Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - One Clear Voice: Socci Provides Insight on Patriots Training Camp - 8/28/2020

Episode Date: August 28, 2020

New England Patriots’ Training Camp might be a different experience this year. However, the goal remains the same: building the best possible team for the upcoming 2020 season. Joining host Mike D��Abate is the play-by-play voice of the Patriots, Bob Socci, of 98.5 The Sports Hub. Bob provides his first-person account of Patriots Training Camp, including his camp standouts, the team’s most prominent strengths and areas of greatest challenge. Bob also provides his thoughts on the potential of the 2020 Patriots, and his feelings on calling games during the first season of the post-Tom Brady era. 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. Thank football. It is Friday here on the Lockdown Patriots podcast, your daily home for news notes and analysis infused with the occasional opinion on your six-time Super Bowl champions, the

New England Patriots. And thank you all in Patriots Nation for joining me here on the pod today to help close out the week in style. 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, you know that your team every day means that your questions, comments, and feedback are always welcomed and 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 while you're out there giving the weekend nod and 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, today is August 28th, 2020. Counting today, we are just 17 days away from the home opener at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts, the commencement of the 2020 NFL regular season. And on that day, the Patriots will be welcoming quite a few familiar faces.

Kyle Van Nooy, Alandon Roberts, Eric Rowe, and of course their head coach, Brian Flores. And I am talking about the Miami Dolphins. Yes, folks, I'm talking about those Dolphins. The ones that more than marginally disrupted the playoff hopes for your beloved Patriots last year. But 2019 is gone, and 2020 is upon us. And on Friday, the Patriots enter Gillette Stadium for some friendly inter-squad competition, and I will get to that in just a moment. But just a few seconds ago, I alluded to closing out the week in style here on Locked On Patriots. And folks, you know that I'm always honored and humbled by each and every guest that takes

time out of their busy schedule to join me here on Locked On Patriots to talk Patriots football. But when you get to share the microphone on a Friday with the voice of the franchise, oh folks, as Emeril would say, it does kick things up a notch. That's right folks, my guest today is the man who alongside color commentator and former Patriots quarterback Scott Zolak eloquently handles the play-by-play duties for your six-time Super Bowl champions, the voice of the New England Patriots, Bob Sose joins me here today on the pod.

And in addition to being one of the most elite play-by-play voices in the NFL, Bob is also a top-notch journalist, a phenomenal football analyst, and on a personal level, he's one of the classiest, most humble, and most genuine people that you'll meet in this or any walk of life. And Bob not only brings that level of class and eloquence to the pod today, but also that top-notch analysis. He's been present in Foxborough throughout training camp, observing, analyzing, and as I like to say, folks, keeping his

sharp eye on your 2020 New England Patriots. So today, it will be my honor to hear Bob's thoughts on who has stood out to him so far in training camp, whether he believes that a new-look Patriots offense can be an adequate counterpart to a defense that is garnering a lot of praise thus far. I will also ask Bob to join me on a trip into the future aboard that Belichickian DeLorean we like to take out here on Locked On Patriots. Based on his experience in both analyzing and calling the play-by-play for several contending teams, including some championship teams, where does this 2020 New England Patriots

team stack up? And whether it's indeed too early to start predicting both the performance and the fate of your 2020 New England Patriots team stack up? And whether it's indeed too early to start predicting both the performance and the fate of your 2020 New England Patriots? Last but certainly not least, we all know that this will be a new era in Foxborough. And for the first time in nearly 20 years, the New England Patriots will be starting a new quarterback on opening day. How much thought has Bob given to the fact that he will be calling not only the first game,

but also the first season in the post-Tom Brady era in New England? Well, folks, as you can see, an action-packed agenda on today's pod. Sit back, settle in, and I sincerely hope that you enjoy what I have in store for you here today on Locked on Patriots, when the voice of your New England Patriots, Bob Sose, joins me here in just a moment. But I would be remiss if I did not mention that on Friday afternoon, 1 p.m. Eastern to be exact, the New England Patriots took to the Gillette Stadium field. Not the practice fields adjacent to the field, folks. The actual Gillette Stadium field. One squad wearing white, one squad wearing blue,

