Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - New England Patriots Claim Four Players Off Waiver Wire, Practice Squad Signings and More

Starting point is 00:00:00 The New England Patriots 53-man roster on Wednesday looks a little different than it did on Tuesday. Is it for the better? Stick around, you're about to be locked in to the Locked On Patriots podcast. You are Locked On Patriots, your daily New England Patriots podcast. Part of the Locked On Podcast Network. Your team every day. Hello to all of you, Foxborough faithful. Thank you once again for making Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage and also hopefully your first listen each and every day.

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Starting point is 00:01:26 off your first purchase. Terms apply, so download game time today. What time is it? Game time. And Pats fans, your New England Patriots 53-man roster for 2024 is set. Not a lot of surprises coming from cut down day on Tuesday afternoon, but there were some eye openers, not only among those who were cut, but also among those who remain. But folks, there's a reason why they're called initial 53-man rosters, because additions and subtractions are almost certain between cut down day and the start of the regular NFL season. And the Patriots did in fact make some tweaks to their 53-man roster on Wednesday. And here today to break it all down with us is our resident voice of reason.

Starting point is 00:02:12 My Patriots Paisan, the expert professional columnist for Patsfans.com. And, of course, the co-host of Patriots 4th and 2 alongside the great Derek Avins. He is Steve Balistrieri. Steve, thank you so much for joining me today. Welcome back to Locked On, bud. It's great to be back. Yeah, you know, we always say initial, and it will change again, I'm sure, before week one. That's why they have this whole process.

Starting point is 00:02:42 Absolutely. That is why they have the process and the process is ongoing. I once heard an NFL columnist whose name escapes me at the moment, refer to NFL rosters as an unfinished work of art. You're still making additions to it. And until someone else carries that work of art out of your studio, you're always going to make tweaks to it. And I think that's exactly what happens throughout the season when it comes to the 53-man roster on an NFL squad. You're always making adjustments, additions, subtractions.

Starting point is 00:03:15 That's probably going to ramp up over the course of the next couple of weeks as we head toward September 8th and the Patriots' first game, week one at Cincinnati against the Bengals. And, folks, we're going to cover every bit of that game here for you on Locked on Patriots first game week one at Cincinnati against the Bengals. And folks, we're going to cover every bit of that game here for you on Locked On Patriots. But Steve, I thought we'd start today by talking about some of the moves that the Patriots made after the roster cut down deadline that was imposed by the NFL. And of course, that's 4 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday. 12 p.m. Eastern on Tuesday was the deadline to submit waiver claims and the

Starting point is 00:03:46 patriots did claim four players off waivers that also meant saying goodbye to four players we're going to talk about those guys in just a moment but the organization claiming offensive tackles zachary thomas demontre jacobs defensive tackle eric johnson and linebacker Curtis Jacobs all off waivers when the window closed on Wednesday at 12 p.m. Steve when you look at these players from top to bottom obviously there are two offensive linemen two official tackles they've spent some time aligning at guard as well so a lot of versatility there in both of these guys a linebacker and a defensive tackle as well so the Patriots really kind of focusing on the trenches here. What stood out to you about these waiver claims?

Starting point is 00:04:30 Who has you most excited? You know, the big thing that stood out to me was that all four of these guys are pretty athletic. I think we saw in their times, you know, when they picked them up. So especially the two tackles, I'm wondering if that is a nod toward the outside zone, you know, running scheme that AVP likes to use, you know, maybe these guys are a better fit for that. I don't really know much about the two tackles,

Starting point is 00:05:05 so we're going to have to do a deep dive on them. But I thought all of the guys that they put a claim on were the faster, more athletic guys. I agree with you, especially Jacobs, who arguably is probably, I think, the biggest name out of these four. Of course, I could be wrong. Let me know in the comments section below, folks, if you think I slighted anyone, because that is not my intention.

Starting point is 00:05:29 I'm actually a fan of all four of these players that the Patriots put a claim in, and I think they're all going to be able to contribute. Now, how much they're going to contribute, I think it's still a matter of conjecture. Always curb your enthusiasm when it comes to players that are being taken in off the waiver wire. They're probably not going to be impactful Pro Bowl-type players, but I think they can play a role here and do the job. I do want to start with Jacobs, who I think comes in at 6'1", 241 pounds.

