Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - New Schedule, New Safety...New England Patriots — 5/12/2021

Episode Date: May 12, 2021

The New England Patriots’ 2021 Schedule is reportedly out, and the Pats have some intriguing matchups to which they may look forward. New England opens its season on September 12, hosting the Miami Dolphins, while Tom Brady and the Buccaneers visit Foxboro on October 3. Host Mike D’Abate gives his early thoughts on the reported schedule and welcomes John Miller, host of Locked On Mizzou to help Pats fans get to know new safety Joshuah Bledsoe.Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!Built BarBuilt Bar is a protein bar that tastes like a candy bar. Go to builtbar.com and use promo code “LOCKED15,” and you’ll get 15% off your next order.BetOnline AGThere is only 1 place that has you covered and 1 place we trust. Betonline.ag! Sign up today for a free account at betonline.ag and use that promocode: LOCKEDON for your 50% welcome bonus.Rock AutoAmazing selection. Reliably low prices. All the parts your car will ever need. Visit RockAuto.com and tell them Locked On sent you.NugenixText now, and they’ll include a bottle of Nugenix Thermo, their most powerful fat incinerator ever with key ingredients to help you get back in shape, absolutely free! Text DRAFT to 2-3-1-2-3-1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. You are now locked in to the Lockdown Patriots podcast. It is Wednesday, May 12th, 2021, and it's all about schedule leaks and new safeties here on your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the New England Patriots. Happy Hump Day, Patriots Nation, and thank you for joining me today on this midweek episode

of the pod. 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, your comments, and your feedback are always welcomed and very much appreciated. So by all means, share that feedback, send it to the internet by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at MDABATEFPC. And while you're out there doing some Wednesday wandering through the Twitterverse, please

be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at LO underscore Patriots. Patriots fans, the 2021 NFL schedule may not officially be released until this evening. 8 p.m. Eastern is the official release time, but you and I both know that schedule leaks are as prominent as anything in the NFL. The New England Patriots schedule is pretty much fully known at this point. Started this morning with CBS Sports releasing the opening weekend matchups. The Patriots open the 2021 NFL season Sunday, September 12, 2021 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, hosting old friend Brian Flores and the divisional rival Miami Dolphins.

And this marks the second straight year that the Pats will open up against the Finns. Not a lot of surprise in this one. There were some rumors circulating yesterday that the Pats will open up against the Finns. Not a lot of surprise in this one. There were some rumors circulating yesterday that the Pats might be opening up the season against the Buffalo Bills, but ultimately it's the Miami Dolphins that will be making that trip to Foxborough, meaning that the Patriots will be taking their talents to South Beach later in the season. I know there are a lot of Patriots players in that locker room and a few media members that are pretty happy about that. But as the morning continued to wear on, more scheduled leaks continued to be made available. In week three,

the Patriots would be hosting the New Orleans Saints. A week 13 matchup with the defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills. Yeah, I know, still doesn't sound right to me either, folks, but bottom line, they're still the defending champs. And of course, the matchup we've all been waiting for, the prodigal son returning to Foxborough in week four of the 2021 NFL season. Tom Brady leading his defending Super Bowl championship Buccaneer crew out of Tampa Bay, which also includes former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, by the way, back to the confines of Gillette Stadium in Foxborough on Sunday, October 3rd. Prim time Sunday night football. Certainly no stretch of the imagination to say that this may end up being the most anticipated

regular season game in Patriots history. No doubt that it's going to be the hottest ticket in town. And if Tom Brady coming back to New England as a defending Super Bowl champion isn't enough, think about this for a moment. Former Pats quarterback and current Patriots analyst for 98.5 The Sports Hub, Scott Zolak, dropped a little tidbit, and it was expounded upon by my man Ryan Spagnoli of patspulpit.com, indicated that Tom Brady currently trails Drew Brees by only 1,154 yards for the all-time passing record. If everything goes Tom's way, he could end up breaking this record at Gillette in front

of the very fan base that saw him play all his home games for almost two decades. It would require that Tom throw for approximately 300 yards for each of the first three games he plays. If we're being technical, the average would be about 288 yards on average over three games, but if Tom is able to do that, which is theoretically possible given Tom's prowess and the team around him this would be an amazing story but don't forget there's a flip side to that coin and if you think Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots defense are not going to be well prepared for this game I don't know what to tell you Bill will have his team ready to go Tom will have his team ready to go. Tom will have his team ready to go. This one is the mega powers exploding. This defines the term main event.

