What to look for tomorrow

[patfanken]

I was about to open a thread on this topic over at KFFL, when I found that not only did someone beat me to the topic...they did a better job than I would have discecting it...so here it is. Thanks URGENT. Ill add my 2 cents at the end.

QB: Can Cassel read through his progressions?
In prior pre-seasons, Cassel has made first downs by reading his first and second receiver, then bolting and beating a third-string safety for a first down. Let's see him read the defense and hit the open man. I expect to see Cassel midway through the first quarter, probably through the third.
Who cares what Guittierez can do right now.

RB: Can Morris pick up the blitz?
Presumably no Laurence Maroney, so a lot of Morris and Faulk. We know what Faulk can do.

Who nails down the final spots?
Looking forward to Welker in the slot. Presumably no Moss. The competition between Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington should be fun. Right now Gaffney is clearly on the team, Washington is clearly not, and Caldwell is on the bubble, in my opinion. This is a critical chance for Caldwell and Washington.

Is Garrett Mills a Patriots TE?
He seemed destined for an HBack role when drafted, then basically missed the season. With Thomas and Brady out, and Watson potentially out as well, Mills is in the spotlight.

Who is the 2007 RT?
It's a three-horse race. Kaczur and O'Callaghan have seemed neck and neck, with Britt a length behind.

What's the depth chart?
Green is obviously #4.
Wright seems to be #5.
Behind them is a group including Le Kevin Smith, Kareem Brown, Santonio Thomas, Kenny Smith, Rashad Moore, and Zach West.

Who plays where?
How much does Thomas play at OLB?
Is Pierre Woods a viable OLB candidate?
How does Lua look in the middle?
Lots of interest here.

Who grabs the starting spot?
Randall Gay or Tory James at corner opposite Hobbs, pending the Samuel situation? Sounds like Meriweather is targeted at nickel. James cannot play nickel well. James has had an up and down training camp - how does he look in the game?

Is Wilson poised to bounce back?
We haven't heard much positive from him in training camp, but he is pretty important. With Samuel out, Meriweather has been plugged in at nickel corner right now. Sanders has been improving in the strong safety role, but depth is thinner at the free safety role without Meriweather. A rejuvenated Wilson would be a huge help.

special teams: Who wins a roster spot based on ST?
PR: Assume Welker wins this. Great role for the slot receiver.
KR: Hope Willie Andrews can take this from Hobbs. Let's hope he does well here.
Coverage: It will be very interesting to see who is on special teams blocking and coverage teams, because that's a big indicator of who wins some of the positional battles: guys like Hawkins, Mitchell, Wesley, Lua, Mays, Rogers, Richardson, Washington

1. I expect for Tampa to do more in this game than the Pats. They are looking to selling some seats after a couple of bad seasons. Grooden is on the hot seat now. He has used up all of his Superbowl currency, and now his job is on the line. So I expect to see Garcia more than one series, and rightfully so since he needs the work with a new team. I expect their first defense to be in there longer and be very aggressive. They will hype their squad on showing what they can do competing against the media annointed best team in the league, so they will be all fired up.

The Pats on the other hand will be as usual, very vanilla. They will show little and most of the starters will be off the field midway into the 1st quarter. BOTTOM LINE, I don't expect to win the game. In fact, I wouldn't mind if we got killed...and I don't think BB would mind either.

One of the best things that could have happened to the Pats in their dominant 2004 season, was the shellacking they took in Cincinatti in the preseason. I think it was something like 30-0 at the half, and the second half wasn't much better. It was a great lesson to a great team...and it was learned.

I wouldn't be surprised to see BB set up the conditions so it happens again. Not only would it give BB a great object lesson, it would get the media off the "bandwagon", and allow the Pats to get back to their 'underdog' mentality.

2. As for myself, I will be focusing on the CBs and RT competition. I think how Cassell looks is probably the best story. Though I care less about how Morris blocks than how he can run.

3. In the long run, for the top 70 players, this isn't a do or die scrimmage. Jobs wont be on the line, but it will go a long way for those looking to make a statement in the evaluation process. It will go a long way in the staff deciding who will get the reps over the next 2 weeks when the first team will start to get more and more of the significant reps in camp.

4. I have to say I'm disappointed that I won't see Randy Moss on the field, but I will enjoy getting my first looks at Stallworth and Welker. Better safe than sorry, Bill

 

[Brady to Brown]

Re: What to look for tomorrow.

Great read.

