Patriots Rumors: Marcus Cannon needs big improvement to play Week 2
Recent New England Patriots rumors involve right tackle Marcus Cannon, who is looking unlikely to play in Week 2 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Recent New England Patriots rumors involve offensive lineman and starting right tackle, Marcus Cannon. The Patriots have been hit hard by injuries at running back and wide receiver, and now the offensive line is suffering from injuries as well.
Cannon played through a leg injury in Week 1 against the Houston Texans. However, he was not near full strength. Cannon played only 46 out of 75 offensive snaps, equaling out to 61 percent. LaAdrian Waddle played 39 percent of the snaps, as he was on the field for 29 plays.
While he battled through Week 1, it sounds like New England may not have him at all in Week 2. According to Jeff Howe of The Athletics Boston, Cannon will need to show impressive improvement to play through his calf injury.
If Cannon is unable to go, Waddle will get the start at right tackle. According to Howe, the Patriots have been prepping Waddle to start the game.
It’d take an impressive improvement for Marcus Cannon to play through a calf injury tomorrow, according to a source. Patriots have prepared LaAdrian Waddle this week to start in case Cannon can’t go.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) September 15, 2018
This is a big blow for the Patriots’ offensive line. After going up against J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney in Week 1, the Patriots will have their hands full again this week against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
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The Jaguars have one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL with Calais Campbell, Yannick Ngakoue, Marcel Dareus and Malik Jackson. Dante Fowler also rotates in along a deep, talented defensive line.
Last week, the Jaguars defensive front were difference makers against the New York Giants. They relentlessly pressured Eli Manning and gave sensational rookie running back, Saquon Barkley, very little room to operate.
With Cannon sidelined, and injuries to the backfield, the Patriots game plan against the Jaguars will have to be adjusted. Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel have both been limited this week.
Expect Josh McDaniels to go with a more quick hitting, short passing game to get the ball out of Tom Brady‘s hands as quick as possible. James White will be heavily involved in that kind of gameplan.
Next. 3 Key Matchups To Watch Week 2 vs Jaguars. dark
New England cannot allow the Jaguars defense to get going. Jacksonville does not have an explosive offense, as they feed off of whatever the defense provides them.