Which cornerback will start opposite Christian Gonzalez NBC Sports Boston [Video]

Editor’s Note: With training camp kicking off next week, Patriots Insider Phil Perry is taking a look at key position battles to watch on the practice fields outside Gillette Stadium. First up: Cornerback.

The Patriots have a clear and obvious path to competitive football in 2024, and it starts with their defense. 

The 2023 iteration of the team lost six games in which their opponents scored 21 points or fewer. That included three consecutive losses to the Colts, Giants and Chargers where New England never gave up more than 10 points.

While the two most important Belichicks — Bill and Steve, the latter serving as the Patriots’ play-caller since 2019 — have been removed from the equation on the defensive side of the ball in Foxboro, new head coach Jerod Mayo and defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington remain to run a scheme that will be rooted in recognizable philosophies.

Arguably their best player, Christian Barmore, is back with a new contract. Two of their …