If the 2020 Patriots existed in a parallel universe which didn't include Covid-19 they would still be in cap trouble and be looking to find some money via letting guys go or making some creative contract extensions. In my mind, the veteran player who would have been critiqued daily leading up to the final 53-man (54) roster being finalized would have been veteran wide receiver Mohamed Sanu.
Sanu would have been a candidate for roster cuts mostly due to his cap hit of $6.5 million and his dead cap hit of zero. While Belichick could have just waited until early September to pull the plug, I think he would have given him the professional courtesy and made a decision earlier. Of course those thoughts are all now moot with the current landscape of the league.
The fact that this season is going to be anything but typical and cap space no longer at a premium, my thoughts on Sanu's role with the Patriots completely shifted a few weeks ago.
Although the Patriots' wide receiving room got a little less crowded over the weekend with Marqise Lee choosing to opt out, my thoughts on Sanu's role this season remains the same.
While he might not officially get listed as a tight end, I think his involvement with the offense will look like it. Never known as a speedster, beating cornerbacks down the sideline isn't really his strong suit. While he is very capable of playing the slot, that position is currently taken by one of the best. Also in New England that role is typically held by smaller players who are gluttons for punishment.
Sanu is known for his strength. The strength factor comes into play in two important parts of playing tight end. Sanu can block very well and has shown that ability while in a Patriots uniform. He also has very strong, reliable hands. Those hands make him a dependable target in the middle of the field. The fact that they are huge targets at 10 1/8" doesn't hurt either.
Sanu isn't going to make a bunch of moves to get open, but he does use his quickness, smarts, and strength to get position on defenders.
While he might not officially get listed as a tight end, I think his involvement with the offense will look like it. Never known as a speedster, beating cornerbacks down the sideline isn't really his strong suit. While he is very capable of playing the slot, that position is currently taken by one of the best. Also in New England that role is typically held by smaller players who are gluttons for punishment.
Sanu is known for his strength. The strength factor comes into play in two important parts of playing tight end. Sanu can block very well and has shown that ability while in a Patriots uniform. He also has very strong, reliable hands. Those hands make him a dependable target in the middle of the field. The fact that they are huge targets at 10 1/8" doesn't hurt either.
Sanu isn't going to make a bunch of moves to get open, but he does use his quickness, smarts, and strength to get position on defenders.
RSS Feed