accompanied by scoreboard graphics and prefab crowd noise, the New England Patriots took to the field for what apparently was going to be an in-stadium scrimmage. Or so we thought. As it became obvious from those in the media in attendance to cover today's action, started to report that the Patriots were mostly in helmets and shorts, though some did have game pants on. Bottom line, folks, no pads, which essentially meant a glorified walkthrough to take place at Gillette Stadium.

And it also should be noted, folks, that this walkthrough is the last time that media will be present at a Patriots practice until after the season begins. And although that walkthrough was actually taking place at the time I'm recording this podcast, details surrounding the action on the field are few and far between. But we do know that quarterbacking the Blue team is Cam Newton, backed up by Brian Lewerke. And some of the notables on Team Blue, especially on defense, include Juwan Bentley, Kyle Duggar, Devin McCourty, JC Jackson, and John Simon. On the offensive side of the ball, offensive lineman Joe Tooney was indeed present.

Now that left arm that he hurt in yesterday's practice was indeed heavily bandaged. So I'll continue to monitor that and bring you the very latest early next week here on Locked On Patriots, but it's a good sign that he was out there nonetheless. Some of the other notables on offense on the Blue Squad were center David Andrews, running backs Sonny Michel and James White, wide receivers Damir Bird, Julian Edelman, Nikhil Harry, and Mohamed Sanu. Wearing the whites were quarterback Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer. Some of the defensive notables for the White Squad included

Stephon Gilmore, Dietrich Wise, Terrence Brooks, Jason McCourty, and making his training camp debut, defensive tackle Bo Allen, sporting a pretty nice ponytail, by the way. Wide receiver Jacoby Myers was present, but wearing a red jersey, meaning that he would not be participating.

Jacoby has definitely been battling something during training camp, and that has kept him out of the last few practices. Not spotted on the field were Chase Winovich, Will Hastings, Cash Malawi, and of course Lamar Miller, who still remains on active pup. And because it was indeed a game simulation or really a glorified walkthrough, there weren't a whole lot of moments for the highlight reel. Some of the notable takeaways from the media contingent that was in attendance, particularly

my guest today, Bob Soce, Evan Lazar of CLNS Media, and Zach Cox of Nessun. They're just a few of the guys that I wanted to call out for providing some excellent coverage throughout camp so far, especially for today's action. Apparently, Patriots quarterbacks coach Jed Fish was calling plays for Team White, while Josh McDaniels was calling plays for Team Blue. But again, this was mostly a simulation of in-game scenarios,

running to the sidelines, getting play calls, calling audibles at the line of scrimmage, even running on and off the field for line changes and some injury subs as well. Apparently, at one point, Brian Hoyer had faked a leg injury so Jarrett Stidham could come in in the middle of a drive. One thing that did catch the eye of a lot on social media was the kicking competition, and I want to credit Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal for doing a great job of breaking down this kicking competition. In the first half of this walkthrough, and this is per Mark's Twitter notes, Nick Folk was two for two. He made a field goal from 50 yards out and another one from 33. Apparently, Justin Rohrwasser also made a 50-yard field goal but then missed a 51-yarder late in the first half. In the second half, Rohrwasser

hit a 33-yard field goal while Folk missed a 48-yarder late in the first half. In the second half, Rohrwasser hit a 33-yard field goal while Folk missed a 48-yarder, and apparently as time was expiring, Rohrwasser missed a 49-yarder, and the simulation ended in a 13-13 tie. Now throughout the weekend, more details will probably come in regarding the walkthrough in terms of what the players thought,

