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