Looking forward to seeing what Welker adds.

Cassel needs to show that he has a better awareness in the pocket. Or he is going to get killed

 

[patpatriot]

Re: What to look for tomorrow.

I hope Cassel gets a chance to run with the "1"s for at least a couple of series. I really believe that even if Brady went down, this team is talented enough to win with Cassel. Not win the SB probably but win more than they lose.

Don't get me wrong, I ain't anxious to find out. I just want to see if this kid has what it takes to be the real deal (a starting NFL quarterback) or if he is strictly a career backup.

Oh yeah, and I also want to see my binky Mills *tear it up*; cementing once and for all that he has a valuable place on this team.

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

I was about to open a thread on this topic over at KFFL, when I found that not only did someone beat me to the topic...they did a better job than I would have discecting it...so here it is. Thanks URGENT. Ill add my 2 cents at the end.


1. I expect for Tampa to do more in this game than the Pats. They are looking to selling some seats after a couple of bad seasons. Grooden is on the hot seat now. He has used up all of his Superbowl currency, and now his job is on the line. So I expect to see Garcia more than one series, and rightfully so since he needs the work with a new team. I expect their first defense to be in there longer and be very aggressive. They will hype their squad on showing what they can do competing against the media annointed best team in the league, so they will be all fired up.

The Pats on the other hand will be as usual, very vanilla. They will show little and most of the starters will be off the field midway into the 1st quarter. BOTTOM LINE, I don't expect to win the game. In fact, I wouldn't mind if we got killed...and I don't think BB would mind either.

One of the best things that could have happened to the Pats in their dominant 2004 season, was the shellacking they took in Cincinatti in the preseason. I think it was something like 30-0 at the half, and the second half wasn't much better. It was a great lesson to a great team...and it was learned.

I wouldn't be surprised to see BB set up the conditions so it happens again. Not only would it give BB a great object lesson, it would get the media off the "bandwagon", and allow the Pats to get back to their 'underdog' mentality.

2. As for myself, I will be focusing on the CBs and RT competition. I think how Cassell looks is probably the best story. Though I care less about how Morris blocks than how he can run.

3. In the long run, for the top 70 players, this isn't a do or die scrimmage. Jobs wont be on the line, but it will go a long way for those looking to make a statement in the evaluation process. It will go a long way in the staff deciding who will get the reps over the next 2 weeks when the first team will start to get more and more of the significant reps in camp.

4. I have to say I'm disappointed that I won't see Randy Moss on the field, but I will enjoy getting my first looks at Stallworth and Welker. Better safe than sorry, Bill

Excellent post. I, to, will be focusing on the the secondary and the different roles that some players are seeing (and not seeing). I can't wait to see the young LB's earn their time tomorrow. We could very well be watching our LB rotation in a couple of years tomorrow night. To some degree I will also be watching the punting battle - which is between Baughner and Miller right now. I can't wait to see Welker tear it up.

 

[captain stone]

I won't be able to see the game, but if I could, I would look for the following:

Cassel v. Tampa's #1 defense;

Morris as a legit backup to Maroney;

Where, and how well, will Mills play;

The battle for starting RT;

Who of Oldenberg, Hilliard, Elgin, Barthelmes and Mruc play well enough to survive the first cuts;

Is Oldenberg worthy of a (bottom of) 5th-round pick;

LeKevin Smith v. Rashad Moore at NT;

Santonio Thomas v. Ken Smith v. Kareem Brown v. Zach West at DE;

Justin Rogers v. Chad Brown at OLB;

Lua v. Alexander v. Mays at ILB;

Who amoung the DBs will break from the pack; each one, save Hobbs, has a question that needs answering;

Can someone other than Hobbs provide acceptable KO return ability

 

[TheBaronPatriot]

Wilson has looked good based on what I've seen in Training Camp.
He's making good reads, and he's got the physical abilities of a CB which transfer quite well to a FS.

For instance, he seems to be playing his responsibility well and makes good breaks once the ball is in the air.

I think he will bounce back, hope anyways.

 

[Rob0729]

I was thinking about it. I still don't think we can really see much in the first or last game that is going to give us much insight. Every year I look for things in the first game and virtually every conclusion I come to has the opposite outcome by the end of the preseason.

