'07: Top training camp storyline
Continuing a mini-series looking back on the Patriots' 2007 season:
Today’s question: Which training camp storyline ended up playing the most significant role in the season?
Top candidates: Richard Seymour opens the year on the PUP list; Chad Scott’s season-ending knee injury; The adaptation of new receivers to the Patriots’ system; Adalius Thomas and his transition to inside linebacker in the Patriots’ 3-4 alignment; The hope that a young linebacker would emerge to add more depth.
Top choice: The adaptation of new receivers to the Patriots’ system.
The reason: When the Patriots first arrived for training camp, few could have predicted the records the offense would ultimately set. Importing receivers Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte’ Stallworth and to a lesser degree Kelley Washington, the Patriots had the pieces in place for a lethal passing attack. In 2006, Tom Brady had spoken about how it takes time to develop a rapport with receivers, but Brady and his new targets accelerated the learning curve in 2007. The passing attack turned out to be one of the top storylines of the season.
Previous questions:
What about MEsante Samuel holding out? Maybe if he was in camp he could have had some more practice catching footballs.
I just found this link regarding walkthroughs for Super Bowl 36. First off, it appears like someone was watching the Patriots. Second, it also appears like the Rams had their walkthrough at the Saints Practice Facility. Maybe Mike can do alittle looksie into this.
(http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=940DE4DB153DF931A35751C0A9649C8B63)
The only story line that remains is that the Patriots never understood that Josh McDaniels lacked the ability to to be the offensive coordinator. Funny, how Tom Coughlin awoke from his COMA and realized he needed to change up his coaching staff. How odd...that placing Kevin Gilbride as OC yielded results.
The top 2007 training camp storyline had to be: Where is Randy Moss?
Luckily, the most satisfying answer in 2007 came in the regular season.
The fact that we have Ommpah Lompahs at Corner Back.
Do we have a corner back or safety above six feet? The sheer lack of height is worrying. NYG won three jump balls in the last two minutes.
Says it all.
We had Chad Scott who is 6'1 ....
However he blew out his ACL on the First Day of Camp ...
Is Asante going to get his money or is he gone ?
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