Starting point is 00:05:56 Former UFL guy, spent some time with the D.C. Defenders, but he's known for his time at Penn State. Played 36 games with the Nittany Lions, 170 tackles, nine and a half sacks, got in there on a couple of interceptions, forced the fumble, then of course one touchdown. So as you said, Steve, this is a guy that's athletic, can get after the football, get after the quarterback, and help to disrupt a lot of things from happening. The Patriots obviously losing Matthew Judon, a big-time playmaker. They're going to look to replicate some of that. I'm not saying Jacobs is going to come in here and be Judon.

Starting point is 00:06:28 Far from it. But he has the ability to come in and maybe add a little attitude, a little pop to this linebacking core. Definitely some athleticism. So I like this one, and I think this has a chance to perhaps be an impact signing for the New England Patriots. Obviously, the two offensive tackles that we're talking about here, Zachary Thomas, this kid spent some time with the Los Angeles Rams, 6'5", 300 pounds.

Starting point is 00:06:53 So you want a sizable tackle. This kid is definitely it. There is some pro level experience there. We'll see if he can translate that to the field and possibly help this team, which does need some help along the offensive line. And then of course we got to Montre Jacobs. Jacobs signed as an undrafted free agent in 2023 as well, coming off with the Denver Broncos, 6'6", 315 pounds. So the Patriots upgrading their size level here when it comes to Jacobs. And he played at Grambling State, played at South Florida. I know you said you're not all

Starting point is 00:07:25 that familiar with the tackles, and I don't think a lot of people in Patriots Nation are. But when you look at the types of players that they're bringing in, size type, the type of style that they're going to employ, what does that tell you about what the Patriots are looking to do along the offensive line? Is this an upgrade now to try to boost the talent here or do you think they're kind of building something perhaps for the future well I think it could be a little bit of both but I I really think you know when you're looking at the grand scheme of things they need to upgrade now um because one the run blocking wasn't fantastic in the preseason. I think that can be better, especially on the edges.

Starting point is 00:08:10 And, you know, their quarterbacks were, you know, getting sacked way too often, and the pressure was building on these guys. Excuse me. So with a young quarterback you know uh although drake may probably is not going to start uh the season i i'm actually looking at him probably week five coming in unless uh you know brissette gets hurt But, you know, they need to do a better job of protecting the quarterbacks and especially on the edges. But, yeah, I mean, these two guys,

Starting point is 00:08:56 they could potentially be building blocks that they can build around because no one really stood out with maybe the exception of when you had tackled this summer and in the preseason games. So I think these guys are going to be given an opportunity to step right in and play some meaningful snaps if they're up to it. Hopefully the Patriots picking up some help on the offensive line. We'll see what it translates to on the field, folks. But bottom line, Steve is absolutely right. The Patriots looking for athletic young players that can come in and make an impact.

Starting point is 00:09:36 You saw some of the guys that they jettisoned, most notably Antonio Mafi, who really, I think, a project on the interior. We saw him play guard. We saw him play a little bit of center. They tried to give him the backup job to David Andrews this year, and I just don't think it ended up working out. It just was not something that Antonio was comfortable with. He's most likely on to greener pastures elsewhere. At the time we're recording this podcast, folks, we don't know where Antonio is signing,

Starting point is 00:10:00 but all indications are is that he will be going elsewhere for his football journey so we definitely wish him well there but it's out with the old and in with the new for the new england patriots but steve if you're going to bring in four players and you have a full 53 man roster that means four players have to go and the new england patriots did make those moves folks most notably cutting wide receiver jalen rager and cornerback Isaiah Bolden. These opened some eyes, maybe even opened more eyes than the cuts or non-cuts that the Patriots made at roster cut down deadline day on Tuesday.

Starting point is 00:10:35 Steve and I are going to talk about the players that have been jettisoned from New England as a result of the four newest pats and what it means for the New England Patriots moving forward. All this and more when this episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast continues, a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team, every day. Locked On Patriots listeners, we've all been there. You want tickets for the upcoming home stand at Fenway to watch the Sox, or you want to close out the summer in style by watching your favorite music group in concert. You want tickets, but you're not quite sure how to get them. Well, don't spend another minute worrying about it, because GameTime

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Starting point is 00:13:02 a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And of course, folks, joining me today to break down the second day of Patriots roster tweaking going on in Foxborough, really going on throughout all of the NFL right now and all of the major offices, is my good friend and Patriots Paisan, Steve Balistrieri. Steve, in the previous segment, we talked about the newest New England Patriots and the Pats bringing in four exciting young athletic players to add to this 53-man roster. But in order to bring players in, two in particular may have raised some eyebrows, and that is wide receiver Jalen Rager and cornerback Isaiah Bolden. Steve, before we get

Starting point is 00:13:43 into the other two releases that took place on Wednesday as well, let's start with Rager because this was an interesting one to me. We kept hearing a lot of rumblings out of New England that Rager was working his way up the depth chart based on his satisfactory level with the coaches. They saw his ability in the return game, the potential he has on special teams, his ability to make contested catches, and his speed to be able to beat players down the field. When the Patriots, when the Pats looked at the roster and they saw the names Jalen Rager and Taequann Thornton and obviously Kayshaun Booty, they made the choice to cut Rager. What do you think was the deciding factor in them deciding to let Rager go over someone like a Keishon Booty?

