New England Patriots: 5 players now the face of the organization in 2020
New England Patriots linebacker Chase Winovich ready to make a year-two leap into stardom
Coming off a rookie season in which he recorded 5.5 sacks, Michigan Wolverines product Chase Winovich will establish himself as one of the faces of the New England Patriots defense.
With Dont’a Hightower opting out for the 2020 NFL season and the team looking for a standout pass rusher to emerge, the second-year linebacker will have to step up and be that motor he was known for in college and showed glimpses of in his rookie season.
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In limited snaps, Chase Winovich showed he can be a disruptive force. Along with the 5.5 sacks, he had seven QB hits on 12 pressures. But what really stood out was how he just did not give up on a play.
With the team’s 2019 top linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy either sitting out the season or playing elsewhere, it will be Winovich’s time to shine and show off a personality that will make him popular amongst fans.
Kind of like the defensive version of Rob Gronkowski, especially if he shows growth and takes further steps in reaching his potential. Speaking of that growth, Chase Winovich is also showing his maturity as a player by recognizing potential means nothing if you don’t go out on the field and make things happen.
"“What I’m focused on is what I can control and I can’t worry about what year it is. I need to worry about the process,” Winovich said during a press conference back in August, via The Boston Herald. “I’ve really invested in that process and I know that I’ve taken steps this offseason to take that leap that I’m trying to hold myself accountable to and take that next step as an athlete.”"
In 2020, Chase Winovich will not only take that step as an athlete, but he will be a player other teams will have to game plan for. He will be a rising star on that New England Patriots defense and one of the leaders on the front seven.