And we get it right here in Foxborough, October 3rd, week four. Pats versus Bucks. Brady versus Belichick. The defending Super Bowl champs against the NFL's most dominant dynasty in the past two decades. But also keep in mind that the Patriots do have other opponents on their schedule, not just the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this year. The Bucs game may be the Patriots' toughest individual game, but they have arguably their toughest stretch of the 2021 season during the month of November and into the first week

of December. The Pats have three road games in this span, starting with another potential homecoming, Cam Newton heading back to Carolina to face his former mates on November 7th, a road game against Atlanta on the 18th, and a Monday nighter against the defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills in Orchard Park, New York on December 6th. After that week 13 matchup, the Patriots would finally get a bye in week 14. Yeah, Patriots waiting a while for the bye this time around. But in between those three tough road contests, the Patriots would also host the Cleveland Browns on November 14th, and welcome back Mike Vrabel and the always tough test Tennessee Titans on November 28th. All in all, taking a quick look at the schedule and not

really knowing what these rosters are going to look like, it's tough to come away with an accurate depiction of how many wins the Patriots might get. My early prognostication is that the Patriots are looking at maybe an 11-12 win season here with this schedule. I have a lot of confidence in what this defense is going to be able to do this year. I do think the offense is going to be better with the pieces that they've added. I'm looking for a much better season from Cam Newton in 2021. And based on all of those factors, I would say 11-12 wins is probably a realistic proclamation. Of course, as always, health is the great equalizer,

both for the players that the Patriots have on their roster, and the health of the other teams in the league. Bottom line, the Patriots are looking to improve on a 7-9 record from just one year ago. Don't forget, it's a 17-game schedule now, meaning that a repeat from last year's 7-year win total would mean the Patriots had lost one more game than they played in 2020. Again, judging by my early pass through this schedule, I think it's much more likely that the Patriots take home more than 7 wins. But don't forget, technically, this schedule is not official until 8pm Wednesday evening. So because the ink on the Patriots' 2021 schedule is not existent yet, we'll continue to break down all the

matchups and we'll continue to scratch below the surface when it comes to the Patriots schedule throughout the remainder of this week and into next week. But the schedule isn't the only thing on the agenda here today, folks. Since the 2021 NFL Draft has been put in the books, we've been trying to get to know the new guys. And here today on Locked On Patriots, John Miller, host of the Locked On Mizzou podcast, will be joining me to discuss new Patriots safety Joshua Bledsoe. Joshua was chosen in the sixth round, number 188 overall,

a versatile safety with a lot of special teams prowess. Sounds like a Patriot right off the bat, doesn't it? Well, John will continue to provide additional information and insight that will really give you a high opinion on this kid. The more I study Joshua Bledsoe and his time at Missouri, I love this pick more and more. And I'm confident that John's insight will do the same for you. So an action-packed agenda on the pod today, getting to know the new guy, safety Joshua Bledsoe, the newest member of the Patriots defensive backfield when this Wednesday episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast continues.

But first, Patriots fans, listen up. Nugenix, the number one selling free testosterone booster at GNC, is offering a complimentary bottle to all football fans in America. To get your complimentary bottle of Nugenix Total T, text the word DRAFT, D-R-A-F-T, to 231-231. This unique man-boosting formula is powered by testophen, which helps boost free testosterone and total testosterone levels and increase energy and lean muscle mass. Plus, text now and they'll include a bottle of Nugenix Thermo, their most powerful fat

incinerator ever, with key ingredients to help you get back in shape absolutely free. Text the word DRAFT, D-R-A-F-T, to 231-231. That's DRAFT to 231-231. Message and data rates may apply. Patriots fans, your New England Patriots have always prided themselves on employing a stellar defensive backfield. It's one of the keys to the Pat's success in the secondary, bringing in versatile players that are capable of playing all over the field. And the Patriots, in my opinion, have continued that trend by selecting Missouri safety Joshua Bledsoe at number 188 overall in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Here today to help us get to know the new guy in the Patriots defensive backfield is my colleague John Miller, host of the Locked On Mizzou podcast.