Starting point is 00:14:27 I think it's because he's more limited as a wide receiver. I mean, we know he's a good returner. And that's why I thought he might be safe. Because when I heard about this, you know, them putting the waiver wire claim in, I was like, I wonder who they're going to let go. And honestly, I thought it was going to be Boutte. And so that's a little bit of a surprise.

Starting point is 00:14:58 And I really liked Isaiah Bolden last year. He was starting to come on in training camp. And then he got hurt in that Green Bay game. I know he had kind of an up and down summer last year. He was starting to come on in training camp, and then he got hurt in that Green Bay game. I know he had kind of an up-and-down summer this year, but, you know, they have to make a cut somewhere. They decided to keep seven corners, which now it's at six, and seven wide receivers, which I thought was a little interesting, especially with the eighth one, right, Kendrick Bourne on PUP.

Starting point is 00:15:34 So, you know, I'm sure we're going to see some movement there once Bourne is ready. But I hated to see those particular two guys to go. But it's a numbers game, as we all know. Yeah, it definitely is a numbers game. And I think you're right on the money with Rager. And I think in a lot of ways, and myself included, a lot of us in the media tried to talk ourselves into Jalen Rager

Starting point is 00:15:59 because of the fact that he was a dual threat, so to speak. He was someone that can contribute on special teams as well as in the receiving game. And you look at players like that, and I think we're so used to the Bill Belichick regime of 24 years here that if a player can play multiple positions and do multiple things well, he's valuable. He's someone you want to keep around.

Starting point is 00:16:19 I think the Patriots saw value in Jalen Rager, but again, you look at the prowess that a receiver needs to bring to the table. Keishon Booty, in my opinion, has always been the better receiver. I think he's a much better route runner. I think he's better at the point of attack, much better at the point of catch. And you can actually use that burst of speed that he has in his legs to get open and to shed defenders. So I think the Patriots saw a tremendous amount of upside in Keishon. I've been an advocate of Keishon's pretty much all offseason.

Starting point is 00:16:46 I said that he should be on the roster, and I'm glad that he is. I also believe that Jalen would crack the roster as well. So I'm one for one in that regard. I'll take it. Isaiah Bolin surprised me, and it surprised me for a lot of reasons, because this kid does have an awful lot of special teams prowess. I think that's something that is so often missed when it comes to players that have a multifaceted skill set, especially the way Isaiah does. We heard Gerard Mayo refer to Isaiah Bolden earlier on this

Starting point is 00:17:16 offseason as a special teams beast. I wonder if maybe they were looking for a little more prowess at the cornerback position. But again, I see a lot of upside in this kid. I distinctly remember Isaiah Bolden being drafted out of Jackson State, one of the only players, if not the only player that was drafted from an HBCU that season. And his former coach, Deion Sanders, saying teams are going to regret passing over on Isaiah Bolden. They really should have taken a chance on this kid because he does have the ability to not only play along the perimeter, but he also has the ability to be a

Starting point is 00:17:50 contributor on special teams. I think it'll be interesting to see over the course of the next 24 hours if a team wants to put a claim out on him. If he's not, I think the Patriots should do everything they can to bring him via the practice squad because this kid is someone you want on your side and I would definitely think that they'll be interested in doing so yeah I agree I mean I wouldn't be surprised at all if they were able to bring him back unless somebody snags him up because I really liked what I saw out of him last year. And then, you know, he, unfortunately, he took that bad head injury in Green Bay and, you know, ruined his season. You know, we always root for the guys who get hurt to come back and play,

Starting point is 00:18:42 but unfortunately it wasn't to be. But I don't think his career is over by any stretch of the imagination. I think he's going to find a home somewhere. Hopefully it's going to be back here. Yeah, I hope so. I think the Patriots would be well-suited to bring Isaiah back. And who knows? Who knows what that will lead to if his re-signing on the practice squad,

