Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - Standouts Standing Tall; Is Cam Still the QB1? — 12/23/2020

Episode Date: December 23, 2020

The New England Patriots are on to 2021. However, there are still two games to be played in 2020...and they will need their standouts to stand tall to end the season on a high note. Joining host Mike D’Abate is Sara Marshall of Full Press Coverage. The duo discuss the Pats bright spots, the struggles of New England’s run defense, and why Cam Newton might still be the Pats’ best option at quarterback in 2020, and beyond.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 “LOCKEDON,” and you’ll get 20% 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. BuiltGoVisit BuiltGO.com and use promo code “LOCKED,” and you’ll get 20% off your next order.BetterHelpI want you to start living a happier life today. As a listener, you’ll get 10% off your first month by visiting our sponsor at BetterHelp.com/LockedOn 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. And today we will be evaluating the standouts that have stood tall 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. Lockdown Patriots is presented today by Pepsi, made for football watching.

This football season continues to be different, and Pepsi is here to get you ready for game day no matter how you watch this season. Pepsi is the refreshment you need to power through game day and become a member of the League of Football Watchers. Because Pepsi isn't made for those who play the game, it's made for those who watch it. Pepsi, made for football watching. Happy Hump Day, made for football. Watching. Happy Hump Day, Patriots Nation.

Today is Wednesday, December 23rd, 2020. Two days until the Christmas holiday. And of course, Wednesday means it is time to turn our attention toward the Buffalo Bills in the Week 16 matchup coming up at Gillette Stadium on Monday, December 28th. 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 are always welcomed and very much appreciated. Feel free to share that feedback anytime 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 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 doing some Wednesday wandering through the Twitterverse, please be sure to follow the Locked On Patriots account as well at L-O underscore Patriots. Patriots Nation, I know we don't want it to be true, but it is. The New England Patriots will indeed miss the playoffs in 2020 and are essentially right now playing out the string. However, there are still two games to go in the 2020 season, and the Patriots have a unique opportunity, especially on Monday,

to maybe play spoiler to the Buffalo Bills. I know, the Buffalo Bills already have clinched the division title. But with the free fall we're currently seeing in Pittsburgh right now, the Patriots have a unique opportunity to spoil the Bills' chances of trying to ascend to that all-important number two seed. Do they have what it takes to take it to the Buffalo Bills? I think they do, but it's going to be very, very difficult. And if you're asking me whether or not I think it's likely, well, I'll get back to you a little later in the week on that.

But if the Patriots want to have any chance of ending 2020 on a high note, they're going to need stout performances from some of their standout players. And today here on the pod, it's my honor to be joined by my friend and colleague Sarah Marshall of Full Press Patriots. Sarah has done an amazing job as a columnist and analyst for Full Press Patriots this year, and each and every week she has an uncanny knack of not only identifying who stood out for the Patriots in every given game, but also gives you spot-on analysis as to why. When Sarah joins me here on the hot seat in just a moment, we will discuss those standout

players. We'll also talk about one of the Patriots' most glaring areas of weakness, and that is their run defense. Last but certainly not least, Sarah has been one of the biggest advocates out there among Patriots media for the concept of Cam Newton to remain quarterback not only for the remainder of the 2020 season, but even beyond. And folks, I think she's onto something here. But I won't steal her thunder.

I'll let Sarah fill you in on that in just a moment. So sit tight and settle in and an action-packed agenda here on today's pod as we wind down a short holiday week here on Locked On Patriots. But don't forget tomorrow is Crossover Thursday, and I'll be crossing the streams with my good friend Joe Marino of Locked On Bills. So a special Christmas Eve Crossover Thursday coming at you tomorrow here on the pod. And of course, don't forget, in observance of the Friday Christmas holiday, we'll have the day off here on Locked On Patriots, but fear not, we'll be back at you bright and

early Monday morning to get you ready for Monday Night Football as the Patriots host the Buffalo Bills on the 28th. But today here on the pod, before I bring in Sarah Marshall to join us on the hot seat, the Patriots have made some logistical news. And despite two weeks remaining before the end of the 2020 season, they already know that one of their assistant coaches will not be back next year. Field Yates and Adam Schefter of ESPN were the first to report that current Patriots quarterbacks coach Jed Fish will indeed leave the organization to take over as the new head coach at the University of Arizona.