coaches' evaluations, and whether or not playing time, or should I say walkthrough time, has any indication on who might make the final roster. But there is still a lot to be determined before the Patriots put their final product into fruition. And when your 2020 New England Patriots take the field, my guest today, Bob Sose, will have the call on 98.5 The Sports Hub alongside Scott Zolak. And when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues, Bob will join me here on the

hot seat to discuss anything and everything related to your favorite football team from Foxborough. But first, folks, I've said it before and I'll say it again. As Patriots fans, we've all heard the phrase, often imitated, but never duplicated. Six Super Bowl titles in the past 20 years? Yeah, not one other team in the NFL can make that claim. Only the best can provide the best. And the only ones who could provide the best healthy, low calorie and delicious protein bars you know and love are the ones who provided the best in the first place. So prepare your taste buds for wow and make Bilt Bar your go-to protein bar today. No one can do it like they do it. 100% real chocolate, soft, easy to chew,

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Now, in years past, I've had the honor of covering camp in Foxborough. Obviously, this year, the circumstances are different and with good reason. But to help me close out the week here on Locked On Patriots is someone whose eyes and ears have been fixated on Foxborough throughout camp. And his is a voice that I know you will recognize. Since April of 2013, this man has masterfully handled the play-by-play for your New England Patriots. Since joining the Pats broadcast, he and former quarterback Scott Zolak have called so many great and memorable moments, including three Super Bowl championships for the team's flagship radio station, 98.5 The Sports Hub. He is one of the most acclaimed professionals in the business. And on a personal level, and I say this with every bit of sincerity, one of the best guys you will ever meet in this or any industry.

I am beyond honored to welcome my guest, the voice of the New England Patriots, Bob Sose. Bob, thank you so much for joining me today. Welcome back to Locked On Patriots. Mike, thanks for having me. It's great to be back with you, although as you were nearing the end of that introduction with the last line or two, I thought maybe I was mistaken. I thought somebody else was coming on, but I really appreciate the kind words. Oh, no, no question about it. You personify the word class, my friend, in every way, shape, and form. And it's always my honor to join you on the microphone,

talk Patriots football with you, and especially a great way to send us into the weekend here on Locked On Patriots. And Bob, the Patriots are coming off of what has been arguably the most interesting offseason in the team's history. I could use the word tumultuous, but I think that's a bit disingenuous, seeing that we're all adjusting to a new normal in this country. We're doing our best to navigate through a pandemic, to the efforts of so many to help rightfully end systemic racism and oppression in this country.

But times have been strange in New England when it comes to a football standpoint. An early playoff exit to end 2019, the retirement of Dante Skarnecchia, a few key Patriots opting out due to COVID-19 concerns, and of course, several free agent departures, including that of Tom Brady. Bob, it's hard for anyone to imagine, anyone other than Tom leading this team on the field for the fans, for the media. But I have to imagine for you and Zoe as well, who call each and every game, Tom's been a fixture of what you guys have done for a living for so many years now. Before we snap back into the present and talk about this 2020 incarnation, have you given

any thought as to what it might feel like to call your first game in New England in the post-Tom Brady era? You know, Mike, it's interesting, and you might find this hard to believe. I actually think that I paid more attention to that thought and considered the possibility of calling Patriots games without Tom Brady when Tom Brady was still a Patriot. Before his last game, for example, last year against the Titans in the playoffs, as I began to really wonder, you regards to what has taken place with this reckoning on racism and systemic injustice in this country, with the subsequent opt-outs of Patriot players, and even over the last few days with what's taken place nationally out of Wisconsin and the aftershocks in the NBA and what we've heard from Patriot players. That's a part of this context now that I think about the Patriots' situation going into 2020.