John, thank you so much for joining me today. Welcome to Locked On Patriots. Hey, thanks for having me. Appreciate you inviting me on, Mike. I'm really flattered. Oh, anytime. The pleasure is all mine uh john does great work folks for the lockdown mizzou podcast i highly recommend

checking it out if you're a fan of mizzou uh college athletics whether it be basketball football they always have this covered and joshua bledsoe is a pick john that really i've warmed to more and more the more i look into it and I like the pick right from the get-go he was somebody that I had my eye on when it came to potential Patriots fits and you know him bringing into the system I think is going to be a real hand and glove fit here in New England the reason being is what I said to open our conversation versatility uh Joshua's really been a versatile chess piece on defense for Mizzou throughout his four-year career started 40 of his 43 games real durable and we'll get to his durability in a minute but uh I like the fact that he's been able to appear as a box safety a

free safety he's played some time in slot corner the best trait trait that I think he showed in my scouting of him has been his ability to remember multiple assignments, execute at different spots throughout each game. That's something that's such a key to success in the Patriots system, not only knowing your assignment, but being able to execute your assignment. And especially in the secondary, that's highly valued by Bill Belichick. John, in your opinion, how did Joshua's versatility serve him during his time with Missouri in helping him prepare to become the pro that we believe he can be here in New England? Well, just speaking to your point there, actually, Josh was a linebacker in high school, may have even been recruited as such, wasn't the most highly recruited guy in the world,

ends up flipping to safety at Missouri. And just that former, those linebacker instincts, that experience there, I think you can see it on the field because he's a really good run defender on top of the fact that, yeah, he can play some in the slot too. And I think he's much more apt. His skill set is more suited to covering tight ends and linebackers. But if you saw the Missouri LSU game, by any chance, fourth down, game on the line, game winning play.

Joshua Bledsoe is playing Terrence Marshall in the slot on about the one yard line. They try to out physical Josh at the line of scrimmage, just getting a bump off of him, running a quick out, but Josh hung in there, read the play, knocked it away, won the game. Now, I think that kind of in-the-box play, as I said, it was on the one-yard line, so he's got the advantage of not needing any help behind him. I think that's where he exceeds. Now, if you play him as a free safety, you play him way back in the deep part of the field. I think that may be an area where he could struggle, but like you said, his versatility, the ability to play the run and be a big hitter and cover a

guy like Terrence Marshall, who I believe went on day two of the draft. That's really impressive. Absolutely. Very impressive. And again, you mentioned versatility. I'm glad that you mentioned that almost hybrid linebacker type of mentality that he brings to the safety position. Another guy on this Patriots roster that does the same, a player I know very well, when I covered the Los Angeles Chargers prior to covering the New England Patriots, is Adrian Phillips, someone that did have linebacker experience coming in, played linebacker for the in, played linebacker

for the Patriots this year at various times throughout the season. I say this year, I'm talking 2020. I know 2021 is on the horizon, but he did play a little bit in that role. So in a lot of ways, I can see Joshua coming in and sort of being a blend of what someone like an Adrian Phillips or even a Jalen Mills can bring to the table. That hybrid type safety role where you can play in the box, you can play free, but you can also play that hybrid linebacker or like Jalen play even a little bit of slot corner. So I think he can be a nice addition to this club right now, obviously

anchored by Devin McCourty and Kyle Duggar. They're going to be the primary starters. But the more I look at Joshua Bledsoe on film, the more I like what he can bring to this defense. right now obviously anchored by Devin McCourty and Kyle Duggar. They're going to be the primary starters. But the more I look at Joshua Bledsoe on film, the more I like what he can bring to this defense. John, in New England, late-round defensive backs can struggle to see the field at times. But one of the ways that they can really carve out a niche for themselves is as a core special teamer. We've seen players do that up here a lot,

