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Bedard's Breakdown: Rookie Marte Mapu a possible intriguing x-factor vs. Eagles

Originally posted on Boston Sports Journal
By Greg A. Bedard | Last updated 9/7/23

It's impossible to predict how Bill Belichick and the Patriots are going to deploy their defenders in Sunday's opener against the Eagles. The last practice that was open to the media was on Aug. 23rd. That leaves a lot of time behind closed doors and in the laboratory for the coaches to tinker.

That especially goes for rookies on defense. Normally the Patriots bring their rookies along very slowly, make them focus on excelling in a small role before the coaches put the players in a tough and extended position.

We know that won't be the case for cornerback Christian Gonzalez. He'll be out there every snap.

Second-round pick Keion White should at least get some subpackage looks.

What about third-round pick Marte Mapu? The picture for him is even more hazy, as it took him a while to get cleared for contact, got limited time in the Packers joint practices, and only played against the Titans in the preseason.

But what the Patriots asked Mapu to do against the Titans leads to a legitimate question: could he play a large role against the Eagles? Quite possibly.

Let's look at his game film, and discuss what this could mean.

GAME FILM

POSITIVES

Athletic ability and overall smarts are readily apparent on film.
Patriots are not afraid to put him in different situations. He lined up as the lone deep safety, split safety, strong safety, star (slot), linebacker and had man coverage at times against tight ends and running backs.
Speed is evident and he can close quickly.
Not afraid of contact and will take on everyone from TEs to OGs without much care.
Not the biggest guy, but plays strong.
Reads his keys quickly and is solid with his run fits.
Real good open-field tackler.

NEGATIVES

Appeared to be at fault on a coverage bust to the RB for a big gain. While everyone was in man, he switched off the RB to the TE, while Joshuah Bledsoe stayed on the TE.
Little weak in coverage on a TD pass where he could have provided more support. Was too focused on the middle of the field and didn't read the QB. This is obviously a guess on his responsibilities.
Missed two tackles.
Took two poor angles but got away with it thanks to his speed.
Appeared to favor his shoulder a few times after tackles.
Not the biggest guy right now — seems like he is a safety for now. But I could see in a few years with more muscle, Mapu being more of a linebacker or free safety.

PATRIOTS PROJECTION

There's little question the Patriots coaches think a lot of Mapu, both his physical skills and, more importantly, his football IQ. He is way, way ahead of most rookies at the position. Kyle Dugger wasn't asked to do this much. Still isn't, really.

If he made the corrections from this game, that would be an even better sign to the coaches.

I could see Mapu playing a sneaky big role in this game, at least in certain packages. He could line up at times against TE Dallas Goedert, or the RBs. He could spy Jalen Hurts at times as well.

But I also don't think it's out of the question that he gets a lot of free safety time as the season goes along, especially if others (Adrian Phillps, Jalen Mills) struggle at times.

This article first appeared on Boston Sports Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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