But beyond that, too, having been at training camp and having seen Cam Newton and Jarrett Stidham and Brian Hoyer out on the field, I really haven't paid much thought to the reality that we're going to experience when the Patriots take the field for the first time, that they're doing it for the first time since at least the second game of 2008 with Tom Brady, not their quarterback. And of course, he's been the quarterback with exception of that season for every game of every, since he took over for Drew Bledsoe amid the 2001 season. And I'm sure that on that particular day against the Miami Dolphins on September 13th, it's going to seem awfully strange to look out at Gillette Stadium and not see number 12, not to hear, although I don't know if he would take the field in the same way with the music that he always entered the stadium with, trotting down the far sideline,

coming from the tunnel to our broadcast left near the open end of the open corner of Gillette and the lighthouse, of course, moving toward the south end zone of Gillette Stadium, as he always would do in that trot to the corner. And then, of course, erupting with a fist bump since there won't be fans there. Maybe if Tom Brady was still here, he wouldn't be doing that anyway. But it's going to be strange, I'm sure, on that day. But at this point, honestly, again, I thought about it so much, hypothesizing in January, going back to the late days of 2000 and 1920, last season.

But what's it going to – I've watched this guy. I've been so privileged for the last seven seasons. But as I said, he now feels like Cam Newton, Jared Stenum, and Brian Hoyer. And that's to leave out Brian Lewerke, the undrafted free agent. But those three. Those three are likely the three quarterbacks on the depth chart for the Patriots, certainly if they go with three. And I've been so consumed by that competition over the course of the last couple of weeks of training camp that it really hasn't seemed like any one of them is out of place.

And that there is this, you know, specter of the guy who's not there. It's hard to explain. But as I said, you know, repeating myself, maybe I'll think about it more in a couple of weeks. But right now, it's really not present on my mind. And I think you eloquently said that. Look, it's going to be a surreal experience for anyone, whether you cover the team, whether you're a fan of the team, whether you're a hater of the team or just someone that has a wandering eye on the New England Patriots, it's going to be interesting seeing someone else other than number 12 navigating this offense this year. And I will say, I think I speak on behalf of Patriots Nation, that we

definitely have a great voice to guide us through it. Your voice will be the one that Patriots fans are going to be hanging on. And I could not think of a more worthy or a better person to be able to navigate this fan base through what will be a transition other than yourself and Zoe as well. You guys do a tremendous job. And again, I can't even, you know, put into words just how great you guys have done throughout the past few years calling New England Patriots games in some of the greatest settings that we've ever seen. But time does march on in Foxborough, Bob. And as you alluded to, a new quarterback will be taking the snaps. You mentioned Cam and Jarrett

and Brian, both Brian's, Lewerke and Hoyer. Several new faces are also set to take on a larger role on both sides of the ball this year. And you've also alluded to the fact that you've been at Gillette. You've been observing the practice fields. You're watching the evolution of this 2020 Patriots team take place. What have been some of the standout moments for you so far? And other than the quarterbacks, or if it has been the quarterbacks, elaborate on that a little bit.

Which players have caught your sharp eyes, so to speak? Well, I don't know how sharp these eyes are, Mike. Fans who've heard me misidentify players on more than infrequent occasions over the course of the last seven seasons, no. But as I looked out over the practice fields the last couple of weeks, it's been really hard for me to identify what I think will be the personality of this team in terms of whether it's going to be a team like last year.

You saw early on in training camp, this team is going to have a really good defense and that's going to be the strength of this team. And the offense was deficient. Now, I do think that they've tried to address some of the areas on the offense. Having David Andrews back on the offensive line, I think, is a tremendous help. Certainly, the nucleus of that line has looked like themselves, what we've become accustomed to with Andrews flanked by Joe Tooney and Shaq Mason. But as I talk to you today, I'm doing it after a practice in which Joe Tooney seemingly was hurt toward the end, looked like he hurt his left arm or his left hand.

