Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - New Pats in New England: Latest Patriots Roster Additions - 8/11/2020

Episode Date: August 11, 2020

The New England Patriots will return to the practice field on Wednesday, August 12, 2020. Within the past few days, the Pats have welcomed some new faces into the fold. Joining host Mike D’Abate to discuss these new additions is fan-favorite Thomas ‘Murph’ Murphy. The duo dissect New England’s acquisitions of cornerback Michael Jackson and running back Lamar Miller, and what it means for the depth charts of each position, respectively. They also provide their thoughts on potential veteran options at the tight end position. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Patriots fans, you are now locked in to the Locked On Patriots Podcast. I'm going to show you how to make a beautiful and beautiful flower. I'm going to use a small flower pot. I'm going to use a small pot Hello to all of you Foxborough faithful. After what was an unexpected three-day weekend, I would like to welcome you back to the Lockdown Patriots podcast, still your daily home for news notes and analysis,

infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Today's episode is brought to you by RockAuto.com. Amazing selection, reliably low prices, all the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you. What is happening, Patriots Nation? Thank you for joining me today here on the pod to kick off yet another week on Locked On Patriots.

My name is Mike DeBate, your host of the Locked On Patriots podcast, which of course is a proud part of the Locked On Podcast Network, your team every day. And folks, because it's your team every day, that means your questions, comments, and feedback always welcomed, greatly appreciated. Feel free to share that feedback anytime by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at M-D-A-B-A-T-E-F-P-C. And of course, while you're

out there saying, how you doing to the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at L-O underscore Patriots. Patriots fans, it has been a busy couple of days in Foxborough. As your beloved football team in New England is about to welcome in some new faces into the Foxborough fold. Yeah, that's right, folks. Football faces, Foxborough fold.

You know I love my alliteration. As a matter of fact, one of Lockdown Patriots' most valued friends and supporters, all the way from West Midlands in the UK, Klazzy one herself, Claire L. Cooper, dubbed me last week on Twitter the Admiral of Alliteration. You know I love it. You know I'm going to use it. I won't overuse it, folks, but it's a safe bet to think that that nickname may come back here around on Locked On Patriots on more than one occasion.

But enough alliteration. Let's talk business. New England Patriots business. And by all accounts, it looks like the Patriots are increasing their roster size by at least four names. Two of which actually have some previous experience here in New England. Both former Patriots practice squatters, defensive tackle Darius Kilgo and center Tyler Gothier, appear to be on their way back to New England. Also, the Patriots raised an eyebrow or two when they signed former Dolphins and Texans running back Lamar Miller. And when healthy, Miller is a very good running back. Keep a sharp eye on this one, folks. Could be one of those under-the-radar moves that the Patriots

make that pay huge dividends. And that could easily describe the other one of those moves that brought the fourth name here to New England. But that one was via trade with the Detroit Lions, the Patriots sending a conditional seventh round pick in 2022 to Detroit to acquire cornerback Michael Jackson. And yeah, folks, I know you're all sitting there waiting for me to make my pop culture reference. Just dying to hear the bad dad joke. Well, folks, I'm going to surprise you.

I'm actually not going to do that. And no, it's not because all of a sudden I got mature over the last couple of days. But the joke I wanted to make was already well made on Twitter by ESPN's Mike Reese. And my hat goes off to Mike, who made a pretty clever reference to the man in the mirror. I'm kind of kicking myself that I didn't think of that first, but again, folks, this is just one of the many reasons why Mike continues to prove he's the best in the business. But Jackson's acquisition is far from just being a punchline, folks. He's a very big physical corner that could add solid depth for the Patriots at one of their deepest

positions already. He also is known to be very versatile, has a lot of special teams prowess, and could play out of position if the Patriots need him to. That could be something to watch during training camp, so as I like to say, keep a sharp eye on Michael Jackson. I told you folks, I'm not going to go there. But one face the Patriots thought they would be welcoming and didn't end up welcoming is that of former New York Jets and Tampa Bay Buccaneers tight end Jordan Leggett. It was widely reported late on Friday that Leggett had come in and worked out for the Patriots. For the next two days, we continued to hear reports that Leggett was likely to sign a deal here in New England, even up until Monday evening. But those reports ended up being negated on Tuesday morning when