Some back up is going to look outstanding tomorrow night and get cut potentially in favor someone who will have an unremarkable game tomorrow night. It seems to happen every year. I don't how many times we will see a RB break off a 50 yard run or a WR have an outstanding TD reception against a bunch of scrubs in the first game and get everyone's attention only to have that player be cut (sometimes in the first cutdown). Remember when everyone was in love with Patrick Cobbs after rushing for 92 yards and 2 TDs against Washington last year in the preseason only to get cut (granted it was the second or third game, but he played like a superstar against third stringers)?

I know this is kinda a buzz kill post for this thread, but I don't think you can get much insight out of this game. The coaching staff will, but they are looking for specific things that we are unaware of.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Great topic.
I'm also interested in the punting competition. I think Miller is done.
I'll be watching rooks Lua & Rogers at ILB and OLB along with Alexander, Mays and Woods.
Who are our 2007 KR/PR guys?
And yes, this is Cassell's game. If he looks mediocre or worse then we hafta waste space and money on some vet. Gut's gametime comes in the later games.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Great topic.
I'm also interested in the punting competition. I think Miller is done.
I'll be watching rooks Lua & Rogers at ILB and OLB along with Alexander, Mays and Woods.
Who are our 2007 KR/PR guys?
And yes, this is Cassell's game. If he looks mediocre or worse then we hafta waste space and money on some vet. Gut's gametime comes in the later games.

I think the only way that has to happen is if Cassel looks like he's seriously regressed. As others have pointed out, the Pats felt confident enough in Cassel that they were willing to go without a 3rd QB for half of last season. I don't see why that would change now.

Normally, I'm not big on Gregg Easterbrook (TMQ), but . . .

As the Broncos were cutting their losses with Clarett, New England named Matt Cassel its third-string quarterback. Minor transaction? Tuesday Morning Quarterback trembles. Cassel did not start in college; the last time Cassel threw a touchdown pass was in 1999, at Chatsworth High School in California. When New England spent a seventh-round pick on Cassel in this year's draft, yours truly wrote, "It was bad enough the Patriots used a sixth-round pick on Tom Brady, who had a fairly ordinary college career, then turned Brady into a Super Bowl MVP. Now they've used a seventh-round pick on Matt Cassel, who didn't even start in college. Please tell me New England will convert him into a defensive tackle. Please don't tell me he's another future Super Bowl MVP quarterback." Cassel was stuck on the bench behind Carson Palmer and Matt Leinart in college. Now he's had a strong training camp and may be a find. While other teams throw high draft choices out the window, New England scouts a guy who didn't even start in college, and comes up with a winner. Ye gods.

 

[PatsFan37]

Some back up is going to look outstanding tomorrow night and get cut potentially in favor someone who will have an unremarkable game tomorrow night. It seems to happen every year.

Excellent point. What we often see is a complete breakdown of the opposing team's 3rd string unit, half of which are practice squad or second day and UDFA rookies who barely know the playbook. And like you say, some RB jukes right through them where he wouldn't find a hole in a starting defense. Or some LB sacks the QB twice by blowing past a guy who gets cut next week.

It's really hard to tell.

OTOH, if Gruden plays his starters a little longer, maybe we'll get to see our scrubs up against some real competition for at least a little while. And it's at least as revealing as a practice session.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I think the only way that has to happen is if Cassel looks like he's seriously regressed. As others have pointed out, the Pats felt confident enough in Cassel that they were willing to go without a 3rd QB for half of last season. I don't see why that would change now.

Normally, I'm not big on Gregg Easterbrook (TMQ), but . . .

Well, Mrs B mentioned several times that Cassel had happy feet and did not look good. That's why I'll be watching him Friday.

 

[patriot lifer]

With all the competition at qb (for the Bucs), it will be a good test of the Patriots depth at Defense. Garcia, Sims, and Gradkowski are all decent. It isn't like a lot of other teams who have a bunch of no-namers stepping into the game by the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters. Even though the wide receivers won't be too good, the passers will have experience.

 

[Patjew]

What channel is the game on in Rhode Island again, please? Fox? I need to get the Slingbox going.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

With all the competition at qb (for the Bucs), it will be a good test of the Patriots depth at Defense. Garcia, Sims, and Gradkowski are all decent. It isn't like a lot of other teams who have a bunch of no-namers stepping into the game by the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quarters. Even though the wide receivers won't be too good, the passers will have experience.

