The New England Patriots have put together one of the better defenses in football. They rank second against the run, 13th against the pass, and No. 5 overall. The numbers are impressive, no doubt, but the unit isn't without its shortcomings; it ranks 21st in sacks per game and has struggled to generate much more than coverage sacks against inferior offensive lines.
Dolphins cornerback JuJu Brents, whose strong play has been a recent eye-opener, is likely out for the season due to a foot injury sustained in Sunday's 16-13 overtime victory over Washington in Madrid, Spain, coach Mike McDaniel said Monday. Brents, the 2023 second-round pick by Indianapolis, was awarded to the Dolphins off waivers on Aug. 27. He has 14 tackles, one pass defended and one fumble recovery this season while making two starts, the last two games, and appearing in seven games.
Rookie cornerback Upton Stout was one of the 49ers seven inactive players Sunday, which could mean Deommodore Lenoir will get some duty at slot corner. Stout had an existing shoulder injury but then injured on ankle at Thursday's practice. Lenoir played the difficult double of slot corner and outside corner last year and did it so well he received a five-year contact extension worth a maximum of $92 million.
After what was such a hyped offseason, the Patriots were disappointing in their opening game against the Raiders, losing 20-13. While the offense was a central issue, another position looked weak for New England. With Christian Gonzalez out due to injury, Carlton Davis and company couldn't keep pace with the Raiders' pass catchers and allowed Geno Smith to throw for 362 yards, the fifth-highest total in his career.
With that being said, Morris is a more valuable player than it might seem. He was better at right tackle than he was at left tackle, and the 2023 third-round pick will make $2.6 million over the next two seasons. In a market in which Dan Moore and current Chiefs lineman Jaylon Moore received $15 million or more per season in free agency, Morris would have meaningful value if he were on the open market.
