New England Patriots links 7/21/20 - Under new management: Can O-Line be elite, reliable, healthy in 2020?

TEAM TALK

• Mike Dussault examines the wide receivers position: “Edelman and Harry headline a group where there will be plenty of opportunity.”
• Mike Dussault examines the running backs position: “Can 2018 first-round pick Sony Michel rebound with a new fullback and a healthy offensive line in front of him? If not, 2019 third-rounder Damien Harris should push for early-down snaps while Rex Burkhead enters the last year of his deal as an effective two-way threat but he’s battled injuries...”
• Erik Scalavino tackles this week’s Patriots Unfiltered Q&A: Cam he, or can’t he? Fan focus on Newton continues.
• Mike Dussault tells us the top 25 Patriots according to Madden ‘21.

LOCAL LINKS

• Mac Cerullo marvels at the difference between this year and last as the Patriots set to open camp, and highlights five non-coronavirus storylines to watch. 1. An actual QB competition. 2. Offense has a lot to prove.
• Ryan Hannable talks about how the Patriots can have a legitimate QB competition with little to no preseason.
• Andrew Callahan addresses training camp countdown question No. 10: Kyle Dugger will contribute on special teams immediately, but how much will he play defensively?
• Karen Guregian addresses training camp countdown question No. 9: How will the offensive line fare without Dante Scarnecchia? Talent is abundant, but health is crucial.
• Andy Hart and Ryan Hannable discuss whether the Patriots offensive line can be an elite group that the entire offense can rely on.
• Nick O’Malley thumbnails seven Patriots veterans who need to prove themselves in 2020: 1. LT Isaiah Wynn.
• Luke Ervin (PatsBuzz) Three Patriot players primed for a breakout season on defense. DT Adam Butler included.
• Evan Lazar continues his countdown of the ten most important Patriots in 2020. No. 3, Julian Edelman.
• Karen Guregian notes that the prospect of the Patriots’ first training camp without Tom Brady seemed dire, but the outlook is much brighter than it was four months ago.
• Phil Perry breaks down which Patriots will benefit — and suffer — if the NFL eliminates the 2020 preseason.
• Justin Trombino (MusketFire) Bill Belichick will prove he is the “system” for the New England.
• Justin Trombino (MusketFire) The Patriots are simply giving Cam Newton an opportunity.
• Dakota Randall tells us where ESPN placed the Patriots in its NFL Future Power Rankings and how the numbers represent depressed confidence in the team’s chances of maintaining its dynasty without Tom Brady under center.
• Robert Alvarez (PatsFans) ICYMI: Kyle Van Noy shares a story about his first meeting with Bill Belichick.
• Dakota Randall mentions the bizarre claim Chris Simms made on his “Unbuttoned” podcast, suggesting “New England had Cam Newton followed for three to four weeks. That’s just the way New England works. I don’t mean to be like creepy about it, but that’s what I always heard they did with Randy Moss back in the day.”
• Tom E. Curran presents the Idiot’s Guide to training camp hurdles the NFL needs to clear to have a 2020 season.
• WEEI highlights Dale Arnold who says he has “a source who told me within the last few minutes that managers have been told in a meeting today to prepare for the NFL season to open on time down at Gillette Stadium and with fans. I was told they are planning for 16,000 fans per game.”
• CBS Boston passes along a report that players have until Aug. 1 to opt out of the 2020 season.

NATIONAL NEWS

• Cynthia Frelund (NFL.com) Projecting the most improved player for each AFC team in 2020. Patriots: N’Keal Harry.
• Tyler Sullivan (CBS Sports) NFL training camp 2020: Most important position battles for each AFC East team, including Patriots QB.
• Bill Barnwell (ESPN) 260 players who could win 2020 NFL MVP. Cam Newton in “Group III: Established, effective starting quarterbacks.” Jarrett Stidham in “Group V: Literally any other active quarterback.”
• Doug Farrar (TouchdownWire) The NFL’s 11 best offensive guards. 4. Joe Thuney.
• Andrew Brandt (SI) Business of Football: Is the NFL’s plan to run out the clock on the NFLPA? Plus, concerns for both sides on Patrick Mahomes’s mega-extension with the Chiefs and thoughts on the culture Dan Snyder has allowed in Washington.
• Michael David Smith (ProFootballTalk) NFLPA: Testing protocols give us the best chance to play and finish the season.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL, NFLPA agree to daily COVID-19 testing.
• Report (Fox Sports) NFL stars say #WeWantToPlay.
• Charean Williams (ProFootballTalk) Reports: League agrees to no preseason games.
• Jason La Canfora (CBS Sports) Why NFL’s fight over COVID-19 safety is almost certain to get messier, and what four GMs predict.
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Guaranteed money issue illustrates conflicting interests of players
• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) Chris Jones promises “five-plus” rings for the Chiefs.

EXTRACURRICULAR

• Mike Florio (ProFootballTalk) NFL testing will consume resources that could be devoted to the general public.
• Chris Mason notes that the Jets and Giants won’t have fans at MetLife Stadium ‘until circumstances change’ due to coronavirus.
• Kevin Patra (NFL.com) Michael Bennett retires from the NFL after 11 seasons. /“Good hit, 72”.
• Noah Strackbein (SI-Steelers) Antonio Brown appears to have retired.