ESPN's Field Yates refuted the earlier reports and stated that the 25-year-old Leggett would not become a New England Patriot. And as of the time that we're recording this podcast, the reason for the team's change of plans remains unknown. But even though it won't be Leggett, it's pretty obvious that the Patriots are looking for a veteran tight end to come in and play alongside rookies Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene. I fully expect a veteran to find his way to Foxborough sooner rather than later, but who will that be? Also, should Tyler Gauthier and Darius Kilgo be expected to compete for roster spots in 2020? And despite a tremendous upside of talent, why would the Patriots choose to upgrade at two positions that were arguably considered to be the two deepest on the Patriots

roster? Well folks, here today on the pod, I'll be more than happy to lend my wisdom and counsel on that subject. But if I'm being honest, questions like these deserve answers that are more deep in wisdom and counsel. Maybe a little bit more leaner, meaner, and greener wisdom and counsel. That's right, folks. We're moving them up in the lineup to knock it out of the park once again. The Green King of Sting himself, Thomas Murphy, joins me here today on Locked on Patriots. And we'll take an in-depth dive as to what Michael Jackson will add to the Patriots' defensive backfield. We'll also discuss why we believe the acquisition of Lamar Miller does not toll the bell

for guys like Sonny Michel and Damian Harris. We'll talk a little about the depth on the offensive and defensive lines, and what Darius Kilgo and Tyler Gothier can add to each respective unit. Last but certainly not least, Murph and I will prognosticate on where the Patriots may look for additional tight end help. Is the name they'll add a name we've heard before? Maybe, maybe not. But one thing we do know is that Bill Belichick will continue to do what he feels is best for the football team. Folks, it is always exciting when Murph drops by here to the pod. I for one cannot wait to welcome my good friend here to join me on the microphone and talk some new pats in New England as the Patriots get set to take the practice fields for the first time

starting tomorrow, Wednesday, August 12th. But before Murph joins me here on the pod today, folks, the days continue to tick away here in 2020, and it's been a tumultuous year to say the least. And with summer starting to enter its swan song, now is the perfect time to take to the roadways in your vehicle and get out and enjoy the summer weather while you can. But to do that, you need to make sure that your vehicle is looking and running at its absolute best. And there is nobody better to help you do that than my friends at rockauto.com. Folks, if you're like me and you take the do-it-yourself approach to auto improvement, why would you choose to spend 30%, 50%, even 100% more for the exact same auto parts that you usually find at chain stores and new car dealerships?

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Patriots fans, your beloved football team in Foxborough will return to the practice field tomorrow, August 12th, as we get a look at the potential 2020 incarnation of your New England Patriots. And since our last broadcast, the Patriots have welcomed some new faces into the fold. What kind of impact will they have? Well, folks, my guest today has some wisdom and counsel to lend on this subject. In fact, you might call it some green wisdom and counsel.

That's right, folks. It's that time again. Your favorite and mine, my benefactor in this business, the Count of Murphy, Fisto himself, the legendary Thomas Murphy, is back for his weekly appearance here on Locked On Patriots. Thank you for coming to me in friendship and for joining me today, Don Murph. Always my pleasure, Bart. Always my pleasure. Let's dive into it. As usual, there's absolutely nothing to talk about in Patriot Nation.

Always, always dull. Boy, I tell you, you know, covering this team, being on the Patriots beat or covering them on the periphery, there's just never anything to talk about. They never, ever give anyone any information. Unbelievable, bud. And never a dull moment in Foxborough. And today is definitely that case. So, again, and never a dull moment in Foxborough, and today is definitely that case. So, again, let's hit it.

