Michigan Football: Chase Winovich has fantastic outing with Patriots

The former Michigan football standout Chase Winovich had a fantastic outing during the New England Patriots first preseason game.

The Detroit Lions offensive line collapsed as quickly as a venous fly trap when an insect triggers it. And the former Michigan football defensive end, Chase Winovich, took full advantage.

After halftime, Chase got his shot with the Pats and he delivered. Winovich ended the game tied for third for tackles for loss (2), tied for second for combined tackles (3), and second for sacks (1.5). Chase’s solo sack came early as he sprinted untouched past OT Tyrell Crosby for a spectacular tackle that wasn’t seen until it was too late.

Despite Chase playing for the opposing team, He received cheers from the Michigan faithful.

“It was cool,” Winovich said in response to the fans reaction. “But it’s like anything — I’ve talked about this before. I’ve always felt this way, but it’s definitely emphasized here.”

Chase knew what he had to do to get to the quarterback after becoming a quick study of the Lions during the team’s week-long joint practice.

“I just felt that I knew (Crosby) had been spending a lot of time at left tackle during the week,” Winovich said. “I figured he’d be a little bit more uncomfortable trying to make that transition in the game. But, I felt like I had a good get-off, had the edge, so I slipped it.”

With Winovich’s great performance and the Patriot’s offense running on all cylinders, New England was able to decimate Detriot in the Motor City, 31-3.

Chase was selected by the Patriot’s in the third round of this years NFL draft as the 77th overall pick. As the teams slim their roster, Winovich’s excellent performance against the Lion’s will be on the minds of the Pats decision-makers when it comes to handing out contracts and pink slips.

According to the Patriot’s official depth chart, Chase sits fourth at left defensive end behind, Deatrich Wise Jr.,  Keionta Davis, and Trent Haris.

With three games remaining in the preseason, Chase will have the opportunity to earn a more significant role in the organization should he keep tearing up offensive lineman.

Prior to the game against the Lions, Winovich was able to gain the attention of New England’s legendary head coach.  “Well, he’s a rookie,” Bill Belichick said before practice. “He needs to work on everything. But Chase is tough, he runs well, he’s got good size, good power. He had a very productive career at Michigan and we’re looking forward to seeing him out there in some game action, both on defense and in the kicking game.

“But, like every rookie, he’s got a long way to go and a lot of things to work on. It’s a different game and the competition’s very high. He’ll battle it and see how it goes.”

Over his four years at UM, Chase accounted for 166 total tackles and 18.5 sacks, with three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Winovich committed to Michigan as a linebacker and tight end but was converted to defensive end where he dominated.