8/4/08
Opportunity knocks for backups; Monday notes
By Paul Perillo, Patriots Football Weekly
With several of the team's regulars sitting out practice, many of the Patriots backups had the opportunity to operate with the starters during Monday morning's practice. Antwain Spann and Le Kevin Smith were two that stood out.
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Who’s hot: Sam Aiken – Most thought of the free agent wideout as strictly a special teamer but Aiken has been impressive catching the football all summer.
He’s been open constantly and displayed strong hands both during drills and in live team action. He’s also come as advertised on special teams, making an impact in a variety of ways.
Who’s not: Shawn Crable – The third-round pick hasn’t shown up much during practice but he did on Monday – and not in a good way. During a live goal line drill toward the end of practice, Crable lined up at outside linebacker with the second group. LaMont Jordan waltzed into the end zone easily off tackle and Crable got an earful from the coaches, as well as a quick bit of advice from Adalius Thomas. On the next play, Crable seemed to be focusing too much on the run and wasn’t in position to disrupt Marcus Pollard’s route and the tight end caught a touchdown right behind him.
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