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Eyeing special teams clues

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 24, 2008 06:50 PM

Special teams can sometimes provide a tip as to which players will earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.

With that in mind, here were a few nuggets that caught the eye on special teams Friday night against the Eagles:

Fourth-year linebacker Eric Alexander seems to have a firm grip on his spot as a "core" special teams player. He was on the first-string punt coverage, kickoff coverage, punt return and kickoff return units.

Others playing a "core" role by lining up with the first-string on all four punt/kickoff units: running back Heath Evans, linebacker Larry Izzo, receiver/safety Matthew Slater, receiver Kelley Washington.

On the flip side, veteran Victor Hobson was not on any of the first-unit special teams groups, which -- in addition to him playing sparingly on defense -- could be an indication he is in jeopardy of not making the roster.

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5 comments so far...

Umm, is it time to push the panic button yet? They are 0-3 with 18 more to go. They were predicted to lose no more than 3 games and we've already started the season off 0-3! Why is no one else talking about this? Even the JETS have a better record than us!

Posted by Pats Fan 4 Life August 24, 08 11:20 PM

preseason games are worthless...ill be honest and say im a little worried. let's wait until week 4 before we hit the panic button. just keep remindering yourself brady, bill, and 3 rings.

Posted by Alex August 25, 08 09:34 AM

Relax. Brady hasn't played. And I bet he's fine. They are just waiting to get their OLine healthy so he doesn't get killed.

And by the way. Just as a refresher. Preseason games don't count in the standings.

I agree about Hobson. I think he is on the outside looking in.

Posted by Jason August 25, 08 10:16 AM

Ummm, it's PRE-SEASON dude. They haven't played well, but none of this counts yet. Keep panic in control until after the KC game if they continue to struggle.

Posted by Karnak August 25, 08 10:36 AM

If we go 10-6 and win the big one, I wont be complaining.
I dont think any sane Pats fan is expecting 16-0 again, but many (surely?) would take 13-3, 12-4.
We could even lose 5 games and still win the division.

I am, however, very curious about the state of Light and Neal - what is wrong with them, Mike?

Posted by GlasgowPat August 25, 08 11:08 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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