Top 10 battles to watch in Patriots training camp
4. Chris Long vs. Geneo Grissom
Long is wearing Chandler Jones’ old No. 95 jersey, but that doesn’t mean he will be a shoo-in for the third spot in the defensive end rotation along with Rob Ninkovich and Jabaal Sheard. Keep in mind that Long has posted a combined four sacks over the past two seasons, so he will have to prove his worth before the Patriots plug him into the three-man rotation.
Patriots won’t be stopped if they can stay healthy
Grissom, on the other hand, is young and holds much potential. Grissom was one of the lesser-talked about bright spots on the Patriots’ roster last season, eventually being rewarded for his hard work with a Week 17 sack of Ryan Tannehill.
However, you have to think that Long’s years of experience and desire to win now that he’s with a winning team will turn his game around.
Advantage: Long
Next: 3. Lewis vs. White vs. Foster vs. Brown