The Patriots have hit the midway point of the preseason and with two games still remaining there are plenty of questions regarding the roster. Some uneven play, particularly on defense, has led to most of those roster-related questions and the last couple of weeks will start to sort some of those out.
Our Blitz starts this morning with one of the more noteworthy names being discussed as ESPNBoston.com wonders if Cyrus Jones' 32-yard punt return in Houston might be the start of a comeback of sorts for the 2016 second-round pick.
The Boston Globe had Bill Belichick offering some praise for Jones as well. The Globe also had some praise for Rex Burkhead, who showed some versatility with an impressive performance as a pass catcher out of the backfield. The Patriot Ledger offers another look at the 53-man roster, as does WEEI.com.
Despite a pair of lackluster efforts from the defense during the preseason, the Boston Herald says not to worry about it because the Patriots schemes haven't been too complex. James O'Shaughnessy had a nice night in Houston in an effort to earn a roster spot.
ESPNBoston.com says Jimmy Garoppolo was tough on himself after the Texans game but his toughness was tough to ignore.
The Providence Journal says Saturday night was an opportunity for the backups to impress.
CSNNE.com has Tom Brady explaining how opposing defenses will have to be careful which players they choose to double.
The Boston Sports Journal offers some over/unders for the Patriots in 2017. NESN.com had Belichick offering praise for four Patriots. Multiple reports indicate that the injury Elandon Roberts suffered in Houston is not believed to be serious.