And hopefully that's not serious. And he's back there by the time the audience is listening to this podcast. Isaiah Wynn has looked, I think, like he's moving well at left tackle, and Jermaine Luminor looks like he has the beat on the right tackle spot for the Pats. And other than that, you know, it's going to be different offensively, certainly, particularly with Cam Newton, a quarterback. It brings a different dimension, a different presence. And I think the big story for me of this training camp, which has been reiterated by so many who've been at Gillette the last couple of weeks, is the energy and the presence and the charisma that he brings out on the field. He certainly is a large personality. He's a large man, but a large personality. on both sides of the ball, particularly speed at wide receiver or lack thereof, and developing

some consistent weapons for the Patriots in the passing game, the evolution of the young tight ends. And I think there are promising signs with both of those groups. You know, there are guys like Julian Edelman, you know, who go out there and it's like riding a bike, but at the same time, he's 34 and he's been maintained a little bit more deliberately, cautiously this training camp thus far. And you know when he goes out there in the regular season, he's going to lay his body on the line, and you hope that he's there for the Patriots from game one through game 16, assuming they play the full schedule this year.

Mohamed Sunu is a guy that I think a lot of people expect to have a bounce back year after the ankle injury in his brief stint as a Patriot. And, you know, we're starting to see him and Newton develop a bit of a chemistry, but they're going to have to do some different things, you know, with him, I think, in motion and using him almost as kind of a hybrid, perhaps tight end slash receiver to take advantage of what his strengths are and to avoid, you know, the lack of speed at that particular position in his case in comparison, you know, to some other guys that we've seen here. And then with Nikhil Harry, he's had a good bounce back after missing three practices in

a row and a scheduled day off. He's looked good this particular week, as I've talked to you, but there's still such a long way to go. The running backs are strong. Damian Harris has been one of the real bright spots. Again, not an original thought. It's been an observation by most, if not all, who've been down at Gillette reporting on training camp thus far. Harris has a burst. He's decisive. He hits the hole very quickly. He's got an opportunity now to be more involved in the passing game. He got a great chance to take extra reps because Sonny Michel opened on Pup. He's now playing, but Lamar Miller is still on the Pup list.

So the strength of the team offensively may very well be that stable of running backs with James White being James White, Sonny Michel, who I think has looked fresh coming off the foot of surgery, Damian Harris and Rex Burkhead. That certainly is a very strong group of running backs. And then they said the tight ends are coming along. Devin Asiasi shows some skills, but Dalton Keenan, I think, has improved a lot with what he's done this past weekend. He'll be a guy to expect to move around. Another bright spot for me has been fullback Jacob Johnson. I think we've seen good things from him on the offensive side of the ball. But they need depth on the offensive line. And really, when you get past those three receivers that I mentioned,

it's going to be interesting to see who makes the team and who really has a pronounced role on the team. Gunnar Olszewski's had a very good camp after what appears to be a very good offseason. Bill Belichick has said so. He's moving very well. He looks like he's put on more muscle. He's decisive. He looks like he knows where he has to be. He's got great footwork. The hands have been a bit inconsistent, thus far in training camp. And again, because of his build and the nature of the position he would be slotted for, bad pun intended, again, you get past those first receivers, it's hard to decide, okay, who's the fourth? Is it Gunnar or is he going to be the next guy in line? Does Demir Bird have an opportunity to make an

impact on this team? He's a guy with very good speed, but again, you know, it comes down to roster management and how many guys they go with for that 53-man roster at each position group. If you end up carrying an extra tight end or extra offensive lineman, that could take away from another group. It's going to be fascinating to see how that shapes out. Defensively, the cornerbacks are outstanding. Stephon Gilmore continues to be so impressive

with his ball skills and his strength at the line of scrimmage as a cornerback. And just being a guy who can cover extremely well, I think Jonathan Jones is a very good slot cornerback for this team. And the safety position, you have Devin McCourty and in that mix for the Patrick Chung role, Terrence Brooks, Adrian Phillips, who hasn't been out there as much because of injury, the former Charger, and a couple of young guys. Jawan Williams is getting a lot of looks now at safety, as Mike Giardi of the NFL Network reported today as I talked to you. And Kyle Duggar, second round pick, he's been another early bright spot in camp. He's gotten less reps in teamwork over the course of the last few days. But early on, you could really see the athleticism shine.

