Locked On Patriots - Daily Podcast On The New England Patriots - The Magnificent Front Seven? Evaluating the 2021 New England Patriots Defensive Line — 6/9/2021

Episode Date: June 9, 2021

Skill positions may get the headlines, but championships are usually won on the lines. Joining host Mike D’Abate is Steve Balestrieri of PatsFans.com. The duo discuss and evaluate the potential and prowess of the New England Patriots 2021 defensive line. From the additions along the interior, to those that will be setting the edge, Mike and Steve break down how the unit should improve in 2021. Mike also makes a special announcement regarding the future of his Patriots coverage for the upcoming season.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.StatHeroStatHero, the FIRST Ever Daily Fantasy Sportsbook that gives the PLAYER the ADVANTAGE. Go to StatHero.com/LockedOn for 300% back on your first play. 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. All of you, Foxborough faithful. You are now locked in to the Lockdown Patriots podcast. It is Wednesday, June 9th, 2021, and it's time for a visit from our resident voice of reason 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. And today's episode of Locked On Patriots is presented by StatHero, the first-ever daily fantasy sportsbook that gives the player the advantage.

Go to StatHero.com slash Locked On for 300% back on your first play. Happy Hump Day, Patriots Nation, and thank you for joining me here 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, comments, and feedback are always welcomed and very much appreciated. So share that feedback, send it to the internet, by reaching out to me and following me on Twitter at M-D-A-B-A-T-E-N-F-L.

That's right, folks, you heard that correctly. More on that in a second. But 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 fans, the Roman philosopher Seneca once said, every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. And I know, most of you probably know it better as a lyric from the song Closing Time by Semisonic. If that's stuck in your head now, I do apologize.

Unless you happen to love the song, in that case, you're welcome. But it's very appropriate for me here today, because those of you that do follow me on social media may have seen an announcement from me yesterday. And that is that, effective today, I have a new home for my Patriots coverage. Fear not, my hosting of Locked On Patriots will not be affected. I will still proudly continue to bring you your daily dose of news, notes, and analysis from Foxborough. However, my written coverage will indeed have a new place of residence. I am humbled to

announce that I have accepted a position as editor and lead Patriots reporter for Sports Illustrated's Patriot Maven, and I'm greatly honored to begin this new chapter in my covering the six-time Super Bowl champions. For the past three seasons, I have been beyond fortunate to cover the Pats for Cover 32 and later for full press coverage. During that time, I've really had the true privilege of working with a team of amazing colleagues, each of whom will always hold a special place in my heart. But this is a move that greatly excites me, and I look forward to covering the Patriots for SI Patriot Maven to the very best of my ability. My pledge to all of you is that I will provide coverage with passion, objectivity, and integrity.

I really want to take a moment to thank all of you out there, the amazing listeners of Locked On Patriots, anyone who has taken the time to read my articles or support me throughout the years. Words can't adequately express my gratitude enough to each and every one of you. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for all of your support, and I would be honored if you would continue on in this journey with me. And those of you that listened closely to the opening today know that I do have a new Twitter handle. You can now find me on Twitter at M-D-A-B-A-T-E-N-F-L.

So should you have my Twitter account bookmarked or part of a distribution list, make sure to update accordingly. Folks, again, I am really excited. I'm so eager to begin this next chapter. And one of the best parts of all of this is that it allows me the opportunity to remain host of Locked On Patriots. Getting the chance to bring you the latest Patriots news each and every day is one of the great honors of my career. I enjoy it professionally. I love it personally. And once again, thank you all for staying locked into Locked On Patriots and for

making Locked On Patriots a daily part of your New England Patriots coverage. That being said, it's time to talk business. And talking business with us today is our resident voice of reason. Steve Balistrieri of Patsfans.com joins me on the pod. And with Patriots minicamp fast approaching, it's the perfect time to start taking a little bit of a deeper dive into the Patriots' depth charts, positions that might be under the microscope, whether it be during minicamp or whether it be for the start of training camp in July. Because Steve is an expert on the subject of defense, we're going to be talking defensive

line today, and we'll start off with the interior of that defensive line and the addition of players like Devin Godchow, Henry Anderson, and Monty Adams will touch upon the re-signing of Lawrence Guy and how the presence of a formidable interior will help guys like Dietrich Wise and Chase Swinovich be able to do a better job of setting the edge, something the Patriots really struggled with in 2020. All of you know that Steve's analysis is always level-headed and very much insightful, so without much further ado, we will welcome in my Patriots Paisan as we talk defense, specifically the D-line, when this midweek episode of the Locked On Patriots podcast continues. But first, Locked On listeners, do you know 85% of people who play daily fantasy sports lose?