Starting point is 00:19:11 which we hope will happen, could lead to his return to the 53-man roster in short order. All different kinds of tweaks are going to happen to this roster, folks, so once again, keep a sharp eye out because moves such as you're seeing on Wednesday will continue throughout the week and even in the next week as the Patriots get ready for their season opener in Cincinnati against the Bengals. But Steve, there were two other players that were cut loose today as a result of the roster additions and the waiver claims the Patriots put in. Defensive lineman Tristan Hill and offensive lineman Michael Jordan. A lot of people are expecting these two players to pass through waivers and return to the Patriots via the practice squad. But when you look at both of these guys i think jordan was probably a numbers crunch

Starting point is 00:19:50 at this point they might be going with guys that have a little more of an upside but when you look at hill when you look at jordan if you're only allowed one what's the player that you'd really want to bring back on the squad on the practice squad this season um i i really liked hill i i liked what he brought to the table i i thought he played pretty well uh this summer you know he can do some some good stuff um you know in the past rush department i i think you know um i i would hope they were able to bring him back. I know they really need, like, run stuffing help, but it's never a bad thing if you can bring in a guy that can bring pressure from the interior.

Starting point is 00:20:36 So, you know, he's one of those guys. And they have a couple of other young guys that potentially can do the job of course um you know we'll we'll have to see once they're playing against the ones instead of the twos and threes i think that's a very important thing to remember among all the positions even the starters even the guys that we've said have looked great during preseason you You're playing against vanilla schemes, and you're playing against very basic defenses and offenses. No team has tipped their hand at this point, so now when the real playbook gets put into place, you're going to separate the pros from the amateurs,

Starting point is 00:21:16 and I think that's where you're going to see these players start to stand out a little bit, and who knows, maybe some wilt under that pressure. That's the gamble that you take when you're in the NFL, steve and uh as far as the patriots practice squad goes folks the bats have been active they have signed a few of their released players to the practice squad not one player that the patriots released on tuesday was claimed by another team steve so that's had their opportunity to go for it and to bring in guys that they wanted to bring in. Wide receiver Matt Landers, running back Terrell Jennings, defensive back A.J. Thomas,

Starting point is 00:21:51 tight end Mitchell Wilcox, offensive lineman Liam Fornatal, defensive end Jotham Russell comes to us by the International Pathway Program. Tip of the cap to Miguel. I know he loves these guys. And also running back Kevin Harris, who I was surprised was on the cutting room floor on Tuesday. Patriots bring him back via the practice squad. I think it's only a matter of time before he's promoted to the big squad. So folks keep a sharp eye on Kevin Harris. But so far, the Patriots assembling a nice little practice squad, as Will Ferrell might say. So who who knows we'll see what this leads to for the New England Patriots but there were a couple of key departures where players have already decided that they're heading elsewhere in fact a couple of notable Patriot cuts yesterday already have brand new homes is that a decision the Patriots will regret and which move that the Patriots made on Tuesday or on Wednesday

Starting point is 00:22:45 will serve them best heading into 2024 and beyond. Steve and I tackle that all important question when this episode of the Lockdown Patriots podcast wraps up right here on the Locked on Patriots and we're talking day two of Patriots roster tweaking roster movements here in New England and joining us to break it all down is our resident voice of reason columnist extraordinaire for Patsfans.com, and of course the co-host of Patriots 4th and 2, my good friend, my Patriots bison, Steve Balistrieri. Steve, we've talked about the comings and goings in New England's locker room over the course of the last 24 to 48 hours. Some of the moves that the Patriots made have been expected. If I'm being very frank and very honest, I think most of the moves they've made so far have been

Starting point is 00:23:45 expected I haven't seen a whole lot that has really shocked me to the core at the same time there are still names that are out there that get cut or that get dropped where you do look at it and say wow okay I didn't think they'd really do it or it really surprised me or yeah I expected it but it's still a little bit of a shock to the system to see that. A couple of names that resemble that remark, at least when it comes to maybe lamenting the fact that these guys will no longer be in Patriots uniforms anymore. Quarterback Bailey Zappi, defensive end Sam Roberts. I've been a big fan of Sam since he walked through the door a couple of years ago and was drafted and really was one of those guys that did everything he was asked to do. And he tried to do it to the best of his ability well chicago obviously sees

Starting point is 00:24:30 something in sam roberts they're not only willing to bring him in via the scout team but they're already discussing plans to elevate him and sign him to the 53-man roster and bring him up to the top squad so of course the tip of the cap to sam Sam Roberts, wishing him all the best in the Windy City. Have fun with the Bears over there, Sam. You're walking into a pretty good scenario over there right now. The Bears pretty well established on both sides of the ball, and it's going to be a fun year in Chicago, I think, with all of the new faces that they have. But I want to talk about walking into a good situation.

