Eyes on practice

Hi Mike,
some topics/players I'm interested in reading more about:
-the competition at long snapper
-the transition from Edelman to WR
-recently resigned P Tom Malone
-the play of the backup QBs

Mike-

I think it will be interesting to watch the different combinations at cornerback, and which ones seem to stand out the most. Last week it was noted there was Springs/Bodden , Butler/Wheatley with Whilhite certainly in the mix, so I think it will be interesting to take note of the different combinations and get a glimpse of their progress, as well as the different presences they might bring to the defense.

For me, who has never seen any sort of practice at all, being in the UK.

I'd be watching the personnel groupings of the Defensive Backs as there are some questions.
Are Bodden and Springs the starters?
If Merriweather is there, who is starting alongside, Chung or Sanders?
And who is the nickel if 5 DB's are out there. Wheatley, Wilhite or Butler?

On the offense, I'd be watching Lewis and Galloway to see if the connection with Brady is there. I'd also be watching the RB's to see the difference between the running styles and if there are any injuries in that grouping.

Finally, on Special Teams, i'd be watching to see if Hanson is still booming kicks and if Malone takes a lot of reps to keep Hanson fresh as it was reported that he tired after taking a lot of snaps from Hodel and Ingram. And if they do Field Goals, i'd be looking to see if Hansen and Gostkowski have got a good connection with either Long Snapper as they were perfect every snap last year.

They are just my early morning thoughts from the UK anyway.

You do a great job with info for those not in the US, Mike, so thanks :)

Thank you Mike. I am interested in the players grouping on defence/offence, specially the vets and second year players. To me that's indication of a depth chart at this stage.

Hi Mike -
If I could attend I'd be interested in 2 things: which 2nd year player is getting the most attention from the coaches (and whether any of them seem to have jumped levels in the off-season); if Brady runs, whether he makes his cuts confidently.
Thanks,
Rich

Hi Mike,
Thanks for all the insight and updates on the team. I also saw you on a replay of NFL Total Access here on ESPN America.

I am interested to see how Tank Williams is doing. I know he has injury issues, but think he could still add value in a BB defense.

I am also interested to see if Joey Galloway seems to still be blazing with speed out there compared with the other WRs and if you think he is an upgrade over Stallworth from 2007.

On the rookie front, how is Vollmer doing in rotation and who is filling in for Koppen?

Thanks

Brent

You should run a section called, “The Brady Watch” as you follow the quarter back throughout the season.

Observe the obvious. How does Brady look? How do the LBs and CBs look? Thanks Mike.

How does Galloway look? Does Bellichick spend most of his time with the rookies/new players?

Hi Mike, can you take a closer look at Patrick Chung for me. He was billed as a versatile performer who can fill many roles as well as being a natural leader. It would be interesting to see if you see any evidence of these two roles - which positions is he lining up in? how vocal is he? his relationship with the other DBs etc

Hi Mike

maybe you could report on how Shawn Crable is doing out there, when does he take the field with what positional grouping, how does he look etc. IMO, this guy needs to come up big this year with or without the acquisition of another vet to shore up the OLB position. They gave him a mulligan last year, now time to produce right ? - ok thanks -

How does Galloway look? Does Bellichick spend most of his time with the rookies/new players?

mike i want to know how all the linebackers line up...is peirre woods the first option on the outside...is vince redd and shawn crable in that mix...stuff like that...

Hey Mike....it would be interesting to see the pairings of the DBs and LBs.. see whos with who and who is getting the most reps at the certain positions..thanks for the great job Mike.....

Hi Mike,
If I were going to watch them practice (lucky you), at this point I'd be looking at decisiveness and good hands.
Have fun.
Leslie

Lots of interest in what you see in the defensive personnel. In particular CBs and LBs.
* Shawn Crable lining up with the 1's?
* Bodden, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite, etc. How are they doing covering the WRs?
* Darius Butler in the slot - can he stick with Welker?
* Inside LBs - Lenon and Appleby insights

Hi Mike,
My number 1 issue is does Wilfork show up? My number two is who is the tight end? How are the tight ends lining up? My number three is how does Brady turn? Can he hand off both left and right? Does he favor one side over another?