Now, Jed officially joined the team in January, shortly after the Patriots wildcard playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans. He wasn't given an official title upon joining the organization, but it was later announced that he would serve as the team's quarterback coach, and he has done so this year, taking over for Josh McDaniels. McDaniels had worn two hats under the Tom Brady era as quarterback's coach and, of course, offensive coordinator. Now, some of you may be looking at this and saying,

no big loss, the position struggled this year in year one of the post-Tom Brady era, but that really doesn't tell the whole story. Jed Fish is not solely responsible for those struggles. The quarterbacks themselves, whether it be Cam Newton or Jarrett Stidham or Brian Hoyer, have not performed up to their level of standards. The pass catchers have struggled, and of course, you can't dismiss the fact that the Patriots did not have a traditional offseason with workouts and preseason games. So before looking at the lack of production the quarterback position may have brought into England this year, don't be so quick to blame Jed Fish for the whole thing. Apparently, Arizona liked what they saw in him a lot.

They brought him in for an interview on Monday night. Just two days later, he's being named their head coach. Now, the loss of assistant coaches isn't exactly unfamiliar territory for the Patriots. This past offseason, they lost two key members of that coaching staff. Dante Skarnecchia retired as coach of the offensive line. Joe Judge departed as special teams coordinator. He's now coaching the New York Giants. And don't misconstrue what I'm saying here.

I'm not putting Jed Fish on the level of either Dante Skarnecchia or even Joe Judge. The Patriots are usually well-equipped to be able to handle departures like this, and they can definitely backfill the position. If all else fails, they could always go with Josh McDaniels and have him wear two hats again. Here's the problem. Josh isn't getting any younger, and he's had some bloom come off the rose this year. If, in fact, he's offered a head coach's position in the offseason, it may be difficult for Josh to turn it down. We all know that Josh McDaniels wants to be a head coach in the NFL once again. And if, in fact fact Josh leaves, that could

present a little bit of a problem because you had to figure that the Patriots would have considered Jed Fish as a possibility to ascend to the offensive coordinator position. That would mean that the Patriots are without a quarterback's coach and an offensive coordinator. Not exactly an ideal situation for a new quarterback to come into, especially if that new quarterback is a rookie. So Jed Fish's departure and how the Patriots approach it might be worth keeping a sharp eye on, folks. Again, way too early. It's pure speculation at this point, but this could make for a pretty interesting offseason

story, especially if Josh McDaniels starts interviewing for vacant head coaches positions. But whether the Patriots have a familiar face or a brand new face calling plays in 2021, on the offensive side of the ball that is, who will be the one taking snaps and executing those plays? Well, my full-press Patriots colleague Sarah Marshall will join me here on the hot seat in just a moment and we'll talk Cam Newton and the potential future of that quarterback position alongside her insight when it comes to the standout performers for the New England Patriots in 2020 when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. But first, Locked On listeners, are we ready for some football?

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I have the pleasure of welcoming a true rising star in Patriots coverage and in sports media in general. She covers the Patriots for full press coverage, Patriots, and her weekly column on New England standouts. Folks, for lack of a better term, truly stands out above the rest. Folks, I can tell you, hers is a name you will not forget. Sorry, all. It's the holidays. My dad jokes are in full effect. I know. My apologies to all of you for that. Sarah Marshall joins me here today on the pod. Sarah, thank you so much for joining me and for welcoming two locked-on

Patriots today. Thank you so much for having me. I'm excited to be here. Oh, anytime. It's always our pleasure, always my pleasure to welcome in great knowledge and great coverage of the New England Patriots. And yours this year has been second to none. As I said to open the show, each week your standouts column for full press coverage. It's one of my favorite reads and it hasn't been easy to find the silver linings let's face it sarah it what has been a very difficult season here in patriots nation but you do it and you do it well and with a style that's all your own and one of the big reasons why i wanted to ask you on the pod today was to expand upon that a little bit now despite what a certain section of Patriots social media will tell you, there have been

some standouts this year in New England. I've been vocal about some of them here on the pod. Jake Bailey might have just been their MVP this year. Steve and Murph and I talked about that throughout the week so far. Matthew Slater, still the gold standard of special teams. I'm going to give a little love to my man, Adrian Phillips, who incidentally, folks, became the first Patriots defensive back-to-notch 100 tackles in a season since Rodney Harrison did it in 2004.