Murph, the Patriots had approximately about $35 million in surplus, burning a hole in their pocket over the course of the last few days. Now, we all speculated how they might spend that. Some may choose to berate the team for the way they spent, but not me. I think this is the financial way of the New England Patriots. Low risk, potential high reward. But a couple of higher profile acquisitions came at positions that we believe to be positions of strength,

which just goes to show you, you can never have too much firepower. That seems to be how Bill Belichick is operating this year. And let's start there, if you'd like. The team's acquisition of cornerback michael jackson from the detroit lions and surprisingly folks i'm not going to use any pop culture references here we're going to talk business murph i don't want to be starting something damn it you know i just can't help myself but you know what folks we'll stop at one but it opened some eyes and most of us believe that cornerback was going to

be the strongest depth chart on the team I still feel that way but Jackson has some upside without any question he has impressive size great deal of physicality I'd like to see him work on his footwork in his short area quickness a little bit but I think he's going to project as someone that's going to help this team on the perimeter rather than the inside of the formation. Despite that, believe it or not, he still does have some experience playing in the slot from his time in Dallas. Most of his defensive action last preseason came on the inside. Now, New England isn't expected to use him in that way. In fact, buddy, I've seen some that are suggesting that he might be used in a hybrid safety role as well. Bill obviously drew a bead on this guy, and I said to open the show that the Lions had announced on their website

when they were waiving Jackson that the Patriots kind of swooped in before they could officially process that deal and the Patriots traded for him. That ensured that they wouldn't have to wait on a waiver claim, and that leads me to believe that the Patriots were a little bit worried that because they were so low on the priority order, that they wouldn't have the ability to nab this guy. So Bill went out and made that move. In your estimation, my friend, how do you see the Patriots utilizing Jackson? And do you think he has a legitimate shot to make this roster?

Yeah, I do think he has a legitimate shot to make this roster? Yeah, I do think he has a legitimate shot to make this roster only because this defensive backfield is so diverse. And you brought it up already, the fact that this kid could end up being a hybrid safety type linebacker individual. I'm not going to bank on it. I'm not going to make it a surefire lock. I was surprised with the pickup. But with what they did was it sent a, I don't want to say a shockwave through anybody in making this trade. They just didn't want to wait to see if it would happen.

This kid has been around the block a couple of times. There are teams that he's played for that could also use help at that position. And I think throwing a conditional round pick over there just to make sure that he's here in Foxborough and not back in Dallas or somewhere was quite prudent. Yeah, I agree with you. The more I looked at this signing, or i should say the acquisition of a guy like jackson i was surprised uh but i don't think it's again i don't think it's shock waves going through foxborough here or anywhere through the nfl but look this is actually a pretty decent

fit folks even a corner if the patriots use jackson for a depth cornerback piece i don't think anybody's going to be shocked the patriots run one of the most aggressive covered schemes in football. That to me is pretty much due to the fact that their cornerbacks have a great deal of ability when it comes to challenging receivers at the line of scrimmage. We look up and down this roster and that depth chart. Their cornerbacks are among the best in the league, if not the best in the league at doing that. Jackson fits in pretty well with that, considering that when he entered the NFL in 2019, he was coming off a two-year stint at the University of Miami, in which he started, and he was primarily used in press man coverage.

And a couple of NFL analysts that I've read over the weekend and since the Patriots have acquired Jackson are guys like John Ledger to the Draft Network and Dane Brugler of the Athletic. They both had similar things to say. You know, great ball skills, has patience, has a great deal of size, great deal of, you know, physicality. And I think that could really, you know, bode well for him. Again, I think there's some, you know, footwork issues that he may have to, you know, work out maybe a little bit in terms of some of the perimeter play that he has.

That's really where I think he projects best. But as a press man corner in some locations, I think he has the ability to do it. And again, Bill obviously had something in mind when he looked at Jackson. Maybe it is versatility. Maybe it is his ability to be able to play that hybrid safety. Maybe even a linebacker a little bit at times. We've seen defensive backs here in New England do that quite regularly. And then, of course, there's the special teams prowess. He is someone that does have special teams experience.

Bill always loves bringing in guys that can contribute on special teams. So I agree with you. I think he has a legitimate shot to make it. I'm not going to go out on a limb and say that because the Patriots gave up a seventh round conditional pick for him, you know, down the line, that he's a lock to make this roster. I don't think so. I think Bill would be more than happy to walk away from that, you know, if he doesn't see what he figured he wanted to.

