Patriots vs. Saints: 6 Patriots players to watch
4. Joe Thuney
Thuney has received rave reviews thus far in training camp, matching up well against the Patriots’ beefiest defensive linemen in one-on-one drills and regularly playing with the first team offensive line at left guard. There is reason to believe that Thuney will be a Week 1 starter; he just has to keep playing like a starter in preseason.
Patriots 2016 season prediction
There are no shortage of capable guards the Patriots have at their disposal, including sophomore pros Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson, Pats veteran Josh Kline, offseason acquisition Jonathan Cooper and rookie Ted Karras. However, Cooper is dealing with an injury and Jackson missed all practices up until Sunday. It seems that there is a spot ready-made for Thuney’s strong blocking ability at left guard; let’s see how he fares against the stout New Orleans front.
Next: 3. Donald Brown/Tyler Gaffney