With less than a week until Patriots training camp starts, fans are already looking ahead to see which players will make the roster. Training camp is when jobs are won or lost and roles become more clearly defined, so players need to make a good impression if they want to meet Bill Belichick’s high standards.
Belichick has a history of making tough decisions and trusting what he sees rather than relying on a player’s reputation or track record, which always keeps fans guessing. That was certainly the case in 2021, when he shockingly cut Cam Newton and gave the starting job to rookie Mac Jones right off the bat.
With so much roster uncertainty at this time of year, here are the three biggest training camp battles to watch as preseason gets underway.
3 Biggest Patriots Training Camp Battles to Watch
Quarterback
It’s been awhile since the Patriots had a quarterback controversy, but one emerged last year when Mac Jones went down with a high-ankle sprain, opening the door for backup QB Bailey Zappe. Zappe shined while Jones was out, causing New England fans to get “Zappe Fever.”
Jones ultimately reclaimed his starting role after coming back, but his underwhelming performance means the starting QB job is still up for grabs. Jones needs to prove that last year was a fluke and that he’s still worth the first-round pick that the Patriots spent on him in 2021.
Zappe, on the other hand, certainly has a case for the job after going 2-0 as a starter last year and completing 70.7% of his passes with a 5:3 TD/INT ratio.
Jones deserves another shot and a fresh start with new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, but if Zappe outplays him in camp the calls for Zappe to replace him are only going to grow louder. Belichick isn’t one to cave to public pressure, but he also needs to do what’s best for the team.
Kicker
The Patriots have a serious battle brewing at kicker this preseason. While they already have Pro Bowler Nick Folk on the roster, they appeared to draft his replacement when they took kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
While Folk’s done an admirable job as the team’s kicker for the past four years, it might be time to move on. He’s 38 now and saw his field-goal percentage dip to 86.5% last year after being over 92% in 2020 and 2021. Folk also missed several kicks during crucial games down the stretch when New England was fighting to make the playoffs.
As Belichick proved with Tom Brady, he’d rather move on from a player before he potentially declines rather than wait until it’s too late. Ryland will be on the roster regardless due to his draft status, and his presence suddenly makes Folk expendable. Belichick has said he’s open to carrying two kickers on the roster, but Folk could get the axe if he isn’t up to par during training camp.
Running Back
Regardless of whether they land Dalvin Cook or not, the Patriots already have a starting running back on the roster in Rhamondre Stevenson. The question, then, is who will be his primary backup?
Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris are set to duke it out for RB2 status. Both were rookies last year and didn’t get much action with Stevenson and Damien Harris dominating the carries, but with Harris gone there’s an opportunity for them to get more snaps in 2023.
Based on their limited numbers last year, Strong seems to have the inside track. He racked up 100 rushing yards on just 10 carries and scored a touchdown. He was also a factor in the passing game, catching all 7 targets for 42 yards.
Harris, on the other hand, didn’t look as explosive, averaging just 2.9 yards per carry. He also didn’t make a dent in the passing game, not receiving a single target.
Accordingly, Harris has some catching up to do if he wants to earn more regular playing time this year.
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