Patriots Training Camp Preview: Pass Rush; Judon, Uche Dynamic Duo?
FOXBORO — After looking a step too slow [and perhaps a bit long-in-the-tooth, at times] in 2021, the New England Patriots infused some much-needed speed and youth into their corps of linebackers last season — particularly within the pass rush.
New England tied for third in the NFL with 54 sacks last season with linebacker Matthew Judon supplying the athleticism and aggression. New England’s only Pro Bowl selection led the team with 15.5 sacks. Fellow linebacker Josh Uche also emerged as one of the team's top rushers, notching a career-high 11.5 sacks, 27 total tackles (nine for loss), 14 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles. With defensive end Deatrich Wise, Jr. adding 7.5 sacks to the group's total, the Pats defense often made life uncomfortable for opposing quarterbacks.
As the start of the 2023 season rapidly approaches, the Patriots are once again relaying on their stable of linebackers and edge rushers to significantly disrupt some of the NFL's top offenses. In addition to Judon, Uche and Wise, rookie Keion White should factor into New England’s run packages, with the chance to make an impact on the pass rush, as well.
With training camp set to kick off on Wednesday, here are three players that might catch a ‘sharp eye’ within the New England's depth chart at linebacker/edge.
Josh Uche
Despite being one of the most highly-touted Patriots' rookies just three seasons ago— selected at 60 overall in the second round in the 2020 NFL Draft — Uche’s 2021 season did not exactly live up to expectations. His placement on injured reserve in mid-November (resulting from an ankle injury) stalled a season in which he had been used sporadically.
However, Uche used his speed, athleticism and system savvy to become a significant factor in the Patriots defense both as an edge rusher, and as an off-the-ball linebacker in 2022. As he exhibited greater freedom in his playing style, his skillset allowed him to play on the line in the Patriots’ 5-1 looks as well as their 4-2 and 4-3 alignments and also move back if they run a more traditional 3-4.
As such, the ex-Wolverine is about to understandably enter the final year of his rookie deal, with a bit more swagger in his saunter. Still, he will continue to work toward his most important goal -- providing both he and the Patriots with as much success as possible. Uche should be expected to once again pair with Judon as the Pats primary weapons in the pass rush.
Anfernee Jennings
Despite an impressive on-field resume, Jennings’ most prominent strengths are, perhaps, his toughness and tenacity. Unfortunately, he has had limited time with which to showcase his best traits. After suiting up for 14 games in his rookie season [in which he combined for 20 tackles], he spent the entirety of 2021 on injured reserve with an undisclosed injury. Jennings experienced a pseudo-rebirth in 2022, logging 15 solo tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble in 16 games.
By all accounts, Jennings is entering 2023 healthy and ready to contribute. As such, he expected to compete for a roster spot as a strong-side, on-ball linebacker. Of course, he could play off the ball, as well, if necessary. Jennings projects to play the strong-side edge against the run game, while also moving around the second level. The Patriots will need to help him develop more pass rush moves to be more effective in that role. Still, he could work his way into the rotation given his experience.
Ronnie Perkins
Chosen with the 96th overall selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, Perkins’ talent cannot be denied. At his best, the former Oklahoma Sooner is a disruptive run defender. He is also a relentless pass-rusher, with good burst and closing speed. Several NFL analysts projected Perkins to play on the edge of the defensive line, taking on the responsibilities of a traditional, stand-up rusher.
At 6-3, 253 pounds, Perkins has the size to be an imposing outside linebacker at the pro-level. However, the Pats tend to fill that role with players that show a bit higher level of athleticism. While spending his first season with the Pats both red-shirting and on injured reserve, his time on the practice field was expected to greatly assist him as he transitioned from a hand-in-the-dirt rusher to a potential role on the outside. Still, he struggled to find his place among New England’s primarily corps of linebackers throughout training camp practices in 2022, as well. He was once again placed on IR in August, causing him to miss the entire season. To date, he has yet to be active for an NFL game. As such, Perkins faces quite the tall task in his attempt to earn a spot on the 53-man roster.
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