Catching up with …

With the bye week upon us, let’s catch up with some former Patriots and dissect their performance through Week 6 of the NFL season. To assist, we’ve recruited beat writers to fill in the details.

Receiver David Patten –- Redskins
16 catches for 131 yards , no touchdowns

“Santana Moss has been the big guy down here,” said Jason La Canfora, who covers the Redskins for the Washington Post. “That has affected the production of the other receivers. Moss and [Mark] Brunell have really been locked in with each other. David does more of the intangible things the Redskins were looking for –- he has good hands, runs good routes, and they feel his role will expand. One thing they really respect is his professionalism, especially during the OTAs [offseason workouts]. He seems to have a good rapport with Moss as well.”

Offensive guard Joe Andruzzi — Browns
5 starts at left guard in 5 games

“I think he’s doing a great job; they really needed to get two new guards in here,” said Mary Kay Cabot, who covers the Browns for the Cleveland Plain Dealer. “It’s a little hard to tell his contributions in the running game, because they haven’t been asked to run block as much [104 rushes to 168 pass attempts], but overall, Joe has helped hold the line together. They’re real happy with his leadership. He’s been solid, sort of an anchor.”

Cornerback Ty Law –- Jets
6 starts at cornerback, 3 interceptions

“It’s been a mixed bag, really,” said Randy Lange, who covers the Jets for the Bergen Record. “He’s made some plays that remind us what he used to be in his great years with the Patriots. He’s coming off a less-than-positive game against the Bills, and he’s committed a lot of penalties –- he has seven in six games. The last two weeks he’s had some costly penalties. It’s been kind of feast or famine. The best news for Jets fans is that it looks like he’ll continue to get better.”

Offensive guard Adrian Klemm –- Packers
5 starts in 5 games at left guard

“He won the job at the end of camp –- he and Grey Ruegamer were competing,” said Bob McGinn, who covers the Packers for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “I’d say he’s been average. He had a tough act to follow, replacing Mike Wahle [now with Carolina]. The guts of the running game in past years had been a Power-O, which was strong side and weak side counter plays. The key block on the strong side counter was delivered by the left guard. They tried that early and have gotten away from it, and are now zone blocking more. He’s been better in pass protection than run blocking. The big thing is that he’s stayed healthy.”

Nose tackle Keith Traylor — Dolphins
5 starts in 5 games, playing mostly on first down and second down

“Keith has really spearheaded the Dolphins’ defense; he’s been a great addition,” said Greg Bedard, who covers the Dolphins for the Palm Beach Post. “Especially with the retirement of Tim Bowens and Larry Chester’s injury situation, the Dolphins were lacking that big run stuffer in the middle of the defense. Traylor has been that, and more. He consistently draws double- and triple-teams and frees up players like Zach Thomas to make plays. He’s fit in well in the locker room and feels comfortable being around veterans like Vonnie Holliday, Kevin Carter, David Bowens and Jeff Zgonina. The Dolphins’ goal-line defense has been stellar.”

A few other Patriot updates:

Quarterback Rohan Davey –- not with a team after being cut by the Cardinals

Running back Cedric Cobbs –- with the Broncos’ practice squad

Tight end Jed Weaver –- not with a team after being cut by the Patriots before the season opener

Safety Dexter Reid –- 5 games, 5 tackles and 1 forced fumble while playing primarily special teams for the Colts

Running back Kory Chapman –- has been active for 2 of 4 games and has played primarily special teams [no carries]

Looking ahead, with the Patriots on the bye, we’ll plan on posting our next update Monday. Have a great weekend.

–Mike