Chase Winovich’s season has gone the way of the New England Patriots’, with no shortage of highs and lows. But there’s no doubt that his Week 10 performance against the Baltimore Ravens was a high point of his season and maybe his career.
In the first few weeks, he was emerging as an outstanding pass-rusher, with ESPN’s analytics indicating he was budding into one of the best all-around outside linebackers in the NFL. But it seems he botched assignments and responsibilities — and even appeared to argue with Bill Belichick on the sideline during Week 7 — which left him with just 40 snaps between Weeks 6 and 8. That’s what made his turnaround in Weeks 9 and 10 so significant, especially with the team halting its losing streak simultaneously.
Against the Ravens, Winovich got 65 snaps (98%), spending time both at outside linebacker and inside linebacker, a spot he hadn’t played in the pros.
“I have never played a game that much off the ball (at inside linebacker) since high school,” Winovich said after the Patriots’ 23-17 win. “It really felt like I was playing high school football in a way and I had a blast. I love being in a position where I can pursue and play physical, so when I am in a position like that it allows me to make the most of some of my attributes.”
Whether the Patriots were discontent with how Winovich was playing or whether they recognized a shift in the Ravens’ tactics, he began spending more time at his natural position, outside linebacker, as the game went on. Belichick indicated the Ravens were intent upon attacking the edge with the running game later in the game, perhaps as a product of the Patriots’ strong play in the interior. Did the Patriots move Winovich to the edge in response, especially with the Ravens throwing more as New England took the lead? Or was he struggling in the middle?
At both linebacker spots in Week 10, Winovich managed nine pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. The outside linebacker also tallied seven tackles, third-best on the Patriots.
“I have always said that I am a football player just looking for opportunities to help the team win in any way possible,” Winovich said. “This was a really fun game for a lot of reasons but getting to play off the ball again was definitely something I enjoyed since I view myself as a pretty versatile football player. I am just grateful to my coaches for giving me the opportunity to expand my role, for my teammates, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Terez Hall, John Simon and specifically Steve Belichick, especially with the coverage and assisting with in-game adjustments.”
It’s clear the Patriots are happy with Winovich’s play at outside linebacker. That’s where he can (finally) resume his breakout season on the edge. And it will be interesting to see if he can follow in the footsteps of so many Patriots greats before him — much like Dont’a Hightower — who have learned to play every role at the linebacker position.
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