players like Keon Cross and Nate Ebner, Jonathan Wilhite. They all found ways to stick around as special teamers early on while they tried to make their mark on the defensive backfield. Even if their contributions to the secondary came few and far between early on, special teams is always a place where they could shine. And Joshua has extensive experience in special teams. One of the things that I really believe Bill Belichick kept a sharp eye on when it came to scouting Joshua as one of his potential targets. In your opinion, John, do you think this could tip the scales in his favor as he tries to secure a roster spot? And what type of special teamer is Joshua Bledsoe? And what type of special teamer can he provide the New England Patriots with some help this season?

Certainly, I think he can be on your coverage teams, whether it's punt coverage, kickoff coverage, also rushing on the field goal attempts, point after attempts, that kind of stuff. So, again, I think he's a versatile piece in special teams as well. And you sort of made a mention how Bill Belichick definitely had his eye on that. Well, it seems to me that Joshua is somewhat in the Bill Belichick mold of guys that he likes to draft. You know, a college guy with a lot of experience leadership qualities, you know, he was on the academic honor roll a couple of times, that kind of thing.

It seems like, you know, maybe I'm wrong here. You're the Patriots expert here, but Bill Belichick is sort of tends to tends to go toward that guy. And, and just from my angle, not only do I think, yes, obviously that special teams will help him secure a roster spot, hopefully, but it seems like Belichick, while he struggled maybe at drafting certain positions like wide receiver at times, seems like he's had a pretty good eye for safety. So as a Missouri fan, as a Josh Bledsoe fan, correct me if I'm wrong,

that seemed like a good sign that Belichick was after him and wanted to take him the sixth round. Absolutely. You hit the nail right on the head. And you also hit the nail on the head when it comes to the type of player that Bill Belichick approaches or the type of player that Bill Belichick covets. A smart football IQ-heavy player that is able to come in, learn the system, play his assignment as assigned, and be able to execute it. And in that regard, Joshua Bledsoe does fit the mold very well of what New England loves to do and how they love to implore their defensive backs.

And I think in a lot of ways, that's what makes him such a great fit, not just the versatility that he can bring to the defensive backfield, but also, like you said, coming in on special teams, making immediate contributions on the coverage teams. It's one of the great ways to endear yourself to the Patriots defensive brain trust, especially Bill Belichick, when you know your special teams. He has guys play core positions on there, and in a lot of ways, you know, he makes it a core position on this team, not just the fill-in where players are known as, you know, primarily wide receivers or primarily running backs or primarily defensive backs, linebackers.

Sometimes their specialty is special teams. And in that regard, I think... Yeah, Matthew Plater, right? Absolutely. One of the best to ever do it. A player that I've covered up here now for a couple of years, one the the greatest uh you know special teams captains to be great a special teams captain the Patriots have ever had and in my opinion one of the greatest in NFL history to do what he does uh and I can see some of those leadership capabilities and maybe even a little bit of that uh those budding capabilities in someone like Joshua Bledsoe who again I think can make contributions not just on defense, but also on special teams.

Pats fans, John's insight on Joshua Bledsoe is intriguing, and I know it's piquing your curiosity when it comes to the type of player that he might be in Foxborough. But what about Joshua's durability and approach to the game might just make him an even more welcomed addition here in New England. Conversation with Lockdown Hunter here on the Lockdown Patriots podcast continues. Lockdown listeners, get all the latest news, odds, and info for all of your sporting needs, including Major League Baseball, the NBA, NHL, all of your UFC, MMA action, and of course the NFL with the only place that has you covered, and the only place we trust. BetOnline.

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And John, one of the first concerns that fans and media alike have when it comes to draftees is health. And in that department, I'm happy to report that Joshua Bledsoe has a very good track record, with the exception of a wrist injury that he suffered during the senior bowl pre-draft process. Joshua's injury history is fairly short, fairly uneventful. And I say that with every bit of reference and happiness, you know, for him. And in that regard, I don't think New England has much to worry about when it comes to his physical readiness as he's trying to carve out a role in the team safety group this year. John, first of all, Joshua's durability definitely speaks to his toughness.

