Brace getting significant reps at DE - New England Patriots Forums

***KontradictioN*** · 06-12-2010, 07:13 PM

Patriots' OTA Storylines: 6/10/10 - Pats Pulpit

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Defensive lineman Ron Brace appears to be a significant part of the team's plans moving forward. At practice, Brace lined up at starting left defensive end with Warren out (although finally back in town after finishing his college degree). This is a positive sign for Brace, who seemed to be stuck in Bill Belichick's "rookie doghouse" most of last season. I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a big part of the Patriots' defensive line rotation, playing some nose and end in the 3-4, as well as defensive tackle in four man fronts.

Granted this was only because Ty Warren was out, but I have not been nearly as down about Brace as most Pats fans have been. Aside from the first series, I thought he looked pretty decent for a rookie in the playing time he got in Big Vince's absense last season. If Brace is getting these reps in Warren's absense (he's back in town, by the way) then I wouldn't be the least bit suprised to see him as a contender for the RDE spot going into training camp and the preseason. He certainly has the size to make an impact when in.

Also in this report are some very nice notes about Tate and Chung, in particular.

**Ian** · 06-12-2010, 07:22 PM

Another Note from the Herald on that:

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet Blog Archive What happened during the Patriots final OTAs open to the media?

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Without Warren, it seems Damione Lewis and Ron Brace are getting chances at end. Good sign for Brace.

Some quotes from Brace on the battle he faces for a roster spot from this article:

Ron Brace Determined to Make Improvements After Marginal Rookie Year - NESN.com - NESN.com

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"I don’t even think about that aspect," Brace said Wednesday. "If you worry about, 'Am I going to lose my job?' then you're going to be on your toes, and you're going to start thinking and you're going to be bad on your assignments.

"If it happens to be that [the coaches] see something they don’t like, and somebody has to get moved on, it just means they weren’t made for that system or they'll probably have better luck somewhere else."

Mike Reiss on that position:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl...ike&id=5237993

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I think the Patriots are going with Gerard Warren, Damione Lewis, Ron Brace, Mike Wright, Darryl Richard & Co., and they'll see how it shakes out.

I like his attitude heading into this season, and look forward to seeing him in practice.

Ian

Feep50 · 06-12-2010, 07:25 PM

I really hope Ron Brace is not the "bust" a lot of posters seem to expect. If he can contribute and progress that would be great for the Patriots in general. It's what I want to see.....................................

***KontradictioN*** · 06-12-2010, 07:29 PM

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Originally Posted by Feep50

I really hope Ron Brace is not the "bust" a lot of posters seem to expect. If he can contribute and progress that would be great for the Patriots in general. It's what I want to see.....................................

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

**Ian** · 06-12-2010, 07:34 PM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

I'd have to agree. I think he fell victim to a learning curve (as he's told us) and think he's definitely got the physical tools to play at this level. I also liked his attitude during OTA's, and he seems like he knows what's expected from him this season. I think it's obviously going to be up to him to take advantage of those times where guys above him aren't on the field, and hopefully give the coaches a reason to give him an opportunity. But it's definitely hard to call a rookie a "bust", considering not every one of them shine in their first season.

I've got to say there are so many great story lines heading into this year's camp. I think I'm really going to have a hard time making it through the next month and can't wait until camp starts

***Gwedd*** · 06-12-2010, 07:40 PM

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Originally Posted by Ian

I'd have to agree. I think he fell victim to a learning curve (as he's told us) and think he's definitely got the physical tools to play at this level. I also liked his attitude during OTA's, and he seems like he knows what's expected from him this season. I think it's obviously going to be up to him to take advantage of those times where guys above him aren't on the field, and hopefully give the coaches a reason to give him an opportunity. But it's definitely hard to call a rookie a "bust", considering not every one of them shine in their first season.

I've got to say there are so many great story lines heading into this year's camp. I think I'm really going to have a hard time making it through the next month and can't wait until camp starts

This...

Sometimes, even the most gifted athlete can become overwhelmed by the leap from college to pro. Sometimes, it's an awful lot to handle and he'll need time to adjust. Coach (and many others) sees a lot of potential for Brace, and last year's "motivations" have obviously paid off. If the scheme has "clicked" like folks seem to think it has, in his mind, then he ought to be a solid asset for many years to come.

Patspsycho · 06-12-2010, 08:28 PM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

I have pointed out time and again that most of his difficulties had to do with technique which is something that can be taught and learned. He played a different system, different position in college, and on top of that comes to the fairbanks-bullough 2 gap. That is biting off more than you can chew. Bad feet, poor hands and launching too high- all things easily corrected.

***Deus Irae*** · 06-12-2010, 08:31 PM

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Originally Posted by KontradictioN

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

Blame fantasy football, the internet and the televised draft. It used to be understood that most players didn't start as rookies, developed at varying paces, and only had to impress the coaches to stick around. Now, players have about 3 OTA practices to make the fans happy, or they become whipping boys.

We witnessed the phenomenon in reverse last year, right here on Patsfans.com, as Mr. Chung became deified before he'd ever even put the pads on.

Feep50 · 06-12-2010, 09:51 PM

I will be following this thread with interest......... It's enlightening already.

When you get right down to the rubber meeting the road how many rookies beyond the first round get significant playing time anyway? Ron Brace could turn out to be a vital cog for our team in a year or two. I hope he does....

***Peachhead*** · 06-12-2010, 10:05 PM

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Originally Posted by Ian

Mike Reiss on that position:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl...ike&id=5237993

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I think the Patriots are going with Gerard Warren, Damione Lewis, Ron Brace, Mike Wright, Darryl Richard & Co., and they'll see how it shakes out.

Why isn't Myron Pryor getting any love? I've seen several stories and posts like this recently. It seems like they mention everyone on the D-line except Pryor. I don't get it. Last year I thought he looked damn good as a rookie, certainly better than Brace or Richard, and if he makes a solid jump from year one to year two we may have us a stud.