GREAT NEWS: Patriots’ fans favorite is reportedly set to return

GREAT NEWS: Patriots’ fans favorite is reportedly set to return

The Patriots had the opportunity to be one of the NFL’s top defensive teams in 2024.

Matthew Judon is now a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Christian Barmore is out indefinitely due to blood clots.

Sione Takitaki and Marte Mapu, both expected to make significant contributions, have yet to practice. Jonathan Jones and Marcus Jones have been limited for several weeks.

New England has looked dominant in a pair of preseason games, but as the competition heats up, it’s unclear whether they’ll be able to reach the heights we all expected this offseason.

The upcoming returns of Marcus Jones and Jonathan Jones should help.

“I would say both of those guys are very close to returning,” Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo told reporters on Friday.

The Patriots have had an interesting few weeks, and despite trading Judon to Atlanta, they didn’t miss a beat on the front lines Thursday. Keion White, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Joshua Uche all helped to the Eagles’ five-sack night. Christian Elliss and Raekwon McMillan contributed to demonstrate the depth of the linebacking corps.

It’s been bumpy in the secondary without the Joneses. New England hasn’t seen anyone stand up.

“The frustrating part is, it depends on what day you look out there,” Mayo remarked Friday. “It is up and down, up and down. It’s all about consistency in this league, and we’re searching for the opposite of (Christian Gonzalez).

Isaiah Bolden, Marco Wilson, and Marcellas Dial Jr. have all had opportunities and, as Mayo mentioned, have had flashes. However, no one has actually taken that step ahead. Gonzalez-Jones-Jones should form the key trio, with Alex Austin earning rotational snaps.

Can the Patriots rely on any of the prior three to help in case of injury?