Patriots Passing camp starts tomorrow

[DefenseRules]

OMG an actual FOOTBALL RELATED EVENT!!

http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/reiss_pieces/

Passing camp begins tomorrow
Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff
May 18, 2008 10:31 AM

ANALYSIS
The first day of the Patriots' passing camp is scheduled for tomorrow. The passing camp is part of the organized team activities (OTAs) allowed by the NFL.

While OTAs are voluntary, they are considered an important part of the team's offseason program, and often result in players who haven't been working out at the team facility attending.

In the case of the Patriots, consider that the team's offseason program began March 24. The offseason program generally is split into multiple phases, and the passing camp -- which kicks off the ninth week of the offseason program -- reflects that the team is arriving at a new phase.

The passing camp is also a reminder that the offseason program focuses on more than simply physical conditioning. There is classroom work as well.

Coaches will be looking to see how that classroom work is transfered to the field in a non-pads setting.

(Note: The passing camp is closed to the public. Media members will have access to Tuesday's session.)

 

[JR4]

passing camp .... hmmm ... does that have something to do with passing
video tapes around?

 

[BelichickFan]

Yeah, it's time to end the other stuff. I know it's been a huge part of our lives for 8 months but it's over now.

Passing camp - Chad Jackson. Kelly Washington. They interest me in how they look at WR. And the three man race for, presumably, two backup QB spots.

Too bad there's evidently no media access on Monday; I guess we will hear very little until Tuesday's work.

 

[DefenseRules]

passing camp .... hmmm ... does that have something to do with passing
video tapes around?

Now, Now stay on topic J.

 

[DefenseRules]

Yeah, it's time to end the other stuff. I know it's been a huge part of our lives for 8 months but it's over now.

Passing camp - Chad Jackson. Kelly Washington. They interest me in how they look at WR. And the three man race for, presumably, two backup QB spots.

Too bad there's evidently no media access on Monday; I guess we will hear very little until Tuesday's work.

I'm a little intrigued with the punter competition this year as well. It will be interesting to see how the rooky does in comparison to the seasoned veterans.

 

[blackglass3]

So, is it just for QB's, or are RB's, and TE/WR's there as well?

 

[DefenseRules]

So, is it just for QB's, or are RB's, and TE/WR's there as well?

The latest video on Patriots.com stated that the entire team will be there.

 

[JR4]

With Donte gone ...Jackson or Washington ... which gets a bigger role in the
passing game this year?

 

[BelichickFan]

I'm a little intrigued with the punter competition this year as well. It will be interesting to see how the rooky does in comparison to the seasoned veterans.

The main issue with Drago for me is how quickly he can shorten his steps to 2 and how/if it affects his punting. Other than that, consistency and placement are key for him to beat out the vets.

The rookie/new CB are also intriguing, especially Wheatley.

 

[Pats726]

The latest video on Patriots.com stated that the entire team will be there.

I do NOT think it is the entire team...I KNOW for a fact that the rooks will not be there till their Mini Camp..which is in June..

 

[DefenseRules]

The main issue with Drago for me is how quickly he can shorten his steps to 2 and how/if it affects his punting. Other than that, consistency and placement are key for him to beat out the vets.

The rookie/new CB are also intriguing, especially Wheatley.

I agree BF. I was a little disappointed when we drafted Wheatley. But I did some research. The kid was a very good football player in College. It will be interesting to watch his development.

 

[DefenseRules]

I do NOT think it is the entire team...I KNOW for a fact that the rooks will not be there till their Mini Camp..which is in June..

Thanks. When I heard that, I wondered if that included the rookies.

 

[Jade Fox]

Football? What is this football you guys are talking about?

 

[BelichickFan]

I agree BF. I was a little disappointed when we drafted Wheatley. But I did some research. The kid was a very good football player in College. It will be interesting to watch his development.

I REALLY need to pay more attention to the Patriot attributes next year and Wheatley fits them to a tee - plus he, like Mayo, sounded like a grizzled veteran in interviews, not a raw rookie. As long as his injury history doesn't bite him I think he'll be a big improvement over Gay as the #3 CB this year (Hobbs and Bryant starting) and I think Wheatley could be considered our #1 CB next this time next year; understanding with Samuel gone, that's not the biggest prediction in the world but I have a very good feeling about him, especially his ability to make the big play.

 

[BelichickFan]

I do NOT think it is the entire team...I KNOW for a fact that the rooks will not be there till their Mini Camp..which is in June..

Pisser. That leaves Jackson/Washington as my main points of interest.

 

[JoePats]

And the three man race for, presumably, two backup QB spots.

I would say it's a two-man race for one spot. O'Connell is a virtual lock.

 

[BelichickFan]

I would say it's a two-man race for one spot. O'Connell is a virtual lock.

Yep. Unless he has a "mishap" along the way

Actually I don't think they'll want him on IR - I think they'll keep him as #3 and pick whoever is most capable of playing if needed between Cassel and Gutierrez. If they go with Gutierrez they may get a low, conditional pick for Cassel; if they keep Cassel they would sign Gutierrez to the PS if he made it through waivers.

My guess is Brady, Gutierrez, O'Connell with Cassel being traded for a sixth round pick or something like that.

 

[jmt57]

Yep. Unless he has a "mishap" along the way

Actually I don't think they'll want him on IR - I think they'll keep him as #3 and pick whoever is most capable of playing if needed between Cassel and Gutierrez. If they go with Gutierrez they may get a low, conditional pick for Cassel; if they keep Cassel they would sign Gutierrez to the PS if he made it through waivers.

My guess is Brady, Gutierrez, O'Connell with Cassel being traded for a sixth round pick or something like that.

I'm wondering if at some point the Pats will consider picking up a veteran as a backup. I'm a little more comfortable with the idea of one veteran backup with previous NFL experience (Flutie, Testaverde, Huard in the past) to go along with the new guy (O'Connell). Somebody will be cut worth considering but the downside is that then both backups are still just learning the Pats system.

 

[Pats726]

Pisser. That leaves Jackson/Washington as my main points of interest.

yes...by RULE..the rooks have to stay out UNTIL the minicamp..I believe it has more to do with schooling..graduation etc. But that has always been the case as far back as I can remember..Don't know about lineman..others..the D..my guess is that they are NOT..although..NOT sure.

 

[TheGodInAGreyHoodie]

Yep. Unless he has a "mishap" along the way

Actually I don't think they'll want him on IR - I think they'll keep him as #3 and pick whoever is most capable of playing if needed between Cassel and Gutierrez. If they go with Gutierrez they may get a low, conditional pick for Cassel; if they keep Cassel they would sign Gutierrez to the PS if he made it through waivers.

My guess is Brady, Gutierrez, O'Connell with Cassel being traded for a sixth round pick or something like that.

That won't happen this year. Too much of a microscope.