But you've done an amazing job of highlighting the bright spots throughout the season. Sarah, who have been your Patriots standouts in 2020? And do you see those standouts continuing that trend in 2021? Well, I would have to agree, especially with special teams of you mentioning Bailey and Slater. It's good to have with such an inconsistent season, which is something I have mentioned quite a lot in my articles each week. It's good to have the special teams be something that's been pretty consistent all year. With a rough start with Nick Folk, it's good to see since he hasn't missed a kick since week two.

So with all of those struggles that they had last season with Gostowski and his injury and bringing in a new kicker, what felt like every single week, I would say special teams for sure deserves the biggest MVP award this season. I would say special teams for sure deserves the biggest MVP award this. I also had predicted that JC Jackson would have a big season before the season started. And of

course, we've seen he's have what 810 interceptions now. So that's been good, especially with Gilmore being injured and missing a couple weeks. And now he has suffered a knee injury. And I don't know. I think they said that he was going to miss the rest of the season. That gives him another opportunity to, you know, grab some interceptions, I guess. And another one that I think is huge is Damian Harris because we didn't get to see much of him last year at all and Sony started the season as running back number one but Harris has really

stepped up and I think in a way that a lot of people weren't expecting and then with Rex who was having a career season getting injured it it's been good, I think, to see Harris step up. And then Sony step up in Harris's absence. So I think those, I mean, Adrian Phillips, I have a soft spot for him, just like you do. And he's been a great addition to the team. I think he's been probably the best signing from this past offseason for the 2020 team. Yeah, without question. Adrian is a guy that I had a chance to cover when I was on the Chargers beat and just a

player that I always thought would make a great Patriot. When he finally became one this year, it really filled me with joy, really and truly did, because I knew the Patriots would be the best spot to utilize his strengths, not just with special teams, which is what he was primarily known for when he played for the Chargers, but also that Swiss Army knife way that he attacks the defense. He can be that hybrid linebacker. He can be that defensive back that plays into coverage. 100 plus tackles in the season is not an easy task.

Obviously, it hasn't been done since 2004, and Rodney did it, and we all know how great he was here in New England it was great to see him be able to do uh you know the great things that I thought he could do this year but I agree with you on Harris one of the great bright spots of the Patriots this year really stepped it up when Sony was injured when Rex went down Damian's really been arguably probably their their uh offensive darling this year and for good cause he really has been one of the better bright spots uh the offensive line as well uh michael waynew as a rookie has come in really played as well uh as anyone could have expected and really i think has played his way

into the future on this offensive line and of course you mentioned jc jackson really emerging as what could end up being cornerback one, especially with Stefan Gilmore going down with a partially toured quadriceps. His 2020 season is done, but indications are he'll be ready for 2021. Whether that's in a Patriots uniform or not may be a conversation for another day. Yeah, this offseason is going to be one to watch for sure. It truly will.

It absolutely will. And the Patriots have a lot of questions and one of those questions um that will exist is the patriots ability to fill some of the defensive holes that they have and sarah it's the holiday season you know we try to spread as much hope and good cheer as possible but the patriots have had some woeful moments on defense especially the last couple of weeks and uh i know how everyone is so quick to hop on how bad the offense is. And I think that actually is more of a reactionary take than a true analysis. And I'm sure we're going to get into Cam and the offense in just a bit.

But the Patriots defense, I think, has been exposed over the past couple of weeks. And I've talked about that several times here on the pod mostly the run defense which has been virtually non-existent uh since really the chargers game a few weeks ago you wrote about this earlier in the week and i think you pointed out so well how miami was still able to run the ball even though everyone including the patriots knew that miami was going to run the ball they were depleted with the offensive skill position players, pass catchers. They knew they were going to run the ball and the Patriots still couldn't stop it. And they allowed 250 yards on the ground. Now I've said a couple of times here that the Pats are not defending the run well for two reasons. One, I think is a lack of presence in the middle of the defensive line. They just don't have that traditional nose tackle that allows them to

stuff the run and allow the edge rushers to be able to get into position. The Patriots are not setting the edge well. Obviously, they're going to fix this in the offseason, or they're going to try to fix it in the offseason, but Sarah, based on what you've seen, is there anything that the Patriots can do to begin fixing this within the next couple of games? Well, I'm really hoping to see more of Winovich and Uche because they have been, when we've seen the pairing in, you know, little spots in the game, they've been really great. They've been able to apply a lot of pressure to the quarterback. And I feel like we haven't seen that as much the last couple of weeks. So if they can somehow