Mike,

I'm going to go out on a limb and say that Wilfork will be a no-show again. How much of an imapct do you think it will have on Brace. Are we going to start seeing him line up with the first team squad? If not, who will be taking reps with the first team?

I'm interested to hear how Jermail Porter's transition from wrestler to O-lineman is progressing! How is his stance and footwork?

I would look for the following:
- Who looks to be the leading kickoff return candidate?
- How fast does Galloway look?
- Are any of the tight ends distinguishing themselves?
- How do the rookies look?

Mike, please observe / comment on the DB's today. Any info you can find out about Harrison's return would be great. WEEI's reporting that he'll make a decision this week. Thanks.

I would check out the Rookies and see how they are conforming to things. I, like everyone else on the football planet, would watch to see if Tom B. shakes off the rust and starts to connect with the new receivers (and Randy Moss-that is always a beautiful thing to witness).
I would pay close attention to the D drills...as I am more of a Defense kind of girl...

Mike: You got any extra passes?? I can take a day off!!

Few things I would look for:

Formations and personnel on offense and defense- Will the Pats play more 2 TE sets? Does O'Connell run any spread offense/wildcat against the 1s on defense to get the team ready for Pat White/Brad Smith?

Who plays lead blocker in short yardage sets? Who is the Pats short yardage back?

How many reps does Greg Lewis takes with the 1s? With Galloway being 37, he's not going to take 50 snaps a game. How does Brady develop chemistry with both of these new receivers when they are splitting reps?

Do we see any rookies moving up to play with the 1s?

Overall conditioning- are there any players grabbing their shorts by the end of practice?

It's still quite early, but might be worth attempting to determine who's working with the 1st, 2nd and 3rd string at various positions, and guess who's on the bubble, etc.

Hi Mike,
- How much emphasis are being put on special teams during these sessions?
- Are the pats employing TEs in the wedge?
Thanks. You do a great job! It's great that you ask what the fans want from time to time.

I'd be interested to see if Tank Johnson is lining up at ILB, safety, both, what group he is working out with. Also, what players get reps on return teams. What rookies will be involved in the return game and who (a person or a committee) is likely to have the Ellis Hobbs return role.

Hi Mike,

I'd be interested to see if Lenon is more involved this time. You reported that last time he was mostly watching with Patricia and getting a feel for things. Is he participating this time? If so, how does he look? Mostly in-position?

I think keeping an eye out for mistakes. Whether it's a unit that has to repeat a play or an individual player who needs to be corrected. It seems most people look good out there, but the important thing is they are understanding what they are taught and applying it correctly on the field.

Hey Mike,

I'm really interested to know how Maroney is looking at this point. I feel like at the start of every season he talks about how great he feels and how he's ready to make the leap (last season he threw out the 'I'm in the best shape of my life' quote which is usually reserved for older vets, not someone in their early 20s) and this season is no different. Does he look strong, quick, and decisive? If he could reach his potential (glimpses in his rookie season and in 2007, especially in the open field) this offense could be downright scary.

Mike,

I would like to know what offensive formations they are practicing, and who is playing in which groupings. For instance, is anyone lining up as a FB? Who is the 3rd reciever with Wes and Randy? Which TE's are seeing time with the first unit? Who is the second TE? RB reps?

I'd love to hear any insight you can provide on the following...

*OLB ~ Particularly Crable, Redd, and Woods. Who's getting 1st Team Reps, and how're they looking? Also, how's Thomas looking? I can see 10-12 Sacks this year, if he plays 16 games on the outside, with the help I expect he'll get!

*ILB ~ I'm VERY interested in hearing how my boy Guyton is looking, and how they're deploying him. Also: Early thoughts on Appleby, and him potentially Guytonizing? Much as I worship Teddy Ice Cold Bruschi, I'd love to see him move to the sidelines as soon as possible. Launch Year for Mayo? I think SO!

Thank you!