And he was a guy who was making a lot of plays on the ball and certainly was earning praise from Bill Belichick because he not only improves from day to day, but from play to play. But the front sevens are concerned. Juwan Bentley is going to be an anchor in that linebacking core if he's healthy. But who's going to be the guy to complement him? Certainly very intrigued by Josh Gucce and certainly Anfernee Jennings, who hasn't been out there as much.

But on the defensive line, I think you've got four guys that are really good for this team with John Simon and Lawrence Guy and Adam Butler. And, you know, then the way Dietrich Wise has played thus far in this training camp or some combination of Wise and Chase Winovich slash Shalit Calhoun. But we haven't seen Bo Allen free agent acquisition yet during this camp. And I think that the front seven is an area that they may very well address even after, you know, training camp closes for think that the front seven is an area that they may very well address even after you know training camp closes for us in the media and and perhaps even after the start of the season

Belichick has made trades in the past particularly in the linebacking core and defensive line during my experience so maybe we see something done in that area and then you know finally as I ramble on when it comes to place kicking they had to bring back Nick Folk and thus far in that competition clearly and maybe not surprisingly given the longevity and success he's had in the league he has been a far more consistent and impressive place kicker well Bob I think I definitely speak for us all when I say that those sharp eyes that you had any questions on, I think they're relatively razor sharp. That type of analysis from in-person analysis and in-person observation is something that does add a new dimension to what we bring here

on Locked on Patriots, and I definitely appreciate it. Anytime someone gives a self-deprecating joke like that, I always love to come back with the Caddyshack line, don't sell yourself short, you're a tremendous slouch. And folks, let the record show, I just called Bob Sose, the voice of the New England Patriots, a tremendous slouch. I may have to retire now. I can't understand a better pinnacle than being able to do that. But no, Bob, I digress and I kid. But we've pined on the Patriots past and Bob has delved into the

Patriots present. But in just a moment, I'm going to ask him to drill down just a little bit deeper. We're going to head into our Belichickian DeLorean, so to speak, and do a bit of future prognostication. What type of Patriots team might we see on the field? Bob's already given some hints on that. Will the offense be better than people think, or will the defense still remain supreme? Also, is it too early to make a prediction on the ceiling for the 2020 New England Patriots? Find out when the Lockdown Patriots podcast continues.

Patriots fans, I have the great pleasure and honor to be joined by the voice of the New England Patriots, Bob Sose. And Bob, you've provided some great thoughts on how the Patriots have looked in camp thus far, the prowess of the defense, the early growing pains of the offense. But today at 1 p.m., the Pats will take to the Gillette Stadium field for a practice scrimmage. And again, folks, at the time Bob and I are recording this, that practice has yet to take place. We do expect to learn some lessons about the team during this scrimmage, but I think we can both agree it won't tell the whole story. So, Bob, as I said in the previous segment, I'm going to ask you to gaze into your Belichickian crystal ball for a moment.

Hop into that Belichickian DeLorean that we like to use to prognosticate the future. see the 2020 New England Patriots, I won't ask for a record prediction, so I'm not going to put you on the hot seat just yet on whether this team is going to win the division or conferences or any type of record prediction of that type. But all of us who cover the team, whether it be as a beat writer or an analyst or on the periphery, we can formulate an idea based on what we see. You've seen several contending teams in the past. Some of them have been championship teams from inception to fruition. When you look at this 2020 incarnation of the Patriots, are you able to spot a ceiling for this team or is it still far too early for that? Yeah, Mike, I think you have to be cautious in any optimism for a number of reasons. And I am cautiously optimistic that this team will be a contender once again, not only to win the AFC East, but to be a factor