incorporate that more, I think that would be good. The problem is now too, is that there's more injuries to the line. So how they're going to be able to overcome that on top of the issues that they're already facing, that is going to be something to watch for sure. Especially with the bills. they last time that they met and at the beginning of November they rushed for I think 190 yards so it's another game that's going to be difficult for them if if they're going to allow the team to essentially just run right through them all game long great points absolutely great points and I'm so glad that you mentioned buffalo who comes into this game with a two-headed rushing monster at least they were the last time the patriots faced

them zach moss really ran all over them and devin singletary is actually running much better now than he did when the patriots faced them you know back in earlier this season so that's going to be very difficult to contain you mentioned the injuries to the line John Simon may not be able to go in this game coming up does that affect the way that the Patriots are able to set the edge John has done a very good job all season long of doing that but he looked a little out of sorts in the last couple of games and obviously going down with the injury is not a good sign I'm in total agreement with you on Chase Winovich and Josh Uche they're being used in situational pass rush but I think they really should get some playing time. I think it's time to see what these kids can do in tandem with each other.

Obviously, Uche with a rookie, Winovich is a second year, but these guys really have a good synergy. Those days together in Michigan really had an impact on both of these players. And I think we deserve at least an opportunity or the Patriots really deserve an opportunity to see what these kids can do. And maybe they might do a better job in setting the rush. They are going to get beat because they're young and they're not hitting the gaps as well as they should, particularly Chase. A lot of people, I think on Sunday were upset that we didn't see more Chase Winovich. He was in the lineup early on trying to go in to stuff the run. He was getting beat routinely. And I think that's one of the reasons

why you saw Bill maybe back off. But that's really the way to see what these kids can do. Trial by fire at this point with the Patriots out of contention. And it just doesn't sound right, Sarah, does it? It doesn't sound right to say that the Patriots are not going to be in the playoff hunt this year. We're not used to that. And it's a bitter pill to swallow without any question. Yeah. And see, for me, I, I, I am kind of a weird fan, I guess this is what most people get from me is I'm a very optimistic person when it comes to football, not so much in my real life, if I'm being honest, but when it comes to the Patriots, I try to be very optimistic. But I also try to bring my expectations to reality. So I didn't come into this season thinking that they were

just going to be a super dominant team and that we were definitely going to get into the playoffs. So I understand everyone's disappointment. I'm, of course, disappointed as well. But I think that I kind of was already in that mindset where this season was going to be however this season was going to go. So I was willing to accept it no matter what. So I think I'm just dealing with missing the playoffs a little bit better than most. And see, that type of level-headed approach and that type of level-headed approach and that type of level-headed

attitude is exactly what endears me to your writing and endears so many of our listeners in Patriots Nation to your writing because you keep it real, you keep it honest, and you keep it objective. And I think that's something that is sorely missed in a lot of sports media, not just in Patriots media, but sports media in general. And that's why I think you truly are a rising star in this business. And it's my honor to be able to share the microphone with you today. And we're not done yet, folks, because Sarah and I have talked standouts and defensive swoons, but the most polarizing topic in Patriots Nation right now, yeah, folks, we all know what it is.

It's the future of the quarterback position, both in the immediate and in the long term. Is Cam Newton, despite a subpar year, still the best option to start for this team to close out 2020? And might he just be their best option in 2021? Well, Sarah Marshall gives her opinion on this and more when the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Locked On listeners, Wednesdays on Locked On Patriots podcast continues. Locked On listeners, Wednesdays on Locked On NFL, take a dive into the future of your favorite NFL franchises.

Tony Wiggins and James Rapian are joined every week by a Locked On draft expert to talk prospects in the upcoming draft and young NFL players fresh in the league. Did your team have a big rookie performance this week? Or are they shaping up to have a premier draft pick in the 2021 NFL draft? Get everything you need on Wednesdays here on Locked on NFL. Subscribe to Locked on NFL wherever you get your podcasts. Pat's fan Sarah Marshall of Full Press Coverage Patriots joins me here on the pod today.

And Sarah, the status of Cam Newton as the quarterback of the New England Patriots continues to be the most polarizing topic in the New England fan base and in the media. And I've yet to run into anyone that doesn't like Cam personally. I mean, you can't help but admire his accountability, his likability, his positivity. It really is infectious. And I really hope that most Patriots fans are at least rooting for him to succeed based on that. The results on the field are obviously not what Patriots fans had hoped for, or maybe even expected, especially when you take under account that he's thrown five touchdowns this year and the Patriots have not scored a touchdown of any

kind in the past two weeks. Now, Sarah, you and I both know that these offensive problems go much deeper than Cam Newton. It's not just about him. But the quarterback is going to be in the crosshairs, whether it's deserved or whether it's not. It's just the nature of the position. It's the most high profile. It's the marquee position in all of sports.