Starting point is 00:25:03 Quarterback Bailey Zappi goes from being the fourth quarterback on the depth chart here in New England to being a practice squad member for the defending Super Bowl champions. He's going in to play with Patrick Mahomes and Carson Wentz and pretty solid quarterback room up there in Kansas City. Steve, when you look at both of these guys, which of these moves surprised you the most, that Sam Roberts is headed to Chicago or that Bailey Zappi is headed to Kansas City? I think Zappi to Kansas City was a little bit of a surprise, and good for him. Like you said, he's going from the number four quarterback on a rebuilding team to the Super Bowl champs on the practice squad. And I'm sure he'll run all the scout team stuff for them. So I think that's a good place for him right now and you know uh maybe with andy reed and patrick mahomes he can pick up some stuff elevate his game where he can be a solid backup for somebody and in the future possibly even in kansas city i i hated to see sam roberts go like you did but from you know everything we've been

Starting point is 00:26:22 reading and and seeing he didn't really have a great summer this year. And I thought that was a little surprising unless, you know, he had some, you know, physical ailment that we weren't aware of. I haven't heard anything about him being injured or anything that would prevent him from being able to perform at a high level. But, yeah, you're absolutely right. It wasn't the best of summers for Sam Roberts. And based on the performances that the Patriots defensive lineman put out there, especially knowing that you were going to have to try to replicate what Christian Barmore brings to the table and knowing that you're not going to have him for a good long period of time,

Starting point is 00:26:59 you needed guys that stepped up and were able to show you that they're going to be reliable each and every week. Patriots didn't see that in Sam, but Chicago obviously sees the potential. They're willing to nurture him and kind of nudge him along a little bit, and we'll see if it pays dividends. As for Zappi, yeah, it definitely surprises you to see him go to Kansas City. That's a stacked quarterback room there with the defending champs, but once again, there's battle tests there for Bailey Zappi. He's played in big situations. He's played under scrutiny, under the spotlight, and he's very good at being able to run the scout team. And I think that may be an opportunity for him to showcase what he can do.

Starting point is 00:27:37 So many times you see guys, you see quarterbacks go to practice squads and they run the scout team and they're able to mimic other quarterbacks. Could be interesting to see Bailey Zappi try to do that this year with some of the other teams that are on the Chiefs' schedule. So best of luck to both of those guys. They were both true consummate professionals while they were here, and we definitely wish them all the best in Kansas City and Chicago, respectively. Steve, that leads me quite nicely into my final question for you today,

Starting point is 00:28:05 in that the Patriots have made a lot of roster moves over the course of the last 24 to 48 hours. A lot of cuts, a few signings, a couple of tweaks here and there. When you look at all the moves the Patriots have made, which decision do you think they're going to be most grateful for, and which decision do you think they might regret most when we're heading into the middle part of the season and a lot of these decisions now start to rear their head i i think the uh the best decision was del pettis i liked what i saw from him and you know this is you know i i think this is Mayo's way of sending a message.

Starting point is 00:28:48 Just like the old Bill days. We don't care where you were drafted or if you're undrafted. You know, we're going to choose the best 53 players that are on the field. And I like that. And plus the fact that I like what he did on the field and i like that and plus the fact that i like what he did on the field we'll see if he can carve out excuse me a game day role with the team it might not be right away but uh you know i always like to see an undrafted guy make the roster um because it just shows guys can put in the work, and they may not come with the big pedigree, but if you put your nose to the grindstone and everything aligns for you,

Starting point is 00:29:34 you might be able to have yourself a career in the NFL. He has a long way to go, but I was happy to see that. Absolutely. So well said, and I agree with you. Look, Dell was one of the better players on this roster, especially in that secondary throughout the preseason and throughout training camp. We did speak to him in the media on Wednesday.