But I think there's some upside here, and I think that's why they didn't want to wait for the waiver wire. Bring the kid in. Let's see what he can do, and if he's healthy and buys into the system, then I think he's got a good shot at being able to do some good things here in the Wingland. Another acquisition that caught people off guard a little bit, and this one came yesterday, was the signing of running back Lamar Miller. Now, Murph, I don't think it should be a shock to anybody that the Patriots were eyeing another option at running back Lamar Miller. Now, Murph, I don't think it should be a shock to anybody that the Patriots were eyeing another option at running back, especially after Sonny Michel underwent the offseason foot surgery.

He opened training camp on the pup list. Your main man, Brandon Bolden, opted out of the season due to COVID-19 concerns, so there was a spot available on the depth chart. If Miller is healthy, I think he can be a versatile and potentially high-reward signing. He did miss the 2019 season after tearing his ACL in the Texans' third preseason game against the Cowboys last year. Anytime a running back suffers an ACL injury, you have to be concerned. That has to raise the red flag a little bit.

But I think this is another example of if healthy he can be type of player but this is still a deep depth chart and i've seen some suggest that miller's signing is particularly bad news for sony michelle even for damian harris i don't believe that's the case i think this is a wait and see depth signing but i ask you my friend do you think bringing in a guy like lamar miller makes you question the patriots confidence in Sonny's health or even Damian Harris's ability to shoulder the load at running back this year? No, I really don't. I think that what Bill did was he went out and he filled a roster hole with somebody that is a veteran, somebody that has rushed for a thousand yards in the NFL more than one time.

And he rolled the dice on an exceptional talent, again, at very low money. This is something that happens with great frequency here. And even though some people want us to go out and pay people what he thinks they're really worth. But Bill pays people what he thinks they're worth to the team and what they're going to bring right now. I think Miller was a nice acquisition. I think it fills a hole. And like you said, this all comes down to how his knee is right now. He blew it out and missed the entire season last year. And we all know it takes some time, especially for somebody of Miller's explosiveness to get things back.

We'll bring him in. We'll see what's going on. And if he can add something to this running back room, he does. It's also a veteran presence in there, a guy who comes to work every day has a fantastic work ethic you can ask our good friend Antoine Staley all about him and he'll uh he'll fill you in uh I like Miller I've always liked him um I think he's gonna he's gonna do well here if he's healthy and can stick I like the move it's there's no downside to it at all. Yeah, I agree. I don't think there's any downside to it. And I also don't believe this is an indictment on Sony or an indictment on

Damian Harris. And I think we're like-minded on that. Look, I can understand the argument. I'm not going to sit there and say, oh, well, they're just pulling this out of thin air, or this is just an argument to get either attention or clicks or anything like that on social media. Yeah, clicks or whatever. Look, you look at what Sonyny Michel was able to do. His yards per carry fell last year without any question. He struggled to make defenders miss. He struggled to break tackles.

I think a lot of the elusiveness that I fell in love with when I was scouting this kid, and I was very vocal about Sonny Michel, even as a running back at University of Georgia. I said, this is the type of back that Belichick loves i would like to see this kid in patriot bloom when it actually happened that made me feel a little bit smarter but it also filled me with a lot of optimism because i just love the way this kid ran i haven't seen that that much in sony's game since he's come to the nfl even in a 2018 rookie campaign which he he played pretty well, especially in the playoffs, no one can deny that. But last year's season was a little bit lackluster. So you look at it in terms of what he's been able to do.

You look at some of the injury problems that he's had. And naturally, it goes right to the argument of, well, they brought in Miller because they don't have confidence in Sonny Michel. He can come in and challenge Sonny for the starting job. If all of these guys are healthy, clicking at all cylinders cylinders i still think this is sony's job to lose but maybe that's me being a little bit short-sighted when it comes to lamar miller i'm still a little bit concerned about the acl injury i think that absolutely has an effect on a running back's explosiveness whether they're um you know exhibiting a great deal of talent, a great deal of experience or not. I think this makes him more of a complementary piece.

