***THE OFFICIAL 2014 New England Patriots training camp thread***

[BelichickFan]

We actually have talent at RB now, so lets see how BB gauges that talent in March.

I hope you're right. I like this trio if Ridley stops dropping the ball.

 

[Brady6]

I cannot say I can argue with one word he wrote.Smith repeatedly rammed into Marcus Cannon and got significant push every single time I watched them rep. Every single time, but then, that was using my eyes in person...I can't speak to the all seeing eyes of Stats-o-loid Universe.

Were you at camp today? If so, where was the DL playing in terms of alignment? Were they mixed up or were they more LE or RE specific; 1-Tech DT or 3-Tech DT specific?

 

[Joker]

No practice on Monday. So, tomorrow morning's practice is it until at least Tuesday. 9:15 a.m.

Think I might try to make this one too and focus on the RB's and LB's.

 

[PatsBoy12]

With all the talk of what White is doing in the early going, I couldn't help but post this little nugget:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000369531/article/inside-training-camp-live-whispers

» From Philadelphia Eagles camp, NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah provided some insight in the newLeSean McCoy-Darren Sproles tailback tandem, saying he expects both players to share the field some of the time. "I think Sproles is a perfect complement in this Chip Kelly offense," Jeremiah said onITC Live.

Now, I know it's still early and there is still a really long way to go, but one can still get excited about the possibilities of a Vereen/White combo backfield. Many even had Sproles pegged for the Patriots and, though neither player compares to Sproles at this point in their young careers (or McCoy for that matter), this could still be a powerful weapon in NE's arsenal. And they'll get to see it likely in the joint practices. I'm sure BB and Chip will share some notes.

 

[Ring 6]

Wilson has been playing first team reps over the first 3 days and has played very well according to reports; he had an interception today.

Bequette was 2-0 in 1on1 drills today, in my opinion Bequette was a developmental player that Belichick valued enough to keep on the 53-man roster for 2 seasons; I think he will see an expanded role this season.

I think we will keep 5 DEs and right now I have it as:

LE – Ninkovich
RE – Jones
#3 DE – Buchanan
#4 DE – Bequette
Developmental DE – Moore

Personally, I was never a big fan of Will Smith, I thought he was grossly overrated when he was with the Saints, he had a very good 2009 season with 13 sacks, since then he has 18 over the next 3 seasons, and then he missed all of 2013. Week 1 of the season Smith very well could be the best player of the 4 competing for the backup DE spots, but I do not think that will be the case come week 17. I think players like Buchanan (who had a terrific practice today), Bequette, and Moore all offer potential to be more effective as they develop over the course of the season.

If smith is healthy and the injury isn't lingering he is a lock. I know you like stats but you can't judge smith on a sack number. He has been a complete DE not just a guy who gets some sacks while ignoring run d to make his stats look good. He has played at a top 10 at his position level for years.

 

[Ring 6]

True story –
Chris Jones – 786 snaps, 30 total pressures = 3.8%
Sealver Siliga – 215 snaps, 8 total pressures = 3.7%

Where are those numbers from?

 

[Brady6]

Where are those numbers from?

NESN for total pressures and ESPN for snap count. I did the math.

 

[Ring 6]

NESN

Can you post a link

 

[Brady6]

Can you post a link

http://nesn.com/2013/12/donta-hight...triots-in-2013-coverage-pass-rush-statistics/

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/category/_/name/defensive-snaps-2

 

[BelichickFan]

NESN for total pressures and ESPN for snap count. I did the math.

Doesn't surprise me, Siliga had noticeable, surprising QB pressure for a big guy.

 

[MossWelkowski]

How bout we pump the breaks a tad on James white... If I remember this board was calling Sudfeld the next gronk last year and he lasted 1 game

 

[Brady6]

Doesn't surprise me, Siliga had noticeable, surprising QB pressure for a big guy.

Siliga is an interesting player, somewhat overshadowed during his time at Utah by Star Lotulelei and probably should have stayed in school for his final season. He is very talented however; his weakness coming into the NFL was his strength, which he has improved since entering the NFL.

 

[joepatsfan]

How bout we pump the breaks a tad on James white... If I remember this board was calling Sudfeld the next gronk last year and he lasted 1 game

Why? TEs and WRs are a lot different than RBs.

Also, we KNOW White is talented. Just go watch him at Wisconsin, he was a work horse and great runner and good pass catcher.

Sudfeld was some nobody from who knows where with no expectations until he killed it in camp.

White was a 4th rounder and talented and has legit expectation heading into camp and the season.

 

[Ring 6]

http://nesn.com/2013/12/donta-hight...triots-in-2013-coverage-pass-rush-statistics/

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/category/_/name/defensive-snaps-2

Thanks for the link

 

[PatsBoy12]

How bout we pump the breaks a tad on James white... If I remember this board was calling Sudfeld the next gronk last year and he lasted 1 game

Much respect, MossWelk. I feel like as long as every poster remembers that it's early, a point that you've made, then there is nothing wrong with being happy with some of the early camp stories. They're all we have to go on right now. Heck, Logan Ryan popped in camp last season, stuck around and was the leader among rookies in interceptions.

I'm not completely disagreeing with you. I'm merely pointing out that this is the time of year to be optimistic, no matter your favorite team or player. It's been so long since we've had football, and I think that most fans, especially us, are so anxious to see this iteration of the team. I certainly feel an electricity and I'm nowhere near Foxboro. I can't even imagine how being there feels.

It's early, but I'm hanging on the blogs and the fans on here that report back on what they see. I am well aware that it's early, but I'm also super excited that pads are back on and the team is preparing for what many believe, and we all hope, will finally be the year that BB and TB12 return to claim their rightful place at the top of the NFL, bringing us along for the ride. I can't wait to hear the stories from today's practice.

 

[Tunescribe]

I know he's on PUP but has anyone seen Easley at all, even standing on the sidelines? Just wondering.

 

[joepatsfan]

Thanks for the link

ha. edited that.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I know he's on PUP but has anyone seen Easley at all, even standing on the sidelines? Just wondering.

FWIW, the reports yesterday said he was in attendance, but not actively participating (along with the other PUPpies).

 

[DaBruinz]

I know he's on PUP but has anyone seen Easley at all, even standing on the sidelines? Just wondering.

Easley has been present at TC every day according to the reports..

 

[DaBruinz]

Good information from the GLOBE Report..
http://www.boston.com/sports/footba...raining_camp_notes_tight_ends_having_a_h.html