FOXBOROUGH -- Five observations from today's passing camp practice, which was held on the upper fields behind Gillette Stadium, with players wearing shorts and jerseys (no pads):
1) Jerod Mayo and dropping into pass coverage. One of the primary objectives of the session seemed to be geared toward linebackers and defensive backs working together in pass coverage. Along those lines, first-round draft choice Jerod Mayo was most often lining up at the weakside inside linebacker spot, and he showed the expected quickness dropping back, moving laterally, and sometimes charging downhill. He passes the eye test as a player who seems to move effortlessly across the football field.
2) The Tank Williams presence. When Tank Williams signed a one-year deal with the Patriots earlier this offseason, he was penciled into the mix at safety. But it was interesting to watch him get work at linebacker in this session. Given his 6-foot-2, 223-pound makeup, Williams is the type of player who could drop down in the box and play some linebacker-like responsibilities, similar to Rodney Harrison. The Patriots like flexible players, and Williams, in theory, could fit the bill in that regard.
3) Don't forget Matt Gutierrez at quarterback. One of the surprise stories of 2007 training camp, when he made the club as a rookie free agent, Gutierrez appears primed to threaten Matt Cassel for the No. 2 job behind Tom Brady. Besides throwing a nice ball with apparent ease, Gutierrez continues to display a strong work ethic. He was the last player off the field, staying late to work with tight end Stephen Spach, and also the first player to finish in the end-of-practice sprints (along with OLB Vince Redd).
4) Two-way players -- Matthew Slater and Ray Ventrone. Fifth-round draft choice Matthew Slater continues to alternate between safety and receiver. He wore a blue pinnie over his white No. 18 jersey when playing safety, and then shed the pinnie when it was time to go on offense. Slater could not corral one would-be interception (we also saw drops from CB Jonathan Wilhite and WR Sam Aiken). Meanwhile, safety Ray Ventone is making the switch to offense and was in a white No. 41 jersey for the entire practice. Ventrone spoke after practice about making the move, saying it's the first time he's played receiver since his sophomore year of high school, although he did get some work there as a scout-team player with the Patriots.
5) Victor Hobson leads the huddle. In making the switch from outside linebacker in the Jets' 3-4 alignment to inside linebacker in the Patriots' 3-4 alignment, sixth-year veteran Victor Hobson will be a player to watch in the ensuing months. If he can pull off the switch, and give the Patriots some quality play at a spot that has traditionally been difficult to fill, he could be one of the NFL's best under-the-radar signings. Hobson was leading the defensive huddle throughout the practice, and there was nothing that stood out physically (e.g. footwork) that would make one think Hobson can't make the move.
Mike,
How did Dave Thomas look at Tight End ?
We missed him last year. I look for big things from him this year
I am excited about the possibilities to revamp the LB& DB corps. Mayo looks like a keeper. Mike, what were the other 44 players not on the field doing?
Let's get some insight into the receivers if we could. Most notably, Chad Jackson. How healthy is he and can he be the number 2 guy opposite Moss?
Hi Blair. The first thing that stands out to me with Thomas is his set of hands. Solid. But really, it's hard to make any definitive judgment in this setting. Ampats, the other 44 players were probably either working out in the offseason program, or resting. I sense that part of this offseason is about rest and relaxation, because the Patriots have been through a pretty rigorous grind over the last two seasons. I'm not saying the players aren't participating in the program, but I sense it's a bit different. Kevin, on Chad Jackson, I want to see him when the pads come on. I feel strongly that a player can look great in shorts and t-shirts, but a lot changes when they get hit in the mouth. I do think Jackson is primed to have his best season, but I don't see him overtaking Moss or Welker on the depth chart. I don't know how anyone could say that right now.
--Mike
keep an eye on Vince Redd
Mike,
What's the story on Junior Seau? Is he retired or still in limbo? I for one wouldn't mind seeing him back for one more year, even if it's just to add to the depth at LB. He's also a leader in the locker room. I love the way he aproaches the game, he may 39 yrs old but he plays like he's going on 28.
Mike--
Your comments reinforce my read of how the off season program has been going and I'm concerned.
"...I sense that part of this offseason is about rest and relaxation, because the Patriots have been through a pretty rigorous grind over the last two seasons. I'm not saying the players aren't participating in the program, but I sense it's a bit different...(Mike R)"
In addition to others, I believe Brady's attendance has been much less than in past years. There have been many photos of him travelling everywhere. After not having the most stellar playoffs, especially the Super Bowl, I wish he'd shown more leadership for others this off season. Larry Bird always worked on improving some part of his game every off season.
Could the Pat's players be following the same road as every other Super Bowl losing team that doesn't make the plaoffs the next season? I hope not. Maybe the older bodies just need more rest.
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