On Sunday, the New England Patriots will welcome the division-rival New York Jets to Foxborough for a Week 6 matchup. For the Patriots to get another W and go 4-2 on the season, however, their offensive line will need to hold up against DROY favorite David Bailey.
One Patriot who will be tasked with stopping Bailey is projected left tackle and first-round pick Caleb Lomu. Lomu has experience going against Bailey (Texas Tech), who played against him when both were in the Big 12 Conference last season.
In last season’s 34-10 Texas Tech win over Utah, Bailey had a major impact on the Utes offensive line, recording five total tackles, two tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks per Fox Sports. However, when lined up one-on-one against Lomu, he recorded zero pressures and zero sacks.
Today on Zolak and Bertrand of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Scott Zolak discussed the impact Bailey can have on the game, with an emphasis on neutralizing his pass rush on quarterback Drake Maye.
“You got to block this kid Bailey. He’s got five sacks already. He’s on pace to be a defensive rookie of the year,” said Scott Zolak.
“You got to give [Lomu] some help on Sunday to not have the ability to get to Drake early and start getting Drake looking for the rush.”
Through five games, Bailey has been a bright spot for the 2-3 Jets with 25 total tackles to go along with his five sacks and a forced fumble.
Will the Patriots Offensive Line Hold Up?
In the Patriots’ 45-17 win over the Raiders last Sunday, quarterback Drake Maye had all the time in the world behind his offensive line that gave him clean pockets all day en route to a four-touchdown, 374-yard passing offensive explosion.
Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
On Sunday, New England will have to prepare for Bailey and the Jets without starting left tackle Will Campbell, who left the Raiders game with a knee injury. In his absence, Caleb Lomu will look to replicate Maye’s clean passing pockets and keep David Bailey away from his quarterback.
