New England Patriots: Five Things To Watch For In Joint Practices With The Washington Redskins

Jul 24, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end

(95) talks with defensive tackle

(75) during training camp at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

4. Front seven

All the talk throughout camp has surrounded New England’s secondary, which has allowed the rest of the defense to slip under the radar a little bit. If the Patriots want to make a deep push into the playoffs, they will need their front seven to show up. The NFL is a passing league, but if you don’t have a tough front, you won’t be very successful.

The Redskins had the fifth best rushing attack in the NFL last year, led by Alfred Morris. If the Patriots can limit the damage Washington can do on the ground, we will know they are on the right track to being ready to hold up their end of the bargain come September.

It all starts with Vince Wilfork up front, and based off of what I have heard coming out of camp, he looks ready to roll. The combination of Wilfork and Kelly in the middle, plus one of the best group of linebackers behind them should produce excellent results over the next few days.