It speaks to his savvy. It speaks to his ability to take care of his body. But one thing that I also think that it speaks to is the fact that he's had a great deal of experience. He's played four years at Mizzou, missed virtually no time because of injury. And that means he's out there. He's on the field, taking snaps, seeing it all, not missing time. That does prepare you for a pro gig better than maybe any type of preparedness or film study or anything else that you can have. If you've got on the field

experience, to me, that's the most valuable. Has that experience, that extra experience that Joshua's had on the field helped him round into the player that he's become in your opinion? I think so, without a doubt. I think all the experience, all those reps that he's had for his four years at Missouri was just a huge deal. I mean, you could see it on the field, his instincts, like, you know, I brought up the Terrence Marshall play. There were several times this season where his instincts really stood out. And I think, again, I think that's something that Belichick was attracted to. I mean, I've seen, you know, he has, I've said he has a

tendency if he's, if he has to cover a ton of field, you know, he's given up some touchdowns in his career, some long ones, I'll give you that. But that's why I don't think he profiles as a free safety in the NFL, much more of a strong safety hybrid linebacker type, as we've said before. But again, speaking to his instincts, despite all that, he did lead Missouri in pass breakups each of the last two seasons. I think, if anything, at times he's a little bit too aggressive, maybe trying to make a play, maybe trying to get that big hit in the running game.

But my philosophy is I'll always take the aggressive guy over the guy who's too passive, especially in this game, and especially, as you said, when that aggressive guy has shown to be a really, really durable young man. And ironically and unfortunately, he did get a bit of a wrist injury there during the draft process, but that all seems to be fine. Nothing to worry about long term. It's not like he has a history of soft tissue injuries or something like that. That's the kind of thing I would worry about as a football fan. Yeah, without question. And when you look at Joshua's medical report, contrary to a lot of other medical reports you'll see,

including some on the New England Patriots roster in terms of draftees. Joshua was nearly immaculate. And you mentioned the wrist injury. All indications that we're getting, folks, is that it is nothing to worry about long term. Just kind of one of those freak type accidents that happened. Unfortunately, it did happen to be at the time of the Senior Bowl. But obviously, there was still something that Bill Belichick saw in him.

And we're definitely happy to have Joshua here in New England and a durable player that will be able to withstand the rigors of not only practicing here in New England, but also getting out there and playing on the field each and every week. John, that leads me quite nicely into my last question for you today, and we've talked about Joshua's versatility. We've talked about his ability to contribute on special teams we've even talked about his durability but the thing that really sticks out to me with Joshua Bledsoe and the reason why I believe he's going to be such a good fit here in

New England is his approach to the game in his meetings with the media he's come out and basically said that he has the confidence to do anything the team asks him to do and the willingness to execute it as told. He sounds like a patriot already in that regard. That's something that Bill Belichick instills. He teaches in his players, be willing to do what's best for the team, but also have the confidence that you can go out there and do it. It's not enough to just be willing. You have to have the confidence to be able to make the plays on the field. I see both of these in Joshua Bledsoe, both of these qualities, I should say. In your opinion, having covered him now for the last four years at Mizzou and looking at him now about to embark on his professional career, what type of attitude does

Joshua Bledsoe bring to the Patriots field? What type of attitude does he bring to the Patriots locker room? And what type of pro are the Patriots getting in Joshua Bledsoe? Well, that may be the answer. I think you are getting a pro. Now, we'll have to see if Joshua has the requisite athletic ability, speed, all that kind of stuff to stick in the NFL. But to your point, I think he'll study the game just fine. And now, wasn't it Cardale Jones, the former Ohio State quarterback who famously said, I'll paraphrase here, something like,

they don't give me a scholarship to play school. Well, something like that. Well, fair enough, Cardale. But I will say the fact that joshua has been on the honor roll multiple years it shows the ability to concentrate and study and unfortunately or maybe fortunately depending on your perspective but a lot of football isn't just going out there and throwing the ball around the yard a lot of it is literally studying and burying your face in a computer or a tablet sometime and just figuring out, wait, this receiver, when he does three steps and plants,

he's either going to run one of two or three routes or something like that. Just that kind of next level information, I do think that's something that Joshua picks up on, can pick up on, and will pick up on under the Bill Belichick system. I really do. And I'm also wondering maybe if Patrick Chung's retirement, if maybe that opens up a spot for Josh. I don't know. I think he's an interesting player.

