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Q&A: NFL training camp

By Tom King - Sports Writer | Jul 25, 2020

Telegraph Sports Reporter Tom KIng.

The day is fast approaching, a day many doubt will still be able to happen.

But as of this writing, the New England Patriots, as well as other teams around the NFL, were planning on holding training camp with players reporting Tuesday.

Whenever camp is held, a lot of you obviously have questions. Let’s see if we can answer five of them:

WILL CAM NEWTON BE THE STARTING QUARTERBACK?

Well, he’s certainly yapping away on social media and podcasts as if that’s going to be the case. But we still say the Patriots would love for Jarrett Stidham to beat him out. The question is which Cam Newton are the Patriots getting? Not only did he have the foot issue, but he’s had shoulder issues too. Still, Newton passed his physical, and we’ll know from how he looks in camp whether he’s still got what it takes. If he didn’t, the Patriots likely wouldn’t have signed him, but they really don’t have much to lose.

WILL FANS BE ABLE TO WATCH PRACTICE?

It certainly doesn’t look that way. No large gatherings. Heck, the media may not be allowed to see much, and there will be a limit to how many media members actually have access. Different times for sure.

WHAT SECOND YEAR PLAYER COULD MAKE A BIG LEAP?

Everyone wants it to be receiver N’Keal Harry – and he may be on his game – but we say it will be former Michigan edge rusher Chase Winovich. He had 5.5 sacks and 17 solo tackles last season, and we think those numbers could double. He’s got talent, and defensive players often make big strides in their second season.

WHAT ROOKIE IS GOING TO MAKE AN IMPACT?

We’d love to say one of the tight ends, either Devin Asiasi out of UCLA or Virginia Tech’s Dalton Keene. But think about it: who is the most important player they drafted by his position, presuming a veteran doesn’t take his job:

Try Marshall kicker Justin Rohrwasser. When the Patriots draft a kicker, they usually do it with the idea that he’s sticking. And your kicker can win you games at the end, right? That’s what we call impact.

WHAT NAME VETERAN COULD GET CUT BY CAMP’S END?

You know, there aren’t many left, as the team has changed a ton since its Super Bowl win over the Rams in Atlanta two years ago. Ironically, it could be Newton if he doesn’t show a lot; Route 1 is littered with off-season signings that end up camp casualties. But we’d go out on a limb and say back Rex Burkhead. He’s injury prone and hasn’t been all that productive overall since signing three years ago. He’s restructured his deal, but could very easily be lopped off if back Damien Harris emerges after being in mothballs most of last year.

BONUS QUESTION: WILL THERE ACTUALLY BE A SEASON?

It’s hard not to imagine there not being one; whether it starts on time is the issue. The areas of the country that are spiking now will likely calm down during the next two months, and that may give the NFL a sense of security. Whether it’s false or not, who knows. The protocols, etc. will be strenuous for team staffs; fans,if at all, will be few. The NFL has kept pushing forward, and fans and season ticket holders in this area have to wonder if they’ll be able to see a game.

We think they will. If not as scheduled, certainly by the unofficial Oct. 11 alternate date.

Wish we could wish you happy camping. Fans in the Nashua area have always loved those summer trips to Foxborough. It’ll have to be a virtual one this year.

Tom King may be reached at tking@nashuatelegraph.com, or you can follow him on twitter @Telegraph _TomK.

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