And at the end of the day, I really do believe that having Lamar Miller on this roster can be a very good thing for the New England Patriots. But I'm not completely sold on the fact that he's coming in here to be the starter. Even at 29 years years old he's still got a lot left in the tank but that injury can hinder you a little bit and i think this is more complimentary than uh a uh a push on a guy like sony or even a guy like damian harris who look for all intents and purposes folks we're high on him you've heard murph myself steve balistrieri's come on several times here and we've talked talked about Harris playing a large role this year. I still believe that's the case, but he's largely untested. And in a year where you're not going to get that type of depth, you're not going to get

that type of prep time, it might be a little bit difficult to say, all right, Damian, you're going to be the guy. You're going to have the mantra put on your back. It's not necessarily a lack of confidence. It might just be a sign of the times in which we live because of the abbreviated offseason. Bringing in a guy like Miller to me makes a lot of sense. So it sounds like we're like-minded when it comes to these two acquisitions.

I'd really like to find something that we don't agree on. I know. We said it the last time. We could just sit here and argue one day. We did. You know what? We did that. Next time, folks could just sit here and argue one day. We did. You know what? We did that. You know what?

Next time, folks, maybe I'll say something disparaging about Bolden. Just to raise the ire. No, I can't even do that. I couldn't. I could never, ever disparage Brandon Bolden. I couldn't. Even if it was just to play with Murph's head, I can't do it. Even in gist.

Absolutely. Even in gist. But, you know, the Patriots, bud, they do have some new faces on their roster heading into this week. We've talked about a couple of them. And who better to welcome these Foxborough freshmen to the fold than a familiar voice? And, Murph, your melodious tones are just that. It's exactly what locked-on Patriots needs each and every week. But in just a moment, my friend, we will continue to discuss some of the latest acquisitions in New England.

And if one of those acquisitions that wasn't might even lead to a bigger upgrade at that very position. Our answer to all of these questions and more when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Pats fans, Thomas Murphy joins me today. And in today's previous segment bud we talked about the patriots acquisitions of michael jackson and lamar miller both at the cornerback and running back positions respectively two areas of depth and strength on the patriots roster but

i've been saying right along and you've been right there with me beating this drum depth along the lines both the offensive line and the defensive line is going to be such a key for any team having success in 2020 and the Patriots made some depth moves there as well over the last couple of days bringing in defensive tackle Darius Kilgo and center Tyler Gauthier both coming back for second tours of duty year they both have previous experience on the Patriots practice squad and again bud the Patriots go with value and familiarity here. But these are areas where I believe teams are going to need to stockpile, not just in New England, all over the league, most notably because I think linemen might be at the highest risk for COVID. And I think depth is going to be needed, whether it's contracting

or whether it's resting guys, keeping them healthy. they're going to need a lot of depth along these lines. Murph, in your estimation, who among these two between Kilgo and Gauthier do you think is going to have the bigger impact this year? And are you surprised that the Patriots brought either one of these guys back? No, I'm not. And we've talked about this at length. This is a season where familiarity is going to be paramount. Coming in and knowing what you need to do and knowing the way an organization is run and what they're expecting of you is something that is going to sway a head coach

or a GM when making these kind of moves. And both of these moves are, I believe, quite smart, quite prudent, and are going to end up helping this team in the long run, even if it's for several snaps. But I think Kilgo will probably play a bigger role. Hopefully he will be playing a bigger role than any need at center. Yeah, I think you're right on that. Especially when it comes to the center position.

Look, I've been very vocal about David Andrews. I was very happy to hear last week when he spoke to the media. I could see that he had spoken to his family he had spoken to his physicians he's confident in his ability to play and i'm not so much squeamish or questioning that any longer i hope for long-term success in that area you definitely don't want to see him regress or be at risk potentially uh for any type of situation that's always a a key concern and look it's a key concern for everybody, but especially knowing what David went through last year,

you just want to see him remain healthy and not develop any complications. That being said, I fully expect him to be healthy and be in the mix this year. But beyond David, you don't have a whole lot of depth at the center position. And I know Dustin Woodard played center at Memphis. He can come in and be a key complementary piece. But Gauthier was a guy that I think bounced around a little bit. He was on the Patriots practice squad last year, came in, showed some signs, some flashes throughout camp. But obviously with the Jaguars, he ended up getting waved by them.