Starting point is 00:29:54 We spoke to him at his locker and he said, you know, it still upsets him. I'm saying that a little bit more cleanly than he did, but it does still upset him that he wasn't drafted. And he's using that as fuel to the fire. He's using that as inspiration and motivation. And he's going to continue to do that now that he's on a 53-man roster in the NFL and stood the test of time. So good on Del Pettis, and I'm glad to see him here as well. Some of my other favorite decisions, obviously, I talked a little bit earlier

Starting point is 00:30:22 about the retention of Keyshawn Booty. I think that's going to be a decision the Patriots will definitely be glad they did. I think he offers some upside, and he'll continue to grow with this team. And I also like the decision they made with Joey Sly as opposed to Chad Ryland. I think the Patriots needed a veteran kicker, someone that can be relied upon, someone that is not still learning the nuances of kicking in the NFL, especially with the uncertainty of quarterback and the problems they're having along the offensive line. This team may have difficulty putting up points throughout the season. And if you need three points and you need to get points on the board, I think Sly gives you the better opportunity to do that. And plus he's a little bigger, he's a little more physical and the kickers are going to have to be a little

Starting point is 00:31:06 more physical with some of these new kickoff rules that are going to be instituted this year. So I like that move. Steve, before we take our leave of this subject, any decision that the Patriots made over the course of the last couple of days that you think they may look back on and regret? Well, this one I think think falls onto the you know the realm of i liked what they did but it it may not be uh you know in retrospect the right move and nobody knows at this time that's what christian barm were um i love the fact that, you know, they put him able to return

Starting point is 00:31:45 because we all know the Patriots defense is much better with him out there. And maybe it's a sign of hope that, you know, that they caught his blood clots early enough. You know, I know the Patriots doctors hadn't seen one before, you know, when David Andrews was suffering with that and you know from all reports that we're we're reading that they caught this one pretty early so i love the fact that they did this but you know we don't know he's out indefinitely. He might be gone for the entire season. And perhaps they could have used that with somebody else.

Starting point is 00:32:30 Yeah, that's an interesting point. And I think one that Patriots fans and really any NFL fan is going to have to remember is you run the risk of losing a roster spot to put a player that may not have the opportunity to play this year. But when that player is as important as Christian Barmore is to this defense, yeah, I don't think you can make a wrong move. Maybe the Patriots will regret it, but I think at the time, I think that was the right move.

Starting point is 00:32:54 And I think it will continue to be the right move. It kind of stands to reason, Steve. I mean, I know you look at things with a reasonable head, and I trust your judgment. I really don't see any move that the Patriots have made that I think they're really going to absolutely regret. I don't think they cut anyone loose that they can't live without. I don't think that they have retained anyone on this roster that doesn't

Starting point is 00:33:17 deserve a spot. I know some of our listeners and some of our everydayers will have strong opinions on that subject. We encourage you to drop them in the comment section below. As long as they're respectful, we welcome any and all comments. Steve, what can I say? It's been a blast. I thank you for joining us here today, not feeling necessarily your best. Let's put it that way. If there were an injury list, I would have put Steve as today's guest, questionable with an illness and possibly even doubtful, but he's playing here and he is giving it everything he had.

Starting point is 00:33:49 And we appreciate you, my friend, before I let you go, please let everyone know where they can reach out to you, interact with you and what we can look forward to. That's right now, currently marinating, simmering on the stove in La Cucina Balistrari before the next time you join

Starting point is 00:34:05 us here next week, buddy. Well, one thing's for sure. Steve isn't cooking tonight. Now I'm just, you know, I'm getting fighting this flu thing and it's, it's been difficult. And I apologize for coughing so much, but you can't help it. You know, Derek Havens and I will be doing a podcast actually later tonight between 8, 8.30 sometime, and we're going to be doing a lot of the same things

Starting point is 00:34:34 you and I just talked about. We're going to be looking at the roster, the practice squad, things that we liked and maybe, you know, were a little surprised by. But, you know, with Cincinnati coming up next week, now everything is geared towards Cincinnati. We're on to Cincinnati. And that's what we're looking at, you know, between now and next Sunday. Definitely. And you win the prize for being the first to officially use

Starting point is 00:35:07 and appropriately use on to Cincinnati here on Locked On Patriots for the 2024 season. And we are, folks, we are on to Cincinnati. Now the New England Patriots continue to practice, continue to tweak the roster, but soon the time for the talk will be just about over as the Pats hit the practice field to prepare for the Bengals and week one of the NFL season.

Starting point is 00:35:26 And of course, keep it right here on Locked On Patriots because the best is still yet to come. So make sure you're downloading, you're subscribing, and you're following because you are not going to want to miss a single second of the action. On behalf of my good friend, Steve Balistrieri, I am Mike DeBate, reminding all of you to stay safe and to stay well and to be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone, and we'll see you back here again next time on Locked on Patriots.

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