in the postseason as well. But by no means do I look at this season the way I have in the past going in, where I strongly felt that, or I felt strongly that the Patriots were going to win the AFC East. Because I do think the Buffalo Bills have earned the respect they've gotten this offseason by going to the playoffs two of the last three years. Given the difficulty the Pats have had with John McDermott's defenses, and as well some of the additions they've made. And they have just about everybody back. And of course, the Patriots, I believe, are next to the Carolina Panthers when it comes to the fewest snaps returning. But either way, they're near the bottom, if not at the bottom, when it comes to the number of snaps played last year or percentage of snaps played who are returning when you factor in trades, free agency, and the opt-outs.

So that's a big factor. And you mentioned the concerns that I had on offense and as well in the front seven of the defense. I do think that some of those concerns could be allayed by the nature in which they play, if Cam Newton is the quarterback you presume and as well the factor that we all know New England has here which is a profound advantage over other teams and that's the presence of Bill Belichick coaching this team that gives them a decided advantage and there's so many variables again this season because of COVID-19 and safety and health, always a factor in the NFL, but perhaps more so in 2020. Because it's not just on-field injuries, but of course, the risk of the virus affecting a team

and sidelining significant numbers or at least important members of a particular team. And getting back to the on-field product for this team and what we will see out there. Again, I think there are things you could do with a quarterback like Newton, assuming he's healthy and assuming that, you know, he is able to do what he's done in Carolina with his legs and his arm and combination that, you know, can help you if you, you can force the defense to account for the quarterback, to account for him in the running game, and have to have an extra defender allocated to him. Well, that gives you a lot of options, perhaps RPOs, which we've seen from other teams in the past. It might free up some guys underneath

as you look to freeze linebackers and safeties. It could give you an advantage in the red zone that you didn't have because of that added dimension of the run pass option, things of that nature. And I think you're going to, because of the offensive line, if the group of five stay healthy, and that's a big if, as we know from last year, and as we know from seasons like 2015, and with the running backs, if they stay healthy, and I think with Ryan Izzo has been a good blocking tight end for this team, what I've seen in and has had a really good camp overall plus the two rookies at that position this is a team that is going to lean in all likelihood it's going to lean heavily on its

running game defensively it's going to be difficult for the Patriots to kind of to duplicate what they did last year I mean that was you know they had record-setting numbers for much of the season but they were doing it against one competition that's far inferior to what they're going to face this year. They're going up against the best schedule in the league coming off of last year, including the two teams that were in the Super Bowl. They play the NFC West, the AFC West. They've got a real gauntlet coming up early in the season,

including, I think, the Dolphins in Week 1, the team that came in here and beat them in Week 17. We really don't know what we're going to get from Miami with the Dolphins adding to their team through free agency, plus the situation with them at quarterback. But for the Patriots, it's a far different schedule, and they've got significant losses to overcome on defense, too. Like I said, the cornerbacks are really good. I think the best cornerback tandem in the league with Gilmore and Jackson. So that maybe gives you an opportunity to scheme some things up front and try to scheme pressure.

But without Jamie Collins, without Dante Hightower, and without Kyle Van Noy in the middle of that defense on that linebacker level or even up on the edge, this is a team that is going to have to make up for a lot of lost pressure a lot of lost play big plays on defense special teams always the strength of the Patriots again I think this year remains someone in question just because of the kicking situation Justin Roelwasser the draft pick out of Marshall has had a very shaky camp in my eyes, and I think the eyes and observations of others too. So if it's Nick Folk, you have a more reliable guy, a veteran guy. But if Roelwasser winds up winning the job,

how's he going to respond to pressure in regular season games if, again, he comes through? So there are a lot of questions about the Patriots going in. I do think, though, if Newton's the quarterback and he's healthy, that he is a guy that certainly, as he did in Carolina, with talent around him on offense that maybe didn't measure up to some of the other teams, even in that own division, he's going to help them win games, particularly with Belichick, and what they can do maybe to overcome some of the other deficiencies

