New England Patriots: Five Takeaways From Final Preseason Contest

Aug 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) breaks free from a tackle by New England Patriots cornerback Alfonzo Dennard (37) during the second quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports

4. Safety rotation

Aside from the offensive line questions, the safety position is the most unclear as we move towards opening day. Devin McCourty is set as the free safety, but we don’t know who will start next to him. The Patriots continued to mix it up last night, even using Alfonzo Dennard as one of the starting safeties, which continues a trend of cornerbacks being used as safeties this preseason.

I don’t think we should read too much into Dennard being moved back there, because as of right now, he is the second best corner on this team. Brandon Browner is suspended for the first four games of the year, and it is likely that Dennard will start in his place. When Browner returns, I expect Dennard to slide into the slot, where he may be the most effective.

The bottom line in all of thism is the Pats still don’t know what they are going to do with that second safety spot. Duron Harmon and Patrick Chung appear to be leading the charge, but with Bill Belichick, you never know. Harmon didn’t help his case in last night’s game, as he missed a key tackle on running back Andre Williams which led to a 38-yard run.