THE OFFICIAL 2014 New England Patriots training camp thread

supafly · Aug 21, 2014

PatsWickedPissah said:
Alles ist ordnung mit Herr Volmer!

You just had to go and stir things up, huh?

Danger Zone said:
Der Worte sind genug gewechselt, lasst mich auch endlich Taten sehn!

Joker said:
aber, du bist eine scheisskopf...

supafly · Aug 21, 2014

jmt57 said:
Here is one guy that the majority of the media (and fans) are completely overlooking with their roster predictions. If Bill Belichick is comfortable in predicting that the ceiling for certain other players at the position is not high enough, don't be surprised if Davis makes the roster over one of the other safeties.

Kanorris Davis has a special look | Boston Herald

Kanorris Davis knows his role and doesn’t have any misconceptions about how he can make the Patriots’ 53-man roster.

While he is listed as a safety, Davis might as well have an “ST” instead of an “S” next to his name because his skills are specifically suited to special teams play.

While some players operate under the assumption that special teams work is a stepping stone to a bigger offensive or defensive role, Davis doesn’t, and therein lies his strength and best hope of making the team.

“Well, they brought me in to be a special teams player, so it’s my job to learn whatever position they point me at or whatever position they tell me,” Davis said. “So it’s my job to just come out here, you know, make sure I know where I’m at and what I’m doing and just get better as we go along, and perform in games and just make a role for myself. Wherever they need me, wherever they need me to be, I just want to know what they’re doing and I’ll play full speed to help the team win.”

Davis knows the tenuous nature of special teamers’ jobs. Signed as an undrafted free agent out of Troy last year, he was released three times by the Patriots, spent time on the practice squad, appeared in three games and made one tackle.

But Davis isn’t measuring his progress by statistics. Instead, he’s doing the most to emulate the teammate who best serves as a role model: Matthew Slater, a three-time Pro Bowler as a special teams player.

Possible battle between Davis and Ebner? Or are you suggesting Davis over one of Wilson/Chung?

I suppose I can envision either one, although I think Chung is safe at the moment myself.

jmt57 · Aug 21, 2014

supafly said:
Possible battle between Davis and Ebner? Or are you suggesting Davis over one of Wilson/Chung?

I suppose I can envision either one, although I think Chung is safe at the moment myself.

Ebner is the first that comes to mind.

Before camp began I would have said Chung. Since he has been around longer, coaches have a better feel for what his ceiling is - and hence, the more likely that they would move on to the next prospect. Now however, I'm somewhat more inclined to include him on the 53.

Sicilian · Aug 21, 2014

jmt57 said:
Ebner is the first that comes to mind.

Before camp began I would have said Chung. Since he has been around longer, coaches have a better feel for what his ceiling is - and hence, the more likely that they would move on to the next prospect. Now however, I'm somewhat more inclined to include him on the 53.

I would say Ebner as well. We all agree that we don't want Chung playing 70 snaps a game at safety, but he at least has some skills and ability in specific situations and defensive packages, as well as the ability to play special teams. He's a safety who plays special teams. Ebner and Davis are special teamers who are listed as safeties.

Mike the Brit · Aug 21, 2014

[PEDANTRY]

PatsWickedPissah said:
Alles ist in Ordnung mit Herr Volmer!

[/PEDANTRY]

pencilneckgeek · Aug 21, 2014

I've had my eye on Kanorris Davis since he made a strong play in punt coverage in the first pre-season game. He is exactly the kind of player that makes the team every year and leaves fans scratching our collective heads, when somebody expected to produce gets cut instead. I'm not sure that he is an Ebner replacement, as he seems to fill a different role - gunner instead of personal protector and Ebner seems to play bigger (although that may simply be throwback-neck-roll bias). Butler might be the one to beat him out, as he is making plays on KO coverage, although I haven't seen him as a gunner.

I have tended to think that all things being equal, Chung would be the one cut, as he is on the one-year deal, whereas Wilson, Davis, and Ebner are locked-up cheap for another year, but Chung has looked good so far and has a chance to win the starter's role, in which case he is a veteran bargain. For all the complaining about the limitations of whomever will be our starting SS, the DB group is deep. I could see Davis being this year's Marquise Cole, yo-yoing from roster to PS, depending on who is on the roster/IR. He did a little bit of that himself last year. Regardless, I think it would be a nice change if a preferred ST guy got beat out by a slightly lesser STer, because he had more to offer in the secondary, rather than the other way around this year.

DaBruinz · Aug 21, 2014

Has Shamiel Gary shown anything during the TC? He's definitely intriguing with his size/speed (5'11 6/8" and 205lbs) and a 4.5-40. Good vertical and Broadjump numbers. Could he be a candidate for the PS since he might be able to play both safety positions as well as STs?

Saint Pat · Aug 21, 2014

I may sound like a homer here, but I think the only thing stopping the pats from having a secondary unit that rivals the "Legion of Boom" is a decent safety on the other side of Devin McCourty.

Ring 6 · Aug 21, 2014

Saint Pat said:
I may sound like a homer here, but I think the only thing stopping the pats from having a secondary unit that rivals the "Legion of Boom" is a decent safety on the other side of Devin McCourty.

I think you are 100% correct. I also think that with those 3 (plus the depth at corner) back there, a decent safety has a ton of support to be able to play very well.

Brady_to_Moss · Aug 21, 2014

I want to see Easley play so bad. Guess i will have to wait another week

PatsWickedPissah · Aug 21, 2014

I would prefer to see Easley play well

Uncle Rico · Aug 21, 2014

Man, I'm going through some serious withdrawal, missing the extensive daily camp updates. Guess the only consolation is that means we're getting closer to actual games.

jmt57 · Aug 22, 2014

Oliver Thomas (the writer and editor at NEPatriotsDraft.com) is now apparently working for MassLive.com. He lists some players on the bubble to watch in the game against Carolina.

New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers: Roster spots on the line for New England's bubble players | masslive.com

Thomas lists the following:

- A trio of halfbacks
Brandon Bolden, Roy Finch, Jonas Gray

- Two tight ends
Steve Maneri, Justin Jones

- Out wide
Josh Boyce, Brian Tyms, Jeremy Gallon

- A shuffling interior offensive line
Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell, Josh Kline, Jordan Devey

- Rounding out the defensive tackle group
Joe Vellano, Jerel Worthy

- On the edge
Michael Buchanan, Jake Bequette, Will Smith

- Back end of the linebacker position
James Anderson, Steve Beauharnais, Darius Fleming, Chris White

- Cornerback candidates
Malcolm Butler, Jemea Thomas, Daxton Swanson

- Sorting through safety depth
Patrick Chung, Tavon Wilson, Nate Ebner

SHOWTIME15 · Aug 22, 2014

Saint Pat said:
I may sound like a homer here, but I think the only thing stopping the pats from having a secondary unit that rivals the "Legion of Boom" is a decent safety on the other side of Devin McCourty.

Earl thomas > mccourty. Mccourty is a top 5 FS, but earl thomas is the best.

Chancellor > harmon

Sherman = revis

Maxwell = browner

I would say that the seahawks have a significant edge at safety.

Deus Irae · Aug 22, 2014

TommyