FOXBORO — There’s been little readability over the standing of Patriots cornerbacks within the final week, however one factor is clear because the crew flies to Germany: little-known defensive again Shaun Wade ought to be taking up a much bigger position Sunday towards the Colts in Germany.
Wade, a Ravens 2021 fifth-round pick of Ohio State, began final Sunday’s loss to the Commanders over J.C. Jackson and Jack Jones, each of whom missed curfew to the crew lodge Saturday. Jackson took over for Wade on the Patriots’ third defensive collection, and Jones started to rotate into the protection beginning within the second quarter. Wade barely performed after the primary two defensive drives.
Jackson now gained’t journey with the crew to Germany this week over an absence of dependability. That will go away the Patriots with Wade, Jack Jones, Jonathan Jones, Myles Bryant and the newly signed Alex Austin at cornerback on the 53-man roster.
“It’s going to be a bigger role no matter what happens,” Wade advised the Herald this week. “Whatever role I get, I’m going to go out there and do my role, and that’s my job, so I’m going to continue to do my role no matter what it is.”
Wade has performed in eight video games this season and began two. The 25-year-old cornerback was traded to the Patriots after coaching camp when he was a rookie and has been a backup with the Patriots for 3 seasons now. When cornerbacks coach Mike Pellegrino was requested about Jackson and Jack Jones’ self-discipline this week, he stated he needed to alter the narrative to make it about what Wade had achieved to earn the beginning position.
“Shaun had a great week of practice, and Shaun played really well,” Pellegrino stated. “And Shaun did his job. I think the narrative should be more pushed towards what did Shaun do right to earn that opportunity. Because Shaun has done a lot of great things here for us in this past year and is a different player than what he has been in the past. So, my hat’s off to Shaun. He did all of the right things. He got what he deserved.”
Head coach Bill Belichick echoed these sentiments when requested about Wade on Wednesday.
“He’s strung together a couple good weeks,” Belichick stated. “So, we’ll see. Every week’s its own week. Every week’s a new week, so I don’t know. But, yeah, it’s trending the right way.”
Belichick stated Wade has been “taking advantage of his opportunities” and that his efficiency in video games has been “worthy of more opportunities.”
Wade believes he began Sunday’s recreation due to his play all through the week.
“Oh yeah, I definitely feel like it’s performing in practice,” he stated “I feel like I’m gaining the coaches’ trust recently.”
The former Buckeye has performed 162 defensive snaps this season. He’s allowed 13 catches on 18 targets for 168 yards, per PFF.
He stated he’s comfy taking part in security, within the slot or at outdoors cornerback within the Patriots’ protection.
The Colts’ prime huge receivers are impending free agent Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Josh Downs, who missed Week 9 with a knee damage. Neither matchup could be a simple one for Wade.
Source: www.bostonherald.com