Minicamp Updates: Day three - New England Patriots Forums

Patspsycho · 06-17-2010, 01:38 PM

Observations from Patriots practice - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

http://www.patriots.com/news/index.c...=43281&pcid=41

TBradyOwnsYou · 06-17-2010, 01:54 PM

Quote:

Feeling of finality; Randy Moss breaks it down. As the practice concluded and players gathered in one large huddle, receiver Randy Moss raised his arm in the air and players yelled out in unison, signifying the end of an important phase of the team's offseason program.

Because he's a leader and he's showing how much he wants to stay??
/fingers crossed

Sicilian · 06-17-2010, 02:10 PM

A few things that stood out to me:

- Both links had good things to say about Butler. The Patriots link that said Butler, Chung, and Edelman had great offseasons is a VERY good sign to me. If all three of those players have good seasons, the Pats will instantly improve in a couple areas of weakness from last year (pass defense, and depth at WR).

- It's probably all just cliche-speak, but something about the way the offensive coaches quotes were worded gave me a good feeling. Sometimes we forget that young coaches can progress and get better just as much as players can, and I think O'Brien seems to be maturing into the role. He clearly has the respect of the rest of the staff at least.

- Hearing that Welker took a boot to the ball made me cringe. That just has Bill Gramatica written all over it...

***blackglass3*** · 06-17-2010, 02:16 PM

Quote:

As he has throughout the last three weeks, receiver Wes Welker worked in individual drills before departing as the Patriots got into team drills. Upset with himself for dropping a pass across the middle, Welker wound up and attempted to kick the ball through the uprights.

Um, wouldn't that put a bunch of pressure on his ACL? Should him attempting kicks be viewed a really good news?

***Peachhead*** · 06-17-2010, 02:23 PM

Great stuff. I love this time of year.

SEPatsFan · 06-17-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackglass3

Um, wouldn't that put a bunch of pressure on his ACL? Should him attempting kicks be viewed a really good news?

There is another article out there that says this exact thing; it shows someone who clearly isn't worried about putting pressure on the knee.

SSDD

Sicilian · 06-17-2010, 02:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackglass3

Um, wouldn't that put a bunch of pressure on his ACL? Should him attempting kicks be viewed a really good news?

I'm sure it's a good sign, but it still makes me nervous. Last thing we need is him tweaking it doing something silly. But I'm probably just being paranoid. If he feels it's ok, kick away my good sir.

woolster22 · 06-17-2010, 03:26 PM

Seems there has been praise for Butler after each day of mini-camps. It would be HUGE if he could step in and perform at a high level this year. Ditto for Chung (who to be fair did pretty well with the reps he did get last year, IMO).

Also have to like the fact that Gronk and The Pot Head are getting lots of time in with Tf'nB, they could be a MASSIVE addition to the attack, whether its Gronk/Crumpler crushing the jets d-line/Lb's in the run game, or Gronk/Hernandez torching the Indy secondary...ok I guess I'm getting ahead of myself here... In any case, like the real possibility of 3-4 rooks/2nd year guys having a real impact for this team this year (Butler, Chung, Hernandez, Tate/Price, and that excludes the LB/DL/OL situation).

***KontradictioN*** · 06-17-2010, 03:39 PM

This certainly put a smile on my face, being that I'm putting a lot of eggs in his basket in the passing game this season...

Quote:

Aaron Hernandez making a fast impression. The rookie tight end made a very nice catch in 7 on 7 work, on the back end of a beautifully thrown ball from Tom Brady. Hernandez was deep down the left sideline when Brady dropped the ball in between cornerback Terrence Wheatley and safety James Sanders. Tough throw. Tough catch. Every practice, it seems, Hernandez is showing up as a pass-catcher. He had one noticeable drop today, but also was on the receiving end of a touchdown pass from Brian Hoyer (with safety Brandon McGowan the closest player in coverage).

***KontradictioN*** · 06-17-2010, 03:45 PM

Side note: Is this Ron Brace on the left hand side of this pic? If so, it looks as if he's lost some weight.