So he's going to get the lion's share of the credit and the lion's share of the blame. Sarah, you've been one of Cam's biggest advocates in Patriots media this year. And if I'm being honest, with good reason, I think you've made some great arguments. But in your opinion, do you believe that Cam is the best fit for this team, both in the short term to close out 2020 and in 2021? Well, for short term, I think that's kind of up in the air. I'm totally for cam finishing the season

he started the season belichick awarded him the starting job against stidham before the season began so i would not be surprised at all if belichick just keeps that going um it doesn't seem like the team is necessarily super behind or excited about Stidham. I know that we haven't seen a lot from him in actual competition, but I mean, even against Kansas City, he was the backup to Hoyer for the starting job. So it's a little tricky to understand how they feel about him. So I think if they do give the starting job this week or even next week to Stidham, then that might say a little bit more how they feel about him. But I'm all for Cam finishing the season just so that he has that full season.

I am definitely on Team Cam for 2021, and I know that's not a super popular answer. But I do think that if you look at the quarterbacks that are going to free agency, there's not a lot there. And I don't necessarily think that there's anyone that they could pick up that could do better than Cam next year. I don't even think there was anybody available this season that would do better than Cam. Maybe some statistics wise, they would be a little bit better. But as far as winning games, I don't see it. So I do think that having Cam next season, having one year under his belt, maybe drafting some players or bringing some in from free agency that would shine with him would be the best option because having a rookie come in is not,

you're not going to succeed much with a rookie. There's not a lot of times that you see a rookie drafted and they just come in and are stellar. It's especially in the Patriots where it's historically difficult to learn the playbook and all of that. And like I said, I don't see a lot of star power in the free agency market. So I think Cam's just the best option. And they should just try and build around him bring in some more receivers figure out what they're doing at the tight end position and um see what's happening with rex

burkhead i i know that he's injured i don't know that he'll be back for 2021 but luckily the back field looks pretty okay like looks pretty good with harris tony so i would agree with you and i know that probably is going to anger some people listening to this, but I do agree with you that Cam may be their best fit in 2021. Look, folks, this is not based on a personal like for Cam. I mean, we can like a player, we can definitely root on a player, but if you don't feel that he's going to be the best fit for you in terms of putting the best type of product that you can put on the field then you have to be delusional just to go in that direction for those

reasons here's why i think cam is going to be the best fit and you touched upon this very nicely sarah so i'm just going to echo what you've said this is going to be a very interesting offseason for the patriots they really have to make the right move here in terms of how they're going to move forward with this rebuild. Is it a true rebuild? Are they tearing down the wall and then going to build it back up completely? Or are they going to build on a strong foundation and be able to build on that for the future? If you're going to do that, then you have to make sure that the quarterback that you

put in place in 2021 is either going to be the guy for the foreseeable future, or it's going to be a bridge quarterback leading you to that guy. I think by the options, like you said, in free agency or via trade, whether it be Dak Prescott, whether it be Matt Stafford, whether it be Matt Ryan, we've all heard the names. Nobody knows for sure whether any of those players are actually going to be available, but Patriots fans are going to speculate. We've heard Jimmy Garoppolo. We don't know if that's going to be the case. I think he's still going to end up in San Francisco.

I don't see Jimmy leaving there, but a lot of people do, and a lot of people want to prognosticate on that. The draft is going to be interesting because I don't think the players that could make that type of franchise-changing move for the Patriots are going to be available when they go to pick. I think you're looking at obviously Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields being the top names, but even names like Zach Wilson, who had an amazing game for BYU last night, Mac Jones out of Alabama, Kyle Trask coming out of Florida. This is going to be a quarterback hungry draft. And I think a lot of teams are going to be lining up for these guys. If the Patriots are picking in that 15, 16, 17 area,

then it's going to be tough for them to be able to grab one of these guys. So the Patriots face a very difficult task, and if they're looking for a bridge quarterback, I think it's tough to make the argument that a guy like Cam Newton, who knows the system, might be better off with a full arsenal of off-season training regimens, meaning a full OTA, full mini camps, a full training camp with preseason games, might be able to round into form a little bit better, and maybe even with a little bit better and maybe even with a little bit uh you know more uh from it ability in the past catching option i think may give him the best opportunity so yeah we we might be in the

