New England Patriots links 7/14/20 - Offensive line a position of strength, stability for 2020

TEAM TALK

• Mike Dussault begins his inspection of the Patriots roster, position by position:
• Defensive Line: The Patriots retained restricted free agent Adam Butler with a second-round designation while signing veteran Beau Allen to replace the departed Danny Shelton. Lawrence Guy remains the key cog of this group ... But after Guy and Butler there’s much uncertainty; More.
• Offensive Line: The Patriots will welcome back their starting five offensive linemen this season. Isaiah Wynn at left tackle is the only significant change for this group since 2016; More.

LOCAL LINKS

• Tom E. Curran suggests what the Patriots should do with their sudden cap windfall, and why it doesn’t include going after Jadeveon Clowney.
• Luke Ervin (PatsBuzz) Best trade and free agent targets for the Patriots after receiving cap relief.
• Phil Perry has a few ideas on how Cam Newton can help the Patriots offense rediscover their ‘situational football’ success.
• Josh Alper (ProFootballTalk) Cam Newton: Josh McDaniels can call some stuff he hasn’t been able to call before.
• Logan Mullen highlights Cam Newton addressing what he aptly calls “the elephant in the room,” being Tom Brady’s replacement.
• Darren Hartwell explains how Cam Newton and N’Keal Harry’s first Patriots workout came together.
• Isaiah Houde (PatriotsWire) Mohamed Sanu works out with Jarrett Stidham a week after his session with Cam Newton
• Matt Vautour reports the addition of Cam Newton has Stephon Gilmore excited: ‘It was a great signing. I’ve always been a Cam fan’.
• Andy Hart compares Cam Newton’s obsession with social media to Tom Brady’s obsession with social media. /I really hate the offseason.
• Andy Hart and Ryan Hannable discuss whether the Patriots are putting too much trust in David Andrews.
• Chris Mason thumbnails the top 25 Patriots that will determine team’s success in 2020
• Evan Lazar counts down the ten most important Patriots in 2020: No 9, Lawrence Guy.
• Alex Barth expects Stephon Gilmore to join the exclusive ‘99 Club’ in Madden 21.
• Ryan Hananble notes Patrick Mahomes says he is going to do whatever he can to best Tom Brady’s six Super Bowls record. /blah, blah, “obviously premature” blah blah...
• Phil Perry notes the McCourty twins say they still haven’t been given a reporting date for training camp.
• Nick O’Malley relays Devin and Jason McCourty suggesting ‘2020 might be the year to take a break from the NFL’ if you don’t like protests.
• Abigail Adams highlights Devin and Jason McCourty on why they would vote for Ben Watson for President of the United States if they could.
• Robert Alvarez (PatsFans) Joe Cardona shares his suggestion for new Washington football team name.
• Locked On Patriots podcast: Mike D’Abate’s AFC East crossover edition. (52 min.)
• Entitled Town Podcast: Dave Brown & Mike Irons return from a prolonged recess to digest a feast of Patriots news. (73 min.)

NATIONAL NEWS

• Adam Rank (NFL.com) State of the Franchise: Will Cam Newton continue Patriots’ reign?
• Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) Cam Newton addresses taking over for Tom Brady, says Pats getting a ‘ticked off dog.’
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Stephon Gilmore calls Cam Newton “a great signing” for the Patriots.
• Martenzie Johnson (TheUndefeated) The humbling of Cam Newton: Will the former NFL MVP ever get the respect he deserves?
• NFL Nation (ESPN) NFL franchise tag tracker for 2020: 14 players who could get long-term contracts. Joe Thuney included.
• Bill Barnwell (ESPN) Ranking offensive weapons for all 32 NFL teams in 2020, from worst to first. Patriots rank 21st.
• Maurice Jones-Drew (NFL.com) Ranking all 32 RB1s heading into 2020. 26th Sony Michel.
• Doug Farrar (TouchdownWire) The NFL’s 11 best outside cornerbacks.
• Mark Schofield (TouchdownWire) The NFL’s 11 best safeties.
• Marc Sessler (NFL.com) Predicting one future first-time Pro Bowler for each AFC team. Patriots: Joe Thuney.
• Adam London notes Jonathan Jones is well aware of the obvious: “You can’t social distance football...”
• Jason Owens (Yahoo! Sports) NFL unveils Oakley face shield intended to enhance COVID-19 safety.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL-NFLPA talks proceed “as expected,” with not much progress.
• The Bigger Picture (YouTube) OBJ sits down with Cam Newton, Todd Gurley and Victor Cruz to talk through a handful of issues including Covid-19, Black Lives Matter and what the NFL response should be to these issues. (1 hour video)

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) What will NFL disclose about players who test positive?
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Quest Diagnostics warns of delayed turnaround times as testing “soars.”
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) One group of players has clear opt-out rights for 2020: Unsigned draft picks.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) Greg Olsen signs with FOX, will work as commentator after retiring.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) SEC waiting until end of July to make a decision on fall sports.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Top 2021 draft prospects may bail on 2020 college football season.
• Michael Rothstein (ESPN) Madden NFL 21 ratings and rankings: The best players for the 2020 season, 99 club.
• Charles Robinson (Yahoo! Sports) If the NFL lets Dan Snyder take the wheel of Washington’s name change, it’s asking for trouble.
• Jeff Eisenberg (Yahoo! Sports) Prepare for backlash. Be patient. That’s the advice for Dan Snyder from those who led other team name changes.