The New England Patriots will once again enter the regular season as the top team in the AFC East while the heralded franchise is notably coming off of its latest Super Bowl title. New England has now won three of the last five and two of the last three Super Bowls while another title could very well be on the immediate horizon for the Patriots.
With future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady and longtime Patriots head coach Bill Belichick continually inheriting a wealth of riches all over the field, this season will be no different. While New England has once again strung together quite complete and very deep roster — especially on offense — it is going to take a well-rounded team effort in order for the Patriots to win yet another title.
Even so, the pieces are certainly in place with just one preseason game remaining, which is a matchup against the New York Giants.
Let's dive in and take a look at three players to watch for the Patriots this week.
3. Jarrett Stidham, QB
With the aforementioned Brady somehow remaining a highly effective option under center, it will once again be his team in 2019. However, Brady won't be able to play forever and the future Hall of Famer will eventually be forced to hand over the reins to someone else — could that someone else already be on the Patriots' current roster?
Many believe that former Auburn quarterback Jarrett Stidham has already impressed enough to take over the backup quarterback job from a veteran in Brian Hoyer. While neither Stidham nor Hoyer will see much playing time come the regular season — barring an injury to Brady — the upcoming matchup against the Giants will give both players a chance to prove themselves one last time. Because Brady won't see the field against New York, Stidham and Hoyer will each more than likely receive a ton of playing time as a result.
Despite the fact that both quarterbacks could be kept in house when all is said and done, it will be interesting to see who comes out on top as a result of this interesting offseason battle.
2. Benjamin Watson, TE
While briefly retiring from the NFL at the end of last season after a stint with the New Orleans Saints, veteran tight end Benjamin Watson notably made his return to New England en route to becoming the replacement for another retired tight end in Rob Gronkowski. Although Watson ultimately elected to return as the Patriots came calling, it does not appear as though Gronkowski will be making a similar choice anytime soon.
Unfortunately for both Watson and the Patriots, though, the seasoned pass catcher failed a drug test and will miss the team's first four regular season games. Because Watson violated a league-wide rule during his brief stay away from the NFL, New England's looming matchup against the Giants will serve as his final tune up before Week 5 of the regular season.
Although the Patriots will likely supplement Watson's looming absence with a few different options at tight end, the veteran should immediately become an asset to the team upon returning down the road, which makes his last bit of live game action all the more important — especially at this stage of his career.
1. Phillip Dorsett, WR
As previously mentioned, the Patriots have a slew of talented players throughout the team's roster — especially on offense. With New England also receiving the services of troubled wide receiver Josh Gordon, there will be limited targets for each of the team's wide outs going forward.
However, Gordon and another talented Patriots wide out in Julian Edelman figure to receive the majority of the workload going forward. Because this will be the case, teams will also be keying on this tandem while other players must emerge for the Patriots along the way — Phillip Dorsett included.
Thanks to his quickness, ability to go over the middle, and smaller stature, Dorsett could play a big role for the Patriots when the opposition least expects it. Because of the attention that Gordon and Edelman will ultimately receive throughout the season, Dorsett will need to make the most of the rare opportunities that he receives.
With that in mind, the Patriots' preseason-finale could give Dorsett one last chance to really shine while still receiving heavy targets. If he can make some plays, it will definitely leave the team's coaching staff with a good taste in their mouths before the regular season rolls around.
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