Patriots MVP in 2023: 3 to Watch on Special Teams

As the New England Patriots prepare for the 2023 NFL season, Patriots Country continues its pre-training camp series by highlighting three potential team MVP candidates on special teams.

FOXBORO — For a franchise which typically prides itself on achieving special teams excellence, the New England Patriots surprisingly struggled in 2022.

New England's ‘third-phase’ was ranked No. 32 in the league last season by Football Outsiders' DVOA metric, while allowing two costly punt returns for touchdowns in their final regular-season game against their division rival-Buffalo Bills.

As one might expect, changes were not only necessary, but have already begun. The Pats used valuable draft capital to select a new both a new kicker and punter for the upcoming season. The Pats will also be welcoming back longtime special teams captain Matthew Slater for his soon-to-be 16th season with the team. 

Despite an overall downtrodden 2022 season while coaching on offense, former special teams coordinator Joe Judge is currently working “closely” with special teams coaches Cam Achord and Joe Houston. The 41-year-old previously served as a Patriots’ special teams assistant from 2012-2014, before his promotion to special teams coordinator; a role which he held from 2015 to 2019. During that time, New England fielded some of the most-efficient and well-disciplined special teams units in the NFL.

With a new-look, yet an old-school approach, here is a look at three Patriots with the potential of being the team’s MVP on special teams in 2023.

3.  Chris Board

Perhaps best known by Patriots fans as the player to which Bill Belichick once referred as “the best special teams player we’ll play against,” Board began his pro career as an undrafted free agent in 2018 by signing with the Baltimore Ravens. Since that time, he has been a special teams standout, logging 1721 snaps within various coverage units. He is also a capable reserve linebacker, earning 115 tackles, 2.5 sacks and three forced fumbles in four years with the Ravens and one with the Lions. At his best, Board is a multifaceted special teamer with the ability to positively impact both the blocking and coverage teams. Accordingly, he is expected to play a significant role in the team’s third phase in 2023. 

2.  Bryce Baringer

Baringer not only fills a position of need for New England, he also was secured via a low-risk selection at pick No. 192 in the sixth-round. In 2022, Baringer broke the Michigan State record for yards-per-punt (49.0) while also ranking first in Big Ten history in career punting average (46 yards). As one of the most decorated players at his position in NCAA history, it is only fitting that he became just the 52nd punter to be drafted since 1997. Barring any unforeseen setbacks, Baringer should assume New England's starting duties at the outset of the season.

1.  Marcus Jones

Though he may have been a rookie, Jones played with a wisdom and a skill set far beyond his years; thus making an indelible mark on the Patriots in all three phases of the game. Still, Jones’ most significant contributions came in resurrecting what had been a dismal return game in 2021. At his core, he is a phenomenal athlete, with significant breakaway speed, as evidenced by his game-winning 84-yard punt return against the New York Jets in Week 11. Jones compiled 1,007 total return yards in 15 games played. The ex-Houston Cougar led the NFL in total punt return yards, as well as with a 12.5-yard punt return average. He also ranked seventh in the NFL with a 23.9-yard kickoff return average, while finishing fifth in total kick return yards.

For his efforts, Jones was voted to the Associated Press All-Pro first team as a punt returner, the only Patriots player to make first-or second-team All-Pro. He was also named as both an All-NFL and All-AFC punt returner by the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA.)

As training camp approaches, second-year running back Pierre Strong, Jr. and rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden expected to provide Jones with some relief in returning kicks in 2023. Still, his ability as a return specialist continues to make him the most dangerous weapon in the Patriots special teams arsenal. 

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