New England Patriots vs. Washington Redskins: Five Players To Watch

facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
5 of 6
Next

Sep 22, 2013; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (93) celebrates a sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Tommy Kelly

Kelly is one of two Patriots defensive tackles returning from a lower body injury, but based on all of the reports coming out of camp, Vince Wilfork is healed up, and already wreaking havoc in the middle. So I am not too worried about big number 75. But I haven’t heard much about Kelly, and how his recovery went, so I want to see how he looks in anticipation of the 2014 season.

If Wilfork and Kelly are both close to 100%, this New England defensive line will be stout. Wilfork as the anchor in the middle, with Kelly providing the interior pocket pressure (at least until rookie Dominqiue Easley is cleared to play). With a great secondary behind them, this front seven needs to take advantage of the extra time they will be afforded, and get to the quarterback. Hopefully Kelly is feeling up to the challenge, and will be back to his old self in no time.