Good Morning Mike ! Looking at the off season aquistions, it would seem the Pats have covered all areas except linebackers, any concerns there ? I'm thinking Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis are great additions, how fast are these two guys in your opinion ? thanks

Hi Mike,

How is the one on one battle between the WR's and CB's going? Do you see how much better our CBs are improving?

Mike,

I'd be really interested to see what kind of connection our QB's and WR's have built so far. I know there has always been much talk about Brady and the rapport he had built with Moss....but how does that look with Brady being injured for a year? Did they pick up where they left off? What about with our new additions in Galloway and Lewis? Any observations with O'Connell and Hoyer with the WR's or TE's?

I'd be interested to see if there is a clear distinction as to which coach will handle the offensive play calling. O'Brien seems to be the heir apparent, but will BB allow him to call plays this early or will it be under BB's watch for a while.

1. Kickoff return and cover formation
2. Tank W as ILB or S
3. RB/FB

Hi Mike,

I think it would be interesting to look at the draft class as a group to see how they are able to compete with 2nd or 3rd year players, and even veterans.

Thanks!
Jenn

Mike,

Edelman competence

Brady polish

Butler progress

Thanks!!!

Pretty much all the positions have been covered, it seems....I have nothing really to add except a question---> Who is better than Mike Reiss???

OLB - what appears to be the depth chart there based on groupings?

Hi Mike,

One thing I am curious is the possibility of the Patriots employs “non-traditional” defensive packages with great consistency in ‘09. I think week 3 vs. the Dolphins still burns at BB and I believe he’s been very busy reshaping his D to create ‘traps’ for the ‘wildcat’ and other modified offensive sets.

The departure of Vrabel and lack of a quality replacement (at least on paper) at OLB, coupled with the drafting of Chung & Butler, last years picks of JW and TW and finally the UFA’s of Springs and Bodden lead me to believe the Pats could be working in several 5, 6 and maybe 7 DB packages (if you factor Tank Williams as a DB) in ’09.

Similar to '03 and '04 when the Pats would throw the 7 DBs vs. Peyton I think BB’s idea again is to slow down the reads and limit or confuse the options in a Wildcat or modified spread formation.

Especially with the wildcat formation, creating a confusing Dback field with a less experienced QB will really affect this formation.

Are you able to see any indications from the defensive side of increased DB packages so far? Any new/different looks?

Thanks

Mike,

I would like to know if Mike Richardson is doing well. I remember in 2007 he make good camps, but injuries his knee and in 2008 dont return well.

Thanks.

Mike,

You're the best!

How is Fred Taylor fitting in?

Thanks.

With 5 seeming locks at CB (Bodden, Butler, Springs, Wheatley, Wilhite) and 3 at S (Chung, Meriwether, Sanders) and 4 at WR (Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis), what role are the multi-positional players on the bubble taking (Slater, Ventrone)? Is that Safety from Chicago going to crack the DB rotation? How about Tank Williams? What is the max total of DB + WR you see this team carrying?

Mike --- the Patriots offense and defense play very complicated schemes. i am interested in the communication between the QB's and the Wr's. Are they making the correct adjustments. On defense the same thing. How is the communication between the LB's and defensive backfiled. After that I want to know....
1. Who will be the intimidator on defense (taking Harrison's role). Remember, he set the tone on defense even in his first preseason with the Patriots.
2. LB's --- who is stepping up???
3. CB's --- who looks the part.

Just like race horses you can tell just by watching who seperates from the pack and is a special player.... Keep an eye on butler as BB seems to think highly of his athleticism.

What tight end(s) seem to be lining up with the first group? Is there a lot of switching with the first group of OLB's? What are your impressions of Hoyer vs Gutierrez or even O'Connell?
Keep up the great work!

With such quality depth at TE and RB, are they using any of the TE's and RB's wide? They have a history of kicking Faulk to wideout, I would expect to see Smith (speed), Thomas (hands), Watson (speed) runnjng more routes out of two (or three) TE sets.

Are any of the receivers, like Robert Ortiz, possible backups to Moss?

Everybody asks about the players...yet I would really like to know about the new coaches too. How comfortable they look, what catches the eye first as a diffrence from previous years...etc?