I think it's smart to bring in someone that knows the position, has played in New England before, and has some experience and some youth and durability. Gauthier brings in someone that knows the position, has played in New England before, and has some experience and some youth and durability. Gauthier brings all of that to the table. So I think a good signing there, smart signing by Bill Belichick. Kilgo as well. Here is a guy that came in, has experience in the Patriots system. He's bounced around the league a little bit. He also was with the Jaguars last year, but he's been with the Jaguars, spent time in Houston, Tennessee, Detroit, commonality thread there. He's been with

Patriot coaches, you know, in his recent memory, you talk about Houston with Billy O'Brien, Tennessee with Mike Vrabel, Detroit with Matt Patricia. This is a guy that knows their system can come in and really, I think, add some depth along the defensive line. And Kilgore showed some flashes when he was here on the Patriots practice squad. So all around good signings, I think. And that leads me quite nicely. Yeah. And that leads me quite nicely to my final question for you today, my friend. And that is a signing that a lot of people expected, but kind of had the rug torn torn from under it earlier today. And after hosting free agent tight end Jordan Leggett, formerly with the Jets and the Bucs,

and we've seen him bounce around the league a little bit, the Patriots will not be signing him. This news breaking earlier this morning, according to ESPN's Field Yates. Now, it was widely expected that the Patriots were going to sign Leggett when it came out that they were looking for help with tight end. And we don't yet know, as of our recording at this moment, exactly why they didn't. But we do know that the team is going to look to add depth at the position. Devin Asiasi, Dalton Keene, they're going to nab the top roles. I don't think anybody's surprised by that. But Mike Reese of ESPN brought up a great point specific to Leggett. And this is a good reminder that there is a process that teams go through before finalizing a signing, the visit, the physical, the testing.

This all has to go through. And nothing is official until a contract is signed. Of course, we in New England know that very well. A certain offensive coordinator here is a good example of that. But that's a conversation for another day, my friend. The Patriots clearly have a need here at tight end, and I do believe a veteran will be added. Do you believe there's anyone on your radar right now

that we aren't seeing here, maybe a little bit more high profile, or do you think they're going to continue to bargain shop for depth at the tight end position here as well, now that we know it won't be Jordan Leggett um I I do think that there there are names out there that people would find more high profile but I think would end up coming here on a a friendly deal as as we all like to say around there's camps are just opening um one of the I understand understand that tight end is a position of need on a lot of teams, but it's also a position where a lot of teams are getting younger and stronger and are looking to move on from some older contracts.

Take a look out at the Chargers. I think Virgil Green is a prime candidate to end up not making that squad. They just signed Hunter Henry, who we all wanted here. They threw a franchise tag on him. It's only $10.6 million. Why wouldn't you do that? He's a fantastic talent. But Virgil Green is somebody that could come in here and do a few things.

I would be really, really happy if that happened. Also, the Giants are kind of, you know, a little stacked there. And then, you know, here's a name that not a lot of people are talking about that I'd really love to see come here, and that's Adam Shaheen off the Chicago Bears roster. He hasn't done a lot in his career, but I've always liked his game, and I think he could come in here and do a fine job. That's a good point, and I'm glad that you mentioned Adam Shaheen.

Look, if there's a team that's stacked at the tight end position right now, it's Chicago Bears, folks. I mean, they employ a great number of tight ends on that roster alex barth and i talked a little bit about the bears last week and we talked about the depth they have there and some of those guys that might be uh coming loose and uh i'm glad that you mentioned sheen because i think that that could be an option i'm also glad you mentioned virgil green you know i always have a little bit of a sharp eye on the Chargers. There you go. But when they made the move to bring back Hunter Henry, which I think was a

foregone conclusion, I had pie in the sky hoping that he was going to end up here in the win. Everybody did. We all wanted an Atari for Christmas and it doesn't always happen. Absolutely. It really, really was. That was the pie in the sky hope that the Patriots would be able to bring him in.