And just one final note I'll give you. Tyree Gillespie, another safety for the Tigers, actually went in the fourth round to the Raiders this year. I think that was largely because Tyree ran a really nice 40-yard dash. And I like Tyree as a player, too, of course. I'm very biased toward the Tigers. But to me, Bledsoe was the better player overall at their time together. So I think New England may have gotten themselves a value in the sixth round.

I would tend to agree with you. And this is coming from someone that also scouted Tyree Gillespie and a longtime guest here, a favorite guest here on Locked On Patriots, my good friend Thomas Murphy, called Tyree Gillespie one of the quote-unquote perfect Patriots that he had on his list. But the more we've looked at Joshua Bledsoe, yeah, the more we've looked at Joshua Bledsoe, the more we've both warmed to him as well. And I think he will make an ideal New England Patriot. And again, for the reasons that you've mentioned, the high football IQ, the ability to read, comprehend, understand the versatility, the special teams prowess, and that attitude and durability that he can bring to the table. Again, he sounds like a Patriot. He looks like a Patriot, and that's why he is a New England Patriot, and no one can tell you that better than Bill Belichick.

John, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy schedule today to come and join me here on Locked On Patriots. Enlighten us on what type of pro the Patriots are getting in Joshua Bledsoe. Look forward to covering this kid for a number of years up here in New England. I think he really is going to be a joy to cover, a joy to watch. And I'm looking forward to seeing how he progresses throughout training camp. And we'd love to have you back on here on Locked On Patriots in the near future to talk about how he's progressing in his pursuit to get a roster spot this year.

In the meantime, stay safe and well. And before I let you go, please let our listeners know where they can find you, where they can find your great work on social media and what you have coming on the horizon for the Mizzou Tigers when it comes to the Locked on Mizzou podcast. Well, frankly, I am just ready and willing to go at any moment's notice when there's some kind of breaking Missouri news. That's kind of how I play this game. And you can find, obviously, my podcast, Locked on Mizzou, on the Odyssey app, Apple Podcasts, follow on Spotify,

and follow me anywhere on social media, just simply at Locked on Mizzou. And, Mike, thanks so much for having me on. I will be more than willing to come back any time, certainly during the preseason, whenever. And, yeah, good luck to Josh Bledsoe. I can't wait to see what he does at the next level. Absolutely. And we can't wait as well.

And we look forward to talking more Josh Bledsoe and more New England Patriots football with you, John, in the near future. And again, once again, I really do appreciate you coming on today. Stay safe and well. Have a great week, my friend. And we'll talk ball with you again soon. Same to you, sir. Just like that, Patriots fans, we are more than halfway through your work week, but we still have

plenty of coverage for your New England Patriots to come. And now that you've listened to today's episode of Locked On Patriots, check out NFL analyst Brian Peacock and former NFL scout Matt Williamson as they host Locked On's Peacock and Williamson every Monday through Friday. Brian and Matt give you the national perspective all around the NFL, covering the latest news and insight on every team, every draft pick, and every move around the NFL. Get your picks, previews, and much more every weekday with the Peacock and Williamson podcast, part of the Locked On Podcast Network.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. And of course, to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action right here on the Locked On Patriots podcast, follow Locked On Patriots on platforms such as the Odyssey app, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure that you are staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank John Miller, my colleague and host of the Locked On Mizzou podcast for his time, his insight, and his appearance today.

But most of all, thank you so much for listening and for continuing to make Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. Until tomorrow, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.