minority here sarah but i think we're on to something and i like to think that uh you know especially with uh some of the difficulties that uh that you get with pushback in in terms of thinking cam may be your best option. Um, it, some may call it by default, but ultimately I still think there's, there's something there to bite on. Uh, there are flashes of him being able to make these throws. Um, and, and I just think that he deserves an opportunity to be able to show his prowess, uh, you know, with a full arsenal and a full ability to be able to come in and know the system, maybe a year under his belt, maybe the best thing for him. Yeah, exactly.

And I think that people forget to all of the things that have impacted this season. And just because it hasn't impacted another team the same way doesn't mean, you know, it doesn't disregard all of the outside things that happened. I also feel that if any quarterback had come into the same situation that Cam has, I don't really see any of them being put into a better situation at all. I don't know that Cam was necessarily set up for success this season, whether that's his own doing or the Patriots itself.

But we also can't forget that he got COVID and we don't know the long-term effects of that. He already talked about having brain fog. We heard Miles Garrett, for instance, talk about dealing with some issues after his game on Sunday. So it's possible that that's the type of thing that are still going on with Cam. And even this is still going on with Cam. And even this is another point I just remembered. He also talked about not being able to bond properly with the team and having those, you know, moments outside of the facility.

So I think a lot of things have gone into this season and it's not just very cut and dry. It's not, oh oh cam sucks and the team doesn't you know i i just think that people are kind of cherry picking a little bit and we just have to be as i like to say realistic about everything that affected this season so well said so well said and as always i like to to quote Aristotle and say virtue lies in the middle. Folks, we're not denying that Cam has struggled. He has hurt the offense this year at times. There are some instances where poor timing has been the culprit.

Some of the times where he isn't maximizing his opportunities, meaning that maybe some wide receivers have been what's considered NFL open. There's no denying. There's definitely film proof. I've broken it down. Several analysts have broken it down. So we're not arguing that this is the case and that Cam deserves no blame for what's going on. But at the same time, he has made several good throws. We saw him make several good throws against the Dolphins. We've seen him make plays. I thought one of the best of the weekend was where he shook defenders, was able to extend the play, and then found James White, who found himself getting open. This type of argument

about separation and things of that nature, I think are far overblown. Maybe some consistency and maybe some synergy and time being able to work with his pass catchers may be able to help it out. But I agree with you. If you're going to move move on from cam you better have a very good reason to do it and i don't know if jared stidham i don't know if anybody else out there on the free agent or trade market or anybody available via the draft where the patriots are picking give you a better option to win in 2021 than cam newton so maybe we'll see we'll see what happens and i I think you're right on Stidham as well. If the Patriots don't go to him over the course of these next couple of weeks, that may give you a good indication as to what the Patriots are thinking when it comes to Jarrett. So Sarah, thank you for talking us all off the ledge. And I really want to give you a lot of credit because

you've been consistent in your takes on Cam all year. That's something I can't say about a lot of journalists and analysts, but you stand by your convictions. And that's something that I believe is, again, sorely missed and something I commend you for. We'll end on an, oh, you're very welcome. We'll end today on, I guess I'd like to say I end on a high note, but I don't know if this is going to be a high note. Patriots taking on the Buffalo Bills Monday night in Foxborough and the Bills are definitely smelling blood in the water I was a little more optimistic about this game before the Pittsburgh Steelers dropped that contest to the Cincinnati Bengals I was wondering at that point if the Buffalo Bills might see this as just an also ran game nothing really to gain were they

going to rest some starters keep everybody healthy but all of a sudden the buffalo bills now smell the blood in the water they can see that number two seed that they could grab if pittsburgh continues to falter and buffalo continues to win so they're going to be coming into foxborough pretty hyped up uh the patriots are not used to playing spoiler but they do have a chance to marginally disrupt the bill's quest to become the number two seed in the playoffs. Patriots always play with a lot of pride, but they're overmatched against Buffalo this year. It pains me to say that, but they are. What are your thoughts on the Pats' chances in this one,

