Which player(s) will you be watching closely Thurs night?

[Box_O_Rocks]

This feels like deja vu...

I want to see how all the NE lads play, I'm not fussy.

 

[MrTibbs]

Obviously Mayo to see what all the hype has been about since camp started. Chad Jackson will have everyone watching, DaveThomas has already given us a glimpse of what he's capable of when healthy.

Other then that I want to see if Merriweather is playing with more confidence and if Crable is or isn't completely lost out there. I have a feeling Wheatley might be the best rookie in this Patriots draft class. We'll have some of our questions answered by tomorrow night.

I'll be recording the Jets game also. That should be very interesting. I'll be watching their Oline and their defense as a whole.

 

[jmt57]

On offense it will be the offensive line, then Chad Jackson and LaMont Jordan.

On defense it will be any and all of the new LB and DB.

On special teams it's Izzo, Washington, Slater, and with hands over my eyes, Hanson.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Obviously Mayo to see what all the hype has been about since camp started. Chad Jackson will have everyone watching, DaveThomas has already given us a glimpse of what he's capable of when healthy.

Other then that I want to see if Merriweather is playing with more confidence and if Crable is or isn't completely lost out there. I have a feeling Wheatley might be the best rookie in this Patriots draft class. We'll have some of our questions answered by tomorrow night.

I'll be recording the Jets game also. That should be very interesting. I'll be watching their Oline and their defense as a whole.

Please create a topic here Friday AM describing the Jets' debacle, I mean game

 

[Urgent]

Where are the battles?

QB: Cassell - Gutierrez - O'Connell
Who sucks least? Can any of these guys stumble through a half if needed?

WR: Aiken - Washington - Jackson
Who offers the greatest contribution to the team? Can either Aiken or Washington function as a fourth receiver? Can Jackson return punts?

LB: Hobson - Izzo - Guyton - Redd
Is Hobson struggling as much as we have heard? Can Guyton or Redd overtake Izzo on ST?

CB: Wheatley - Bryant - Sanders - Wilhite - Richardson
What's the real depth chart here? Can Sanders or Richardson make the team?

I think these are the four most interesting positions.

 

[DefenseRules]

I will be watching everybody, but I am going to pay extra attention to the following:
1. The QB's- It's Matt Cassel's job to lose, IMO.
2. The Offensive Line
3. The young linebackers: Mayo, Crable, Redd, Guyton, Woods and Hobson
4. The overall play of the seconary
5. Matthew Slater-I want to see what all the hype is all about

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

5. Matthew Slater-I want to see what all the hype is all about

Word up is that Slater's got an awesome bod!

 

[DefenseRules]

Word up is that Slater's got an awesome bod!

LOL!

 

[363839]

Unfortunately I won't be able to see the game here in Illinois.
But I'll be interested in reading everybody's comments in the chat room.

 

[JoePats]

I'm amazed it took eight posts to bring up CJ.

As am I...

Pierre Woods for me. When you draft a LB in the 3rd round and the Hall of Fame coach compares him to an undrafted rookie from 2 years ago who has had a very nondescript career to this point save special teams, I want to follow the nondrafted player.

 

[BadMoFo]

I think the biggest thing to watch will be the back-up QBs and OL, and all the DBS. I have faith Mayo will do very good this season, but it'd be nice to see him get a good start in this one.

 

[BradyToMoss]

Chad Jackson then flipping over to ESPN to check out the great DRC

 

[BPF]

Rather than targeting specific players ahead of time I let the game play itself out and follow what rookies/young players are on all special teams and how they perform. I take note of who makes mental mistakes, who is not focused and is committing thoughtless penalties (aggressive ones are ok but offsides or false starts are an indication a player is not focused enough). Obviously you always take notes when a player makes a play who it's against, does that player have a chance to make the other team-is he quality competition? I will also look for personal protector on the 2nd punt team, he will have a shot of beating out Izzo. 2nd team personal protectors seem to always make the team in some capacity.

For rookies, I am really excited to see Mayo, Guyton, Wheatley and Slater though.

 

[psychoPat]

....

In all honesty, I want to see every damn player on this team and I want to see them now.

:singing:

I can't wait.

Just about says it all.

 

[Boston Jay]

In all honesty, I want to see every damn player on this team and I want to see them now.

:singing:

I can't wait.

Yeah, what he said. Unfortunately since I live in Doofin land I'll have to wait til the replay comes up on NFLN.

 

[AzPatsFan]

As am I...

Pierre Woods for me. When you draft a LB in the 3rd round and the Hall of Fame coach compares him to an undrafted rookie from 2 years ago who has had a very nondescript career to this point save special teams, I want to follow the nondrafted player.

Yes indeed, I noticed that too. Pierre was much more than a nondescript fellow from Michigan. At the end of his Sophomore season he was being projected as a future First round draft pick. Then Coach Lloyd's doghouse became his abode. He was badmouthed, and went undrafted. But SP/BB remembered his Freshman and Sophomore seasons and signed him. As far as a I am concerned, he is already the best ST player, and has been for the past two seasons, leading the Pats in ST tackles by a wide margin, amazing for a non-gunner. BB likes him and it appears he will be in the OLB rotation.

 

[Yorkshire Patriot]

1) The patched up O-Line
2) Backup QB competition
3) Darft picks - Mayo, Crable, Wheatley, Wilhite
4) DB's

Not in that order, but those are the four main things I'll be keeping an eye on

 

[Mike the Brit]

Where are the battles?

QB: Cassell - Gutierrez - O'Connell
Who sucks least? Can any of these guys stumble through a half if needed?

WR: Aiken - Washington - Jackson
Who offers the greatest contribution to the team? Can either Aiken or Washington function as a fourth receiver? Can Jackson return punts?

LB: Hobson - Izzo - Guyton - Redd
Is Hobson struggling as much as we have heard? Can Guyton or Redd overtake Izzo on ST?

CB: Wheatley - Bryant - Sanders - Wilhite - Richardson
What's the real depth chart here? Can Sanders or Richardson make the team?

I think these are the four most interesting positions.

Well "watch" isn't the word for me but I think your post pretty much nails it for me. I'd just add "running back" (Jordan) -- but running back performances in pre-season are incredibly misleading (anyone seen Patrick Cobbs, lately?).

 

[Disco Volante]

I'm amazed it took eight posts to bring up CJ.

Ditto this.

 

[RayClay]

Because of his draft status and our need, I assume that Mayo will be watched closely by everyone.

Other players that I will be looking for are,Wheatley,Rudd,Redd, Guyton, and Bryant. Certainly the play of the OL will be of interest too.

Who are some of the others?

Patsnut, I'm watching all the new players, but we have three new LBs besides those. How many are we going to carry?

I'll say Jackson, Richardson, Spann and Sanders. CB and safety are where jobs can be won.