The 2021 Patriots (Soon to Be Super Bowl Champs) Have Announced Their Captains

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​I just came across this tweet and got a quick chuckle.

Bill Belichick asked what he looks for in a captain.

"Whoever the players select."

— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) September 8, 2021

Classic Bill.

I miss when social media was in chronological order, or at least I say I do when in reality, the algorithm knows me better than I know myself. It was designed just for me; I should consider myself lucky!

Even though 93 minutes passed between these tweets, I scrolled for maybe four seconds before I saw this tweet that scratched my "well, I wonder who the captains will be?" itch:

Patriots 2021 captains: C David Andrews, LB Dont’a Hightower, S Devin McCourty, ST Matthew Slater, RB James White.

— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) September 8, 2021

​Last season the Patriots had eight captains: Matthew Slater, Devin McCourty, David Andrews, James White, Cam Newton, Lawerence Guy, Ja'Whaun Bentley, and Jason McCourty.

Cam and Jason McCourty are no longer on the roster, so their absence is pretty understandable. Dont'a Hightower returns from his COVID opt-out and is not a surprise whatsoever; this marks his 4th season as a captain. That man is a leader, and he's one of the few guys left from the Super Bowl teams. Plus, Dont'a is only responsible for two of the most important plays in Patriots history. No brainer here. 

James White and David Andrews have been captains before (Andrews even served while out with his heart issue) and resigned with the Pats this offseason, so their selections are not a shock either.

I don't even need to waste my time with Slater or D-Mac. Both are the heart and soul of this team and have been captains for the last 11 seasons.

What I do find a little interesting here is the drop from eight to five captains. Eight does seem like a lot; maybe it was factoring in COVID? I just wonder how this will affect Guy and Bentley? They're pros and will be fine, blah, blah, blah, but I'm pretty curious about how that goes over from a locker room standpoint. They were captains last year but are no longer. I'd imagine it's a lil awk. I'm sure their voices still matter in the locker room, but it is sort of strange to see. The Patriots are one of the few teams who don't rock the C patch on their uniforms, so it's not like they're getting it stripped off their jersey, but I thought this change for the 2021 season was worth noting.

As for the soon-to-be Super Bowl champs line in the title, I truly believe this team can compete for the Lombardi. I've been saying it for months, but this team gives me major 2001 vibes with its construction. People forget this defense was 7th in points allowed last year and only got better. If the offense can be middle of the pack or better...watch out. We know how much I love this backfield. Plus, I know Bill is not happy with Brady winning the Super Bowl and will be out for blood. Watch out, NFL.

P.S.


I like Lawerence Guy, but still think it's absolute BULL SHIT he made the Patriots All-2010s Team over Duron "The Closer" Harmon.