of first year receiver.
Joejuan Williams, who was taken in the second round out of Vanderbilt, has been healthy but still has been a healthy inactive almost every week. The long corner was thought to be used in a Brandon Browner type role, covering teams bigger WR 2-3. With some bigger wide receivers and pass-catching tight ends coming up in the schedule, Bill Belichick has to find a way to utilize his length and athleticism.
The last name that ties in is running back Damien Harris. Same situation with Williams applies to Harris.
With Sony Michel’s inefficiencies, why hasn’t Harris gotten some sort of workload?
The Alabama product is a downhill runner, and is less flashy compared to star backs in the league. A nasty, hard-nosed runner might just be what the New England Patriots need to kickstart the run game.