Patriots Rumors: Changes could be coming to defensive backfield
New England Patriots Rumors: Could a move be made at cornerback with all the injuries the Patriots are dealing with?
Recent New England Patriots rumors revolve around their latest injury report. The Patriots are heading into a Super Bowl rematch with the Atlanta Falcons. If there is one thing you have to be ready for when playing the Falcons it is their aerial attack.
The combination of Matt Ryan and Julio Jones is a tough one to slow down. They have yet to get going this season but are talented enough that it could happen at any time. All they need is to catch a break, and that break could come this week against the Patriots.
The Patriots pass defense has been poor all season. They have allowed at least 300 yards in all six games played, surrendering 325 yards per game; they most mark in the NFL. If Josh McCown can throw for almost 350 yards with a ragtag group of receivers led by Jeremy Kerley, Jermaine Kearse and Austin Seferian-Jenkins, imagine what Ryan can do with Jones running routes.
To make matters worse for the Patriots, they are dealing with injuries to their defensive backfield. Cornerbacks Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe both look like they will miss another game.
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Gilmore is dealing with a concussion, while Rowe is battling a groin injury. Both missed last week’s game against the New York Jets and look like they will miss this week’s game against the Falcons. Neither player has practiced this week, making it unlikely they play this week.
Last week against the Jets the Patriots went into the game with only three cornerbacks. Malcolm Butler, special teamer Johnson Bademosi and Jonathan Jones as their only corners. Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung are both versatile safeties and helped out. Jordan Richards also saw an uptick in snaps, but will the Patriots be able to do the same against the Falcons?
According to Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston, the Patriots could be forced to make a roster move in advance of Sunday Night Football. If that is the case, Reiss believes two cornerbacks from the practice squad, Ryan Lewis and Jomal Wiltz.
Reiss points out that Lewis, the former University of Pittsburgh product, is being paid a salary as if he were on the active roster. That is one reason he believes he is a leading candidate to be put on the active roster this weekend.
Lewis was on the Arizona Cardinals’ practice squad and was released. He had a chance to join the Buffalo Bills 53-man roster but elected to stay in New England, which is why he is paid a little more.
Wiltz is more in the mold of a slot corner according to Reiss, as he stands 5-feet-10 inches tall. He joined the Patriots after being part of final cuts of the Philadelphia Eagles.
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A change will more than likely have to come for the Patriots. They cannot afford to go into a game against a passing team such as the Falcons without some reinforcements. Adding Lewis and or Wiltz makes a lot of sense for a team that used only three cornerbacks last week against an inferior passing attack.