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Chat leftovers
Going back into Thursday's chat and looking at some unanswered questions:
Not including receiver Brandon Tate and lineback Tyrone McKenzie, who are projected to land on reserve lists, I think the top five selections are locks and as many as eight rookies could make the club. Patrick Chung looks like an immediate 2b/3a option at safety. I see Ron Brace/Sebastian Vollmer/Rich Ohrnberger adding depth on the lines, and Darius Butler contributing as a nickel/dime option and kickoff returner. I also think receiver Julian Edelman will make the team and push for playing time.
I don't at this time, and I have this comment from Matt Light in mind on the importance of continuity up front: "It’s not impossible, but it’s a heck of a learning curve trying to get used to playing next to another guy and all the mistakes that come with that ...When you have a new guy that comes in, or there is a rotation or some kind of mix-up, it takes a while to jell again.”
I'm going to pick a low number, because I think the biggest issue for Brady will be the mental aspect of taking that first hit. Once he gets over that, I think he'll be fine. I thought a bit about Trent Dilfer's comments on ESPN Live, about how the Patriots could potentially manage Brady by going more to a running game, but I don't think that will be necessary. I think they'll keep doing what they do and Brady will be ready to roll.
I think more and more veterans are getting squeezed out of the NFL, but not with the Patriots, who signed Shawn Springs, Fred Taylor, and Joey Galloway -- all in their 30s -- this offseason. From my own experience, and this is probably skewed from being around the Patriots, I also haven't picked up the vibe that rookies aren't interested in what the veterans have to say. While part of that is a credit to the culture established in the locker room, I also remember talking to Darius Butler before the draft and listening to how he revered Deion Sanders. So while I'm sure there is some validity to the thought, I haven't noticed it much in New England. As for why that is the case, I think it's a reflection of the strong program installed by Bill Belichick over the last decade.
The Patriots planned to review all aspects of the facility, as that accident surely caught their attention. While they haven't publicly said they have concern, I can't see how they wouldn't. As a reporter covering the team, I know I'll be thinking twice the next time I step in the Dana-Farber Field House.
I think the best option would be acquiring Burgess if that was possible, as he could give them a proven rush option on third down. If that doesn't work out, I still think they could win with the players currently on the roster, which also includes Vince Redd.
Guyton received a lot of on-field work in the practices I watched, and part of that was tied to the absence of Jerod Mayo. I thought he looked comfortable, like a player who was laying the foundation to put himself into position to succeed. Guyton played 32 percent of the defensive snaps last season, mostly as a sub linebacker. It will be interesting to see if he has improved enough to make those numbers spike a bit. At this time, it's too early for me to tell.
That is pretty standard based on what clubs do, as they generally cross-train players at both positions -- center and guard. Same with tackles, as you'll often see tackles working on both sides. It's just a way to build more versatility into the roster for teams who only activate seven linemen on game day, so the backups have them covered at all five spots.
I don't think so, Lou. I think it's more of a versatility thing. If there was a fullback who could contribute in all the areas like Heath Evans did -- lead blocking, ballcarrier if needed, special teams, good locker room presence, right price -- I don't think the team would hesitate to add a player at the position. But since there hasn't been a fit, it looks to me like an extra tight end could find its way onto the roster to fill that type of role, and we could see a tight end lining up in the backfield a bit more often this year.
This is a topic that was explored in May, as the NFL is discussing the possibility in conjunction with an expanded season. I'll include the link here.
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HI Mike: if crable did not play a down last year,is he eligable for rookie of the year this year?
Mike do you think it is fair to say the Patriots haven't had a consistant pass rush since McGinest left. To that end, is it also a fair comment to say the Defence has been pretty vanilla since Romeo left, ie. not being able to change on the fly the way Romeo's D did. Any chance on Romeo coming back with the Pats as their Defence co.
Hey Mike, on your second note, in the quote with Matt Light, it should be "jell", not "gel", as in "it takes a while to jell again." Unless Light was, in fact, trying to say that it takes a while for an offensive line to become a gelatin substance after a change in the lineup.
Man, someone is quick on the trigger there. Wish I could get that kind of service at the DMV...
Also, Mike, I don't think this has been brought up in this space before, but as the sixth question demonstrates, the issue of bolstering the pass rush through the OLB position isn't going away, so what do think about the prospect of bringing in Jeremy Jarmon from the University of Kentucky in the upcoming supplemental draft? He has excellent size at 6'3" and 280 lbs., can run (4.76 40 yard dash) and had been genuinely productive in college. Obviously, he wouldn't be ahead of Woods/Crable/Redd on the depth chart if the Patriots did select him, but he seems like the kind of talent that could bolster the position as a fit from the physical standpoint, at least. What pick if any do you think the Patriots might be willing to spend from next year's draft to acquire him, and do you think his loss of eligibility from testing positive for a banned substance hurts his chances of being selected by anyone, let alone the Patriots?
Uh Richter, neither gel or jell are words. But in this case gel, which you correctly point out comes from the word gelatin (the solidifying ingredient in jell-o) is the correct use in this case.
Uh, Mr. Language person, if that is in fact your real name, jell is very much a real word. And it is the correct word in this case. If it wasn't, would it have been changed in the original post? Barring that, look it up in a dictionary. Gel is also a word, with a very different meaning.
i never like using a key player as a kick or punt returner, welker shouldn't return punts he's got too much value on the offense. if butler is going to be the player alot of people think then why risk him returning kicks. hobbs was ok to use as a return man because him being injured was usually better for the secondary.
Mike, I feel you really only have to worry about the practice facility if theres a tornado or, more likely, A LOT of snow.
(and those are words, I just checked)
I think Richter was my high school English teacher.
Steve, I'd agree with not wanting to sacrifice starters to special teams, especially in the case of Welker. A guy like Kevin Faulk, who can do the job extremely well but also...while he's extremely valuable to the offense, and is one of the best 3rd down backs in the league (receiving, blocking, draws)...the team could get by without him and I think he's very valuable in the punt return role (we saw what happened when you throw a scrub out there with Slater last season - but to be fair he was only a rookie and obviously valuable enough to at least keep around). I do disagree with your point about Hobbs. Hobbs was hurt alot, and while he certainly wasn't an elite corner by any stretch, he was the best we had. He was the best we had last year and he was the best we had opposite Samuel in the years preceeding that.
It's easy to bash on Ellis Hobbs, but he was asked to do more than he was capable of doing, and by god he tried his best.
When Belichick says that special teams is as important as the other two phases of the game, I don't think he's blowing smoke. If one truly believes it's as important, then you put your best punt returner out there regardless of his importance to offense or defense. And I think he did that with Hobbs on kick returns, and with Welker, Faulk, and Troy on punt returns.
I think the one exception that could be made is Maroney as a kick returner. Despite his faults in the running game, I think he's one of the best kick returners out there. But he wasn't used in that capacity much the past couple years. It may have been because he's been chronically hurt, but I guess it's possible that Belichick was just protecting him. I guess we'll know the answer to that this year.
For anyone, other than an NFL coach or scout, to project roster spots based on OTAs and minicamp is ridiculous. EVERYONE looks good in shells and shorts. Duh. As Parcells used to say, half the people making these predictions don't know whether the ball is puffed or stuffed...
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