To all the KT doubters? Checkmate. Game Over:
http://www.csnne.com/blog/patriots-talk/belichick-thompkins-considerably-ahead-last-year
After today's fight:
".....
Both players were miffed, and Browner's emotion boiled over into a heated exchange with receivers coach Chad O'Shea later in the practice. Browner explained that Thompkins' skill at the line contributed to his frustration level.
"[Thompkins] has got routes at the line of scrimmage that are unmatchable," Browner said. "Some guys aren't as quick as that dude so it's been competitive going against that guy. But it's only going to make me better."
That a veteran corner -- a former Pro Bowler at that -- thinks that highly of Thompkins speaks to the leaps and bounds the second-year receiver has made in 12 months."
Then, from Mr Effusive:
"Kenbrell is a lot better football player than he was a year ago and he came in and he had a real good camp last year," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He impressed us, even starting back in the spring. He earned that starting position with his good play and his consistency. But this year, he’s way past that.
"Experience has a lot to do with it. His offseason work also has a lot to do with it. He knows what to expect. He has a much better understanding so he can play with more confidence, more aggressiveness, just generally play faster because of the knowledge of our offense and the expectations and the experience that he’s gained. He’s having another good camp this year. He’s off to a good start, but way considerably ahead of last year, as he should be, as all second-year players should be."
How much more is needed to understand that the guy is making the team and (unless injured) will have a role during the regular season?