and can you see them being able to maybe ruin Buffalo's party of trying to advance further in their seeding for the playoffs? You know, I'm kind of teetering in the middle about how I think this game is going to go. If we base it off of how their game went on the November 1st, we, the Patriots were basically a fumble away from winning, if not tying the game. So it's, it's hard when you take that game, you think, okay, it's totally possible. It's a home game. It's been almost two months since they last played. Of course they have a chance because they were very close the last time, but the bills

are on a hot streak right now. And now that there's all of this excitement about them winning the AFC East. And, you know, if they, if they beat the Patriots this weekend, it's putting the nail in the coffin that they finally beat them twice in a season and however long. So I'm kind of feeling like it's probably going to be a Bill's victory. And I would like to think that Patriots fans shouldn't be too disappointed. The bills are on a rampage right now. So with our season ending,

us losing is not that big of a deal. But yeah, I just see the Bills just probably, I don't want to say it, but I feel like they might dominate a little bit. As much as it pains me to agree with you, I do agree with you. I think Buffalo right now, again, they're smelling a little blood in the water. They're going to be ready to go in this one. But, you know, bottom line, putting emotions aside, because you can only play so much based on that. Buffalo is just a tough matchup for the Patriots at this point.

They're running the ball well. That defense is rounding into form. The Patriots are predicated on running the ball well. That's their bread and butter of their defense. Matt Milano coming back at linebacker has allowed them to be able to set the edge, fill the box, stuff the run. And because of that, I think the Patriots are just going to have difficulty trying to pass on this secondary. That, again, is one of the better secondaries in the league. They've got very good corners, very good safeties, just a bad matchup at a bad time

of year for the Patriots. So I agree with you. I think it's going to be a tough one, but Hey, who knows? Maybe we can ruin the Buffalo party a little bit and have them tear down that, that billboard that right now is in Foxborough with the bills saying that they got the best fans in football. Maybe the Patriots can ruin that a little bit. We'll, we'll, we'll try to take the little victories where we can, Sarah. Yeah, I would really be okay with that. What can I say? Thank you so much for taking time out of your schedule to join me here on Locked On Patriots.

This was a blast. We look forward to having you back here. Before I let you go, please let our listeners know where they can find you on social media, where they can always find your great work, and what we can look forward to coming up in the days ahead as we round out the Patriots season here in 2020. Well, I have changed my Twitter handle. So if anyone hasn't noticed, it is now SmarshXO. So S-M-A-R-S-H-X-O. So you can find me on Twitter.

I'm always on Twitter. I'm always on Twitter. I'm actually talking during games. I used to never tweet or talk to anybody during games because I am very superstitious. So come and interact with me on Twitter during games. And then I'm hoping that I can continue writing with you guys. And I have a couple ideas for things that I want to write about in the future. Maybe an article about why I think CAM is the best option in 2021.

So I can get all my thoughts down. And I'm hoping to do more podcasts. So hopefully I can come and be with you again. And hopefully people like that. Well, I can tell you definitely from a lockdown standpoint, you will absolutely be back here on the airwaves again. This was a blast and I look forward to doing it again. And I don't like to pull executive rank on my good friend and co-host Ian Glendon,

but I think I speak for him as well, that you have a home at Full Press as long as you want to. So as long as you continue to want to generate content for us, we are happy to have you. And like I said, folks, definitely be sure to follow Sarah on social media. Her game interactions are some of the best you'll find, but some of the most level-headed analysis. And again, her column is one of my favorite reads of the week.

I know if you check it out, it'll be one of your favorites as well. My sincerest hope to you and yours for a very happy holiday. Enjoy the weekend. Enjoy the week coming up. Very happy New Year as well in advance. And we look forward to speaking with you and talking Patriots football again in 2021. Thanks a lot, Sarah. Thank you.

And so Patriots fans, three down and one to go here on this shortened holiday week on the Locked On Patriots fans, three down and one to go here on this shortened holiday week on the Locked On Patriots podcast. But that one to go is a big one because it just happens to be a Christmas Eve crossover Thursday episode with Joe Marino, host of the Locked On Bills podcast. And we'll be breaking down Monday night's matchup from a Patriots perspective and a Bills perspective. So to ensure that you do not miss a single second of the action, subscribe to and follow the Locked On Patriots podcast on platforms such as Stitcher, Spotify, Google Podcasts,

Apple Podcasts, wherever you get your podcasts. Just make sure that you're staying locked in to Locked On Patriots. Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank Sarah Marshall for her time, her insight, and her appearance on today's pod. But most of all, I 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, Pats Nation, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.