that might exist at the present moment. Yeah, I think in a lot of ways it will be a different season for the New England Patriots, and so much of the analysis that you provided just supports that with some of the difficulties that they may experience on offense, some of the growing pains that they still have to work through on defense. Even though it remains a fairly dominant unit, there are still some question marks and some young players that are going to be called upon to play big roles on the team this year. At the end of the day, Bob, you've seen it several times. I've seen it several times. Bill Belichick and this coaching staff always does the best they possibly can to keep this product, this team prepared for any and all possible scenarios on

the field. Sometimes it's easier to do that than others. This is going to be, this team, prepared for any and all possible scenarios on the field. Sometimes it's easier to do that than others. This is going to be, I think, a tougher season for them to do it, but I have a lot of faith in the preparation that Bill Belichick and the coaching staff are going to put forth, and hopefully it'll lead to a positive result on the field for the Patriots this year. Bob, what can I say? Thank you so much for taking the time out to join me today. I mean it very sincerely when I say that you personify class in every sense of the word, professionally and personally.

I want to personally thank you for all of the support, your support of me and for Locked On Patriots throughout this past year. Folks, catch Bob alongside Scott Zolak for the call each and every Patriots game day on 98.5 The Sports Hub. But in addition, Bob, before I let you go today, if you may, please enlighten our listeners on where they may continue to find the great work that you do throughout the season. Yeah, Mike, I appreciate the opportunity. And you can follow me on Twitter at Bob Soce, S-O-C-C-I.

We have a podcast on 98.5 The Sports Hub, the Gridiron, and beyond, although the title may change. And that usually is posted middle to the end of each week. And that's available on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, and on the 985, the Sports Hub website and app, and I write for the website there as well occasionally. And, you know, just one other thought that I would like to add regarding this coming season and i think the uncertainty the mystery of this season for

so many teams is who will respond to these conditions we're in right now where there's no pre-season games for them where there are no joint practices for them and you know who's going to have the discipline we talked about earlier to to try to mitigate the risks once we get into the season and out of training camp of contracting the virus and having COVID affect a the instability on the roster and all the guys they have lost you know they may have an advantage that is hard to really quantify at this moment but we may find by the end of the season that they had a huge advantage over other teams in these conditions yeah and i think we will see that again the preparedness and the preparation that the patriots coaching staff puts in uh may not even get the credit that it deserves in the national landscape. And that's hard to believe, considering that a lot of people do feel that the Patriots are one of the best prepared teams in the country.

But obviously, the health of the players, the health of everyone, especially you, Zoe, everyone that's connected to the team. I wish you the best to stay safe and stay well this season. We look forward to having you back on Locked On Patriots throughout the season. Bob, once again, always honored and humbled by your presence. Thank you for joining me today and have a great weekend. Hey, Mike, my pleasure. And the same to you and the listeners.

Take care, stay healthy, stay safe. And so, folks, we put a bow on the week that was here on the Locked On Patriots podcast. As always, I sincerely hope that you enjoyed the coverage we provided for you here on the pod this week. And just remember that next week, the countdown toward the Patriots' home opener on September 13th against Miami continues. I will continue to bring you the latest news, notes, and analysis from Foxborough. And much like I was this week, I will continue to be joined by some amazing special guests.

So if you want to ensure that you do not miss a second of next week's action or any episode of Locked on Patriots, please subscribe to us on Apple Podcasts, follow us on Spotify, download Locked on Patriots wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure you're remaining locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank Bob Sose for his time, his insight, and his appearance on today's pod. But most of all, I thank you all so much for listening and for taking the time out each and every day to make Locked On Patriots a part of your daily Patriots coverage.

Stay safe, folks. Stay well. Continue to be the change you wish to see in the world each and every day. Have a great weekend, everyone.