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Go to BiltBar.com and use the promo code LOCKED15 to get 15% off your next order. That's promo code LOCKED15 for 15% off your next order at BiltBar.com. Patriots fans, after a brief hiccup in the schedule, it means once again that we get a Wednesday visit from our resident voice of reason to lend his wisdom and counsel here to Locked On Patriots. One of the best, one of the most knowledgeable columnists that you can find anywhere in Patriots media. Of course, you know his great work from Patsfans.com, as well as being the co-host of two amazing podcasts, Patriots 4th and 2, and One Patriots Place. He is my Patriots paisan, and despite what he place. He is my Patriots Paisan.

And despite what he'll tell you, he's always worthy of all the praise he gets. And then some Steve Ballesteri joins me here today. Welcome back to locked on Patriots, my friend. Yeah, it's my pleasure as always love talking football with you. And I understand.

Congratulations are in order. Thank you so much my friend it really does mean a lot to me it's a large undertaking and one that I hope I'm up for in terms of the challenge I'll definitely do the best I possibly can but and I appreciate you and I appreciate all the support and

all of the everything that you've given to me and locked on Patriots throughout the years so thank you from the bottom of my heart my friend and I really do appreciate the congrats. But, Steve, it's always fun to talk ball with you, regardless of the circumstances. We're always ready to go, and it's always fun. The Patriots open mandatory minicamp at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough next week,

and this is always a fun time of year. You and I have covered minicamps together in the the past and it's always an intriguing one as well because it's the first time players are required to report uh we start seeing the seedlings of what the team's upcoming roster might look like and we also get to see who might be looking to use this time of year to make a contractual statement in the form of either a holdout or excused or unexcused absences. There's a lot to digest there. That's a conversation for another day. But today, we're not going to play the speculation game. You are the reason here on Locked On. So Murph might have told you that maybe he was quite level-headed and wisdomous on Monday,

but you always wear that hat. So no matter the case, buddy, you're an expert on defense and not just in football either. You're a soldier, you're a protector by nature, my friend. And we've said so many times on this pod, the championships are one on the line. So let's talk about the defensive line for the New England Patriots. And the Pats have made some big-time additions to this area of the defense. And if we're being honest, they needed to. Two of the areas in which they really struggled the most were when they set the edge or when they stopped the run, or tried to stop the run, I should say.

And we'll get to the edge in just a little bit, but let's start with the interior of the defensive line. The Patriots lacked a presence in the middle of that line last year, whether it be Danny Shelton leaving via free agency, Bo Allen being MIA all season long. There were questions about whether or not he existed last year. Apparently he did, just not on a football field for the Pats. Carl Davis coming in during the season. He did some serviceable work, but he wasn't really the answer that the Patriots were looking for. This offseason, they upgraded. They lost Adam Butler via free agency to the Miami Dolphins. They're going to miss his productivity, his football acumen, but what they've added,

I believe, is going to help to mitigate that loss, whether it be Devon Godchow, Henry Anderson, Monty Adams, adding all to this group while re-signing Lawrence Guy, and that was a key re-signing for the Patriots. Byron Coward is also one of the incumbents to this group while re-signing Lawrence Guy, and that was a key re-signing for the Patriots. Byron Coward is also one of the incumbents in this group. So a lot of depth there along the interior of the defensive line. Steve, the Patriots have really beefed it up in that area. What is your overall opinion of this group, and do you think they'll be an improved group from the core we saw on the field in 2020? Oh, I think they're going to be very much improved.

As you know, the Patriots, you know, the style of defense that they like to play, they require a big nose tackle in the middle, a guy that can two-gap, you know, in the center of that defensive line. They didn't have that last year. It was patently obvious, you know, with their run defense. As much as I love Lawrence Guy, that's not what he's best suited for. So, you know, they went out and got Devin Godchuck, who I think is going to be very, very good in that role.

And, you know, it was funny, at the beginning of free agency, you know, on our fourth and two podcasts, the guys asked me for a couple of names that I wanted. And one of the names I said was Henry Anderson right off the bat. I like this guy. I think he's a really good run stuffer. He's underrated because he can bring pressure, you know, with the pass rush, bringing, obviously, having Guy back, Cowart.

I mean, I just, you know, Adams, I love the moves they made. And don't forget, you know, they got the top defensive lineman in the draft this year, Christian Barmore, a guy who can stop the run and get after the quarterback. And this group is going to be much much better this year without any question i'm so glad that you mentioned henry anderson because this was a name that i coveted for a while as well and look definite size they are six six 301 pounds um he posted the third highest run stuff rate among players with at least 500 defensive snaps in 2020 that is definitely going

to bolster a Patriots offensive Patriots defensive line which like you and I have said they had their problems against the run last year but he's also a very capable and prominent pass rusher as well he can provide a good amount of assistance in that area seven sacks 16 quarterback hits back in 2018 when he was used more in a pass rush role rather than a run stuffer role. This kid's got versatility. He can do it all over the field. I love the addition of Henry Anderson.

And to me, that may be one of my favorite acquisitions that the Patriots have made, whether it be from the draft, whether it be via free agency. I really think he fits their mold well. And I think he's really going to be a big factor in the interior of that defensive line. I think he's going to pay some dividends doing it, even if they cut him out to the edge. Steve, you mentioned Christian Barmore, and of course, in addition to the free agent signings, the Patriots did utilize the draft to improve the D-line. Barmore is a stout defensive tackle. I love the way this kid blends strength and power. He's got great technique.

He played that 3-4 set with Alabama so well. And if the Patriots are returning to that, which it looks like they are with, you know, bringing back people like Kyle Van Noy and, you know, beefing up the linebacker position with Matt Judon or whether, you know, progressing with Josh Uche, having Dietrich Wise and Chase Winovich to set the edge,

it looks like they're heading more in that direction. I think he can play that role very well here in New England, almost a hand and glove fit. And I think because of that, he could be a factor in the Patriots' interior defensive line sooner rather than later. And I think he's got the potential to be an eventual three-down player. I think the Patriots are high on this guy, and anybody that watches film on him should be, or at least most people are. Steve, the Patriots do like to take a slow approach with developing their rookie talent, though, traditionally anyway.

And with the depth that they added on the defensive line, of course, folks, barring injuries to other players, that's always the great equalizer, and you can never, ever tell for sure. But with that depth, one might assume that Barmore is going to use 2021 as a chance to learn and develop. The Patriots would use him in that fashion. I guess the argument can be made both ways, but in your opinion,

do you think there's a chance that we see Christian Barmore on the field more than we expect to in 2021? Yes, I absolutely do, because I think he has the kind of talent that's going to jump off the page. And, you know, the early read I'm getting out of, I guess, from, you know, just stuff that what we're hearing is that he's anxious to get going. He wants to work hard. He wants to be that guy in the middle of the field. I think he's going to come into training camp, you know,

as a guy like on a mission. You know, I think he wants to show that a lot of the detractors that said, well, you know, he flashed, but he was very inconsistent. I think he wants to put all of that stuff to bed. I think he's going to be a very, very good player for this team. I expect to see him playing a lot of significant snaps as the season goes along. Yeah, I think you're absolutely right. And look, when it comes to

someone like Barmore, you can always make the argument that, yes, well, rookies tend to flash a little bit sometimes in camp. Sometimes they look good. Sometimes they look like they need more development. Not everything can be told about their camp performance. It's usually the stuff that you don't see, the stuff behind the scenes that only the coaching staff is privy to see. With regard to Christian Barmore and having the chance to speak with Luke Robinson, who hosts our Locked on Bama podcast, who watched Christian Barmore from his time down in Alabama, said this kid is so NFL ready, it's amazing. He just understands the instincts, where he needs to be, what he needs to do. There is so much in terms of his

talent and his ability that makes him NFL ready. And in my opinion, I think that could end up lending it quite nicely into having him see a good amount of time on the field this year. And even if the Patriots have taken a traditionally slow approach to bring along their rookies, 2021 looks to be a different animal if we're being honest i mean you know they haven't always taken the most aggressive pathway in in uh you know free agency they they took an aggressive path in free agency bringing in a lot of free agent names they typically don't go for the quarterback big name in the first round 15 comes along they choose mac jones so it's absolutely a little bit of a break from the norm when it comes to the Patriots

this time around. And maybe that means we see a little bit more of the rookies. One thing we know, Bill is not afraid to put guys in there. He usually likes his veterans a little bit more traditionally. But if you can play and you can be his best option, Bill is not going to hesitate. He's going to give you the chance to play if he feels it's best for the football team. And that's usually always what he does. Steve, see, this is why your wisdom, your reason, they always bring us back to a level-headed place. We're okay to look at Christian Barmore with maybe some pie-in-the-sky aspirations for 2021 because he has the ability

to back it up. You mentioned guys like Henry Anderson, maybe a lesser known or a lesser heralded free agent, but no less impactful. And I think he's going to pay dividends. But we're not done yet here, folks, because it's time to talk edge rush. And we will discuss why the Patriots are better equipped to set the edge in 2021. Or are they? Find out when 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,

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sure to put locked on in there how did you hear about us box so they know we sent you amazing selection reliably low prices all the parts your car will ever need. rockauto.com. Patriots fan Steve Balistrieri joins me here today on the pod talking some Patriots D-line here on this Wednesday episode. And Steve, the edge rush has been an area of concern for the Patriots. And especially in 2020, Patriots really had a difficulty setting the edge more often than not. And that contributed to a lack of production in stopping the run.

And it really, I think, weakened the Patriots' defense overall, whether you look at all phases. When you have difficulty stopping the run, it puts so much pressure on the other units. It's tough to work as a cohesive force. This year, the team did bring back Dietrich Wise Jr., who is expected to continue to make progress in this area. And another player that's being looked upon to make a jump in his now, I guess, junior season, you can call it, is Chase Winovich.

He also had his struggles in recent memory as well and saw a little bit of that Belichickian doghouse last year more often than not. Steve, when we talk about the offseason additions, whether it be to the edge or whether it be to the middle part of the interior of the defensive line, even the linebacking core, how does that make this edge rush more formidable in 2021 as opposed to what we saw in 2020 well uh you know last year the defense as a whole they had guys who could do a little bit of something but not a lot of this and they had guys who could do a lot of that but not some of this so you know when i'm looking at this group now they brought back calvin or they're getting back john to hightower you know, when I'm looking at this group now, they brought back Kyle Vannoy, they're getting back Daunte Hightower. You know, they have Josh Uche, who's going to have another year under his belt, Chase Winovich and Dietrich Weiss, who you already mentioned.

And then they bring in a guy like Ronnie Perkins, who can set the edge, get after the quarterback. Don't forget Matt Judon. This pass rush should be vastly improved as well this year I'm really looking forward to seeing how they dial things up absolutely I'm looking forward to seeing how they dial things up as well and from those that have been in attendance for OTA so far you hear a lot about Josh Uche and how he's looking to dominate some of the offensive linemen he's going up against this is very very good for the New England Patriots because if a guy with a sophomore,

you know, sensation type expectation like a Josh Uche is already making plays and already doing things that are catching the eye of the media, albeit it's still very early on. We understand that, folks. But these are the times when players start to pop a little bit and start to make a little bit of a name for themselves. It'll be interesting to see if Uche continues to progress and if he continues to get better as minicamp and then training camp roll around, obviously, into the preseason. It's a very, very good thing. But guys like Wise, you know, someone like a Chase Winovich, having the players around you to be able to help you play your role as assigned is something that's

so important. We saw some difficulty with the linebacking core last year with guys that were playing out of position, being asked to do too much. It was simply too much for them to handle. You know, people like Juwan Bentley, even my guy, Adrian Phillips, who played a little hybrid linebacker was being asked to play out of position at times because the Patriots were thin in certain areas and they needed capable veterans, guys with leadership ability to be able to go in there. This year, they don't have a shortage of bodies and they don't have a shortage of players that are capable of playing on most of these defensive depth charts. So in that regard, they're much better equipped.