But I never believed it for a moment. I always knew that even the Chargers front office knew they had to lock him up long term. And I think that's exactly what they're going to do. But with a guy like Green, again, versatility, someone that can come in, maybe be utilized in a Bill Belichick-type system or a Josh McDaniels offense, maybe a little bit better than he had been in his previous stops. So, folks, just because the name doesn't leap out at the page at you. I got a lot of DMs over the course of the last couple of days. And basically for people that are saying, oh, Leggett is not the guy.

Oh, well, why don't they trade for Nujoku? Well, folks, there's reasons for that. And you're seeing David back off of his trade demands, too. Don't kid yourself. That has a lot to do with the market out there for him. So, folks, don't get enamored with the name. It really doesn't matter in New England. They're going to bring in guys that are going to be able to help players

that you never really believed would be big-time contributors. Kyle Vannoy was beloved and for a number of years and i guarantee you when that acquisition happened there weren't a whole lot other than hardcore patriots fans and media types that raised their eyebrow and said this could pay dividends for the new england patriots a lot of fans that went under the radar so continue to monitor what the patriots do keep a sharp eye as i like to say but don't get enamored with the name because they will bring in a veteran tight end somebody that will be able to help hey duane allen's still out there as well folks i had to mention that for our good friend

chris blackie who wants a touchdown and alan touchdown in a patriots uniform who knows maybe 2020 is such a topsy-turvy year buddy buddy, that it's the year he finally gets it. But, you know, there are options. So, you know, just keep an open mind, folks. And I guess, for lack of a better term, but it's in Bill we trust because we have to trust him at this point. And the track record is better than most people will give him credit for. But you lend your wisdom and counsel like no other. You're always family here at Locked On Patriots.

I thank you for helping me kick off an unexpected short week here on the pod, but, you know, folks, you should already be joining, you should already be following this man and joining us each and every week to hear the great wisdom and counsel that my good buddy Murph brings to the table every week. But if you're a new listener, please follow my good friend, the Count of Murphy Fisto himself on Twitter at TeamMurph207. The columns, including his monster keys. During the season, folks, the season's approaching.

It's always a must-read. It's point-click-learn material. You become a better football fan by reading them. I think you become a better overall person by reading the man's work, but that's just me. And of course, Murph's work is always proudly found on diehardbostonsportsfans.com. Never miss an episode of One Patriots Place,

which next to Lockdown Patriots, of course, is my favorite Patriots podcast. Murph does a great job hosting that with another great mutual friend of ours, Steve Balistrieri. Buddy, what can I say? I'm always honored and humbled by your presence. Thank you again for joining me. We look forward to having you back here next week for your weekly appearance

and lending even more wisdom and counsel and classing up the joint a little bit, if you ask me. Anytime, bud. I'm always happy to be here. Glad you're back on your feet and standing up. Nobody wants to see you lying down. Nobody wants to be here. Glad you're back on your feet and standing up. Nobody wants to see you lying down. Nobody wants to see you. We'll get back together again real soon.

Again, thanks for having me. It's always a blast to come in here and sit down in my locked-on chair and just shoot the breeze with you. Absolutely, my friend. Always my honor. Always my pleasure. Stay safe, stay well, and we'll be talking again next week, bud.

And just like that, Patriots fans, we put a lid on this Tuesday episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast. Will some of the new faces in the fold that Murph and I talked about today be on the field for your New England Patriots when they hit that field for the first official practice of training camp? Well, we won't know for sure until the Patriots take the field, but you can bet that I and my guests all week long will have a lot to say about it starting tomorrow right here on Locked on Patriots. So to make sure that you do not miss a single episode, follow us on Spotify, subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, download Locked on Patriots wherever you get your podcasts.

And don't forget, you can always listen to the Locked on Patriots podcast right on your very own smart device. Simply ask it to play the latest episode of Locked on Patriots. Once again, I'm Mike DeBate. I thank the Count of Murphy, Fisto himself, my good friend Thomas Murphy for his time, his insight, and his weekly appearance here today on the pod. But most of all, I thank you so much for listening and for staying locked into Locked On Patriots. Stay safe, stay well. As always, folks, continue to be the change you wish to see in the world.

Have a great day, everyone.