Hey Mike,

How are Springs and Bodden being used on the defensive side? With Springs' age and Bodden's one year deal, does it make sense for them to start over Wheatley, Butler or Wilhite? I mean, if Bodden has a good year, he's gone because we won't pay him and Springs is on his last legs. With the three young corners only on 4 year deals, we don't have much time to wait around and see if they are good or not. Play them and we'll see how are they are on the field. If not they may be good in year 3 or 4 and then, poof, they are gone too looking for the next mega-deal. I guess that's free agency for ya, but still frustrating none the less.

I would be focused on the following:
1. OLB and their passrush.
2. Rookie WR Edelman
3. CBs Darius Butler, Wheatley & Wilhite

I'd like to see if Brady is a little sharper than last week and if the rookies seem more comfortable.

Has Maroney lost a step?

For sheer pleasure I'd be watching Julian Edelman's cutbacks. He had the draft's top short shuttle and long shuttle times. Can anything on the field cover him?

Is Crable in the doghouse?

Does O'Connell look progressed?

Brady, Brady, Brady. Mike, I'm sorry to say it, but we're all going to be sick and tired of hearing about Tom Brady's knee come September (and beyond). Brady is the key to offense and defense. When he's in the game, opposing teams feel the pressure to score often, early, and that makes them one-dimensional and easier to defend. Is it September yet?

Cheers

Frank Stallone

Thanks Mike..I would like to know..with all the good RB the Patriots have, who will be taking most of the reps with the 1st team..is it Fred Taylor, L. Maroney, S. Morris?? I'm a big fan of Fred Taylor..I'm hoping he does well..so can you evaluate his speed, is he still fast..his cutting ability, and hands? Thanks.

Mike,

I'm always interested in knowing
-When coaches go into more detailed technique training, especially 1:1
-Which older players and rookies seem to pair up as mentors/mentees or at least seem to talk a lot.
-How Kevin Faulk looks. I know he's been an extremely consistent weapon for the Pats, but he has quietly gotten on in years (for his position). Do his legs still look fresh?

Mike,
Since this is so early on, I would think the most important observations would be:
- The rookies. How are they progressing? Maybe make notes now on your impressions, then compare those notes to the end of camp and see who you think made the most progress.
- The second year players. Did any of them make a significant jump that you can tell? Do any of them look like they'll push for playing time?
- Those that were hurt. Do their injuries seem to be limiting in any way? Are they especially rusty?
- Look for who the coaches spend extra time with. Did they yell? Anybody running extra laps? This may tell you who's needing extra help, and who may be in the doghouse.

Any significant sign of velocity drop off in brady's passes.
Where the rookie linemen are lined up at positions, lots of talk about where second round pick Volmer will be Left or Right Tackle.
Who's lining up opposite AD, and how are the reps split between Woods and Crable.

Mike,
I'm also interested in learning about how Porter looks.
Given the caveat that it's hard to judge an o-lineman by practice without pads how do his feet look?
Is he fulfilling his assignments or does he look lost out there?
So far reports have been pointed to him playing LT, is this where he is practicing?
How closely is Dante working with him?

I think this is a very important player to watch for the pats when considering how valuable Neal has been.

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the opportunity.

My interest is in the development in Wheatley and Wilhite. Not sure how to evaluate them at the OTA's, but what impact will they have on the nickel and dime packages, as well as pushing Springs and Bodden for starting time.

Mike,
With Rodney and Vrabes out of the picture who, aside from Bruschi, appears to be taking up the mantel of leadership on the defensive side of the ball?

Hi Mike,

Have you seen Myron Pryor at the OTA's? Is he working as an NT or does he primarily work as an end in the Patriots scheme.

Does Pryor look like he could win a spot on the regular roster or practice squad?

I'm wondering if you'll see more 4 3 defensive work as the "hold out" drags on? Also wondering if Tank Williams seems to be a regular on D and if so... How does that work?

Hi Mike,
I'm interested in Gary Guyton and how he's coming along. He looks in last year's game films to be very fast for an LB. Is he getting reps next to Bruschi or Mayo? How do you think the Mayo/Guyton duo would fare as our two ILBs in the 3-4
defense?