From what I've read and heard, Simms has been so bad since the injury he has dropped to 3rd on their depth chart. Even in practice he has apparently been unable to throw a decent spiral. The Bucs are the embodiment of the old adage, if you have more than one starting QB on your roster, you likely don't have any. I'm not sure what Chucky is thinking these days collecting JAGS to compete with his JAGS including the injured one he resigned and another who wanted nothing to do with him. (And after watching an NFLN TC program on the Bucs camp two years ago, I can see why. His QB's have to be immune to playing shell shocked. All he ever does is scream and rant and flat out embarrass guys. His practices are like being worked out by a drill sargent on crack.) There is a real air of desperation to it all. He will probably play his starters for much of the first half, which will make for a good learning experience for us.

 

[mgteich]

I expect to be beaten by at least two touchdowns. I will watch

1) Will Washington do anything that improves his trade value? There is no reason for him to make the 53 for us?

2) What will we see from Mills? I'm prepared to be excited. He is no longer anywhere near the bubble.

3) Kaycur or O'Callaghan or Britt. My guts says that O'Callaghan will be gone within a year; being prone to concussions is just not good. I think that we will see Britt at LT. He is a solid backup there.

4) Who will return kicks? Who will be the gunners on the kick return team?

6) Which of the STer's will step up?

7) There may be a great battle for roster reps on the DL. The real fight is for the #7 roster spot. Smith should win the spot.

8) Will anyone beat out Alexander and Woods as special teamers and emergency positions backups?

---------------------------------------
AND THEN THE REAL COMPETITION
9) The real competition is in the defensive backfield where we could (should) keep 10-11 players. There are very few very close to locks:
CB: Hobbs
S : Harrison, Sanders, Meriweather, Wilson, Andrews
Obviously, Meriweather, Wilson and Andrews can all play corner if needed.

I guess that we all expect Gay and James. I'm not sure I know on what basis, other than lack of competition.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Well, Mrs B mentioned several times that Cassel had happy feet and did not look good. That's why I'll be watching him Friday.

You'd have happy feet too playing with rotating 2nd and 3rd teamers in the first week of an NFL TC. He's looked pretty good with the first team according to the concensus reports. It's hard to build a rhythm when you don't get many in season snaps with the first team. I haven't worried about him since the Miami game. He's fine, may need a series a game to knock the rust off when he's not getting any playing time. That's fine by me...Belichick is also fairly conservative in garbage time, which we see little of anyway.

 

[spacecrime]

Remember when everyone was in love with Patrick Cobbs after rushing for 92 yards and 2 TDs against Washington last year in the preseason only to get cut

a. Technically, he wasn't cut, he was traded.

b. How nice would it have been to have a healthy RB the second half of the last game we played?

But you are right, we are going to have to cut some good players.

 

[patsox23]

I'm looking forward to seeing the progress I've heard is evident (so far, grain of salt, etc...) in Randall Gay and Willie Andrews. If those two show marked improvement - especially Andrews, who to this point has been a glorified S/Ter only - I'll be pleased (relatively speaking - it is just pre-season). I'd also like to see Pierre Woods translate his off-season/T.C. positives into tangible on-field production.

 

[ClevTrev]

Timely post! As game time approaches, I agree with those who have said that this game is hardly the final determination on roster decisions. That being said, it will cement some trends and expose some surprises, pleasant and unpleasant.

I want to see LB depth, and that must happen with Woods, Lua, Rogers, and Alexander showing they can play smart and steady. I'm expecting all to get ample playing time tonight with the starting LBs making no more than a cameo appearance. With all the news about Woods and Lua, primarily, this should be a good indication as to whether we've got the real deal in our backups or whether the team will once again be looking to draft more agile DEs next year.

I'm expecting to see some trends established at the DB positions. Gay and James are vying for a starting CB role, and Meriweather has shown quality play there in TC. I fully expect to see Meriweather play nickel and one of the outside positions during the course of the game. This is the start of his NFL career, and I expect Meriweather to show a lot. I'm also interested in whether Mike Richardson shows he's capable of being more than a STs player this season.

Cassel must cement his hold on #2, and there's no better time to start than now.

I'm not expecting a lot from the RBs in that I don't expect to see Maroney play, and we know Faulk's and Evans' capabilities. Morris is the only one I'm mildly interested in and that interest is whether he can protect the QB as well as the other two.

And finally, Miller has some real competition this season, and I expect one of the three to get some game experience. Malone appears to be on the outside looking in, but if the Pats do what they've done in the past, they'll give each one a full game in which to prove themselves. Who it will be against the Bucs remains to be seen.

 

[Ceresco]

Welker is tear the secondary apart:rocker: