The New England Patriots have set their initial 53-man roster for the 2023 season, but some surprising moves could affect their starting lineup. The Patriots released veteran cornerback Terrance Mitchell and special-teamer Justin Bethel, placing defensive lineman Henry Anderson on injured reserve.
They also signed wide receiver Ty Montgomery, elevated linebacker Calvin Munson, and wide receiver Jalen Reagor from the practice squad.
Offense
The Patriots offense will be led by second-year quarterback Mac Jones, who had a stellar rookie season and earned a Pro Bowl nod. Jones will have a solid running game behind him, with Damien Harris as the lead back and Rhamondre Stevenson as the power complement. Ty Montgomery, who was signed on Saturday, could also see some snaps as a third-down back and a receiver out of the backfield.
The Patriots’ receiving corps will feature JuJu Smith-Schuster, who signed a one-year deal with New England in the offseason, and DeVante Parker, who was acquired in a trade with Miami.
Smith-Schuster is a reliable slot receiver who can move the chains, while Parker is a deep threat who can stretch the field. Elevated from the practice squad, Jalen Reagor could also get some opportunities as a speedster and a return specialist. The Patriots’ tight ends will be Mike Gesicki and Hunter Henry, both versatile pass-catchers and red-zone threats.
The Patriots’ offensive line will consist of Isaiah Wynn at left tackle, Ted Karras at left guard, David Andrews at center, Mike Onwenu at right guard, and Trent Brown at right tackle. This strong and experienced unit can protect Jones and open holes for the running backs. The Patriots also have depth on the line, with Calvin Anderson, Atonio Mafi, and Tyrone Wheatley Jr. as backups.
The New England Patriots odds of winning the Super Bowl are listed at +6600, but this does not mean they do not have a chance. There performance hugely depends on their offense line, and betting fans can place their wagers on their performance through the Massachusetts Betting Apps.
Defense
The Patriots’ defense will feature a 3-4 base scheme, with Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, and Deatrich Wise Jr. as the starting defensive linemen. Barmore is a disruptive interior pass-rusher, Guy is a stout run-stopper, and Wise is a versatile edge defender. The Patriots also have Sam Roberts and DaMarcus Mitchell as rotational players on the line.
The Patriots’ linebackers will be Matthew Judon, Anfernee Jennings, Ja’Whaun Bentley, and Josh Uche. Judon is a Pro Bowl outside linebacker who can rush the passer and set the edge, Jennings is a physical run defender who can also drop into coverage, Bentley is a smart and tough inside linebacker who can call the signals, and Uche is a speedy and athletic outside linebacker who can blitz and cover.
The Patriots also have Mack Wilson, Jahlani Tavai, and Calvin Munson as backups and special-teamers.
The Patriots’ secondary will be led by Jalen Mills, who signed a four-year deal with New England in the offseason. Mills is an adaptable, aggressive defensive back who can play cornerback and safety. Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones will join him as the starting cornerbacks, and Adrian Phillips and Jabrill Peppers as the starting safeties.
Jonathan Jones is a speedy and sticky slot corner, Marcus Jones is a rookie who impressed in the preseason, Phillips is a savvy and hard-hitting safety who can play in the box or deep, and Peppers is a dynamic and explosive safety who can also return punts and kicks. The Patriots also have Myles Bryant, Shaun Wade, and Ameer Speed as depth players in the secondary.
Special Teams
Joe Cardona will anchor the Patriots’ special teams as the long snapper, Bryce Baringer as the punter, and Chad Ryland as the kicker. Cardona is a reliable and consistent snapper, Baringer is a rookie who won the punting job over veteran Jake Bailey, and Ryland is a second-year player who beat out Nick Folk for the kicking duties.
The Patriots’ returners will be Gunner Olszewski, Jalen Reagor, and Jabrill Peppers. Olszewski is a Pro Bowl punt returner who led the league in punt return average and touchdowns last season, Reagor is a rookie who showed flashes of explosiveness as a kick returner in the preseason, and Peppers is a versatile and dangerous returner who can handle both punts and kicks.
The Patriots’ coverage units will be led by Matthew Slater, who is a nine-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro as a special-teamer. Slater is a leader and a tone-setter who can make tackles and block kicks. Chris Board, Brenden Schooler, and Calvin Munson will join him as the core special-teamers.
Board is a veteran who signed with the Patriots in the offseason, Schooler is an undrafted rookie who made the team with his hustle and toughness, and Munson is a practice squad call-up who can also play linebacker.
Summary
The New England Patriots have undergone significant roster adjustments ahead of the 2023 season, leading to a reshaped starting lineup across offense, defense, and special teams. Under the guidance of second-year quarterback Mac Jones, the Patriots’ offense boasts a blend of seasoned veterans like JuJu Smith-Schuster and promising newcomers like DeVante Parker. With a formidable offensive line providing protection and openings for the running backs, the Patriots are poised to mount a potent offensive threat.
On the defensive front, the Patriots are set to deploy a robust 3-4 base scheme, anchored by disruptive linemen Christian Barmore, Lawrence Guy, and Deatrich Wise Jr. This configuration is complemented by a skilled linebacking corps featuring Pro Bowler Matthew Judon and a mix of reliable run defenders and coverage specialists.
The secondary is fortified with Jalen Mills, Jonathan Jones, and Marcus Jones, showcasing a blend of experience and promising young talent. This defensive lineup has the potential to stifle opposing offenses and establish New England as a formidable force in the league.
The consistent performances of long snapper Joe Cardona, punter Bryce Baringer, and kicker Chad Ryland will anchor special teams. Meanwhile, the return game is poised to make a significant impact, with Gunner Olszewski, Jalen Reagor, and Jabrill Peppers offering explosive potential. Led by special teams stalwart Matthew Slater, the coverage units are poised to excel, underlining the Patriots’ commitment to excellence in all facets of the game.