Patriots Week 1 Starting Lineup

In light of Cam Newton officially being named the starting QB, lets dive into what the potential starting lineup will be for the team as week 1 approaches. They’ve already made a big name move in cutting Mohamed Sanu, and the biggest free agent piece in Fournette found a home, so the roster seems to be staying put aside from cuts.

Offense:

QB: Cam Newton

RB: James White

WR(s): Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Damiere Byrd

TE: Ryan Izzo

Cam was named starter as we all knew. With the lack of reps for Lamar Miller and Sony Michel because of some minor injuries. We might even see Rex Burkhead more than those 2, especially with Damien Harris most likely missing some time. The first 2 are obvious with the loss of Sanu. The third, at least to start the season I think will be Damiere Byrd. He has past chemistry with Cam from Carolina and has the speed to take the top off the defense, giving them 3 very different types of receivers in the lineup. Ryan Izzo is just going to fall in the tight end position by default because he has experience. One of the rookies might have stepped up, but we haven’t had a preseason to show that.

LT: Isaiah Wynn

LG: Joe Thuney

C: David Andrews

RG: Shaq Mason

RT: Korey Cunningham

The offensive line hasn’t changed too much, but there isn’t much depth anymore. That means a guy like Isaiah Wynn can’t go down with injury because even with his lack of

experience, they don’t have anyone else to go with at this point. It’ll be great to have Andrews back, because he’s the anchor that leads the offensive line room. The wild card will be right tackle after Marcus Cannon’s opt out. I picked Korey Cunningham because its his natural position, and this is his second year in the system. Rumors say Yodny Cajuste has been struggling in his second season in the league, and Jermaine Eluemunor has been trying the position, but is a bit undersized for a tackle. 

Defense:

DE: Lawrence Guy

DT: Adam Butler

DE: John Simon

OLB: Chase Winovich

MLB: Ja’Whaun Bentley

OLB: Brandon Copeland

CB: Stephon Gilmore

CB: Jason McCourty

Nickel: JC Jackson

S: Devin McCourty

S: Adrian Phillips

The Pats are going to be A LOT of cycling on the front 7. Without Hightower and Van Noy anymore there is a lot of unknown. Lawrence Guy is going to have the continue to be a stud this season, especially after being named a captain for this season. There will be constant switching at pass rusher, but I went with the two vets as starters here. Rookies Uche and Jennings will most likely also both see some playing time, as well as Shilique Calhoun. Bentley was also named a captain, which must mean they have big time expectations for him. The secondary is a given, with the top 4 corners all being at the top of the league in talent, the only one left out of the starters is Jonathan Jones. Safety will look a little different without Pat Chung, but Adrian Phillips should be a great fill in, as well as some of rookie Kyle Dugger on the field at times as well.

-Jake Kobierski (@TheRealKobe83)