And I agree with you. I think it's going to be really interesting to see what this edge rush looks like and how some of these younger players can get after the quarterback. Last but certainly not least, my friend, the Patriots also dipped into the rookie well when it comes to the defensive end position or hybrid linebacker or whatever you want to call it. Drafting Oklahoma's Ronnie Perkins. Perkins is a very disruptive run defender, but one of the things that I've really loved in watching film on this kid is that he is a very tenacious pass rusher. He's got great bursts. He's got good closing speed. I believe that the Patriots are going

to actually classify him more as an outside linebacker rather than a traditional edge rush because it can allow him to play upright, which is really, I think, more conducive to his size, more conducive to his style. Overall, this is a great depth piece at the very least, but I think he has the chance to provide a lot more value than his pick at number 96. Similar to what we talked about when it came to Christian Barmore. Steve, do you believe that we are going to see more of Ronnie Perkins on the field this year than not? Or is that wait-and-see approach a little more realistic for someone of his stature?

Well, I think at least to start, you know, I think they'll probably use him in the role of a sub-package pass rusher, you know, third down specialist type of guy. That's what I'm looking to see from him early in the season. And, you know, I believe he has a lot of upside. So we're going to see how it all plays out when it comes to him. But I think the opportunity is going to be there for him to play some meaningful snaps maybe in the latter half of the season. But initially, I think he's just going to be a sub-package pass rush guy. Yeah, I think you can make the argument there.

That's definitely a level-headed approach. And look, in terms of upside and in terms of that wow factor for players, I think Ronnie Perkins can be one of those players that does wow a lot of Patriots fans for many years to come. And a lot of people, I think, are going to look back at this pick and wonder how he lasted as long as he did in the draft and how he got to the Patriots where he did. But ultimately, I do agree. I think this year, because of the bodies that the Patriots have at the edge rush and the options that they have, I think it's smart to kind of bring this kid along, give him an opportunity to kind of come into his own role. And once he does and he finds his way, I think he can be a very, very disruptive player for the Patriots in that defense. So two solid, in my opinion, cornerstone type pieces that the Patriots picked up in the draft this year. I know a lot of people are making a lot of noise about what they did in the draft and, excuse me, what they did in free agency, and rightfully so. I mean, I think they added some great pieces on this defensive line,

whether it be the interior or along the end by a free agency, but as well, don't sleep on the draft additions that they had, because I think that could be more impressive in the long run and definitely in the long term. Buddy, what can I say? I always appreciate you stopping by lending your wisdom and counsel. Again, I do appreciate the congratulations you offered to me at the beginning of the show.

But, uh, like I said, surrounding myself with great people like yourself is a true blessing in this business and one I'm so glad that I'm going to be able to continue here on Locked On Patriots. I know we've done Wednesday the last couple of weeks, but we definitely will get back into the swing of things on Tuesday, your normally designated day. So in the interim, my friend, please let everyone know, our listeners, where they can follow you, where they can absorb your great wisdom and counsel, whether it be through the great pen or the great voice of Steve Balistrieri. Well, thanks, Mike. As always, I appreciate the invite. You can find me on Twitter at SteveB7SFG. I'm on PatsFans.com. I do, as you know, the Pats Fans 4th and 2nd podcast,

as well as One Patriot Place with Murph and Claire. So, you know, I look forward to having a very fun, you know, mini camp and training camp this year. I think there's a lot going on. And as far as SI is concerned, they hired the right guy. Oh, thank you. That really, really means a lot to me from the bottom of my heart, Steve. I do appreciate that coming from you.

That's as high a praise as I could possibly have hoped for and can possibly imagine. So thank you. And I'll do my best to make you proud. Do my best to make you proud. And I'll definitely do my best to provide the best content that I can. But whenever we need top-notch content, we always go to you, my friend. You're the resident voice of reason for a reason, pun intended there, and it's definitely well-deserved.

So, bud, in the interim, stay safe and well, and we look forward to talking ball with you again here next Tuesday right here on Locked on Patriots. Just like that, Patriots fans, we are more than halfway through your work week. And even though Locked on Patriots continues to have you covered for all the news, notes, and analysis you need from Foxborough, get all the sports news you need in under 20 minutes

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Once again, my name is Mike DeBate. I thank my good friend Steve Balistrieri for his time, his insight, and his 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 next time, Foxborough faithful, stay safe, stay well, always be the change you wish to see in the world. Have a great day, everyone.