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8 players who will help Jimmy Garoppolo the most

By Connor Fulton

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jabaal Sheard Patriots
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) drills against outside linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (48) during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Jabaal Sheard

We talked about the importance of Hightower and Collins leading an elite defense, but we must also mention Sheard. With Chandler Jones gone and Rob Ninkovich sidelined during the first month or so of the regular season, it will be Sheard who leads the exterior pass rushers. It is absolutely vital that Sheard emerges as a beast at defensive; with Sheard providing heat on the outside and Hightower and Collins bursting up the middle, the Patriots will have a great pass rush (we haven’t even mentioned the beef in the interior, either).

Jabaal Sheard must step up in 2016

Of course, we know that Sheard can’t do that on his own, which is why the preseason play of sophomore pro Trey Flowers is so good to see. And then there’s Chris Long, who is eager to display his importance on a winning team. But for the purpose of this article, it is Sheard who must take the reins at defensive end and put pressure on the quarterback for the betterment of the entire defense, which in turn will help Garoppolo navigate his way through the month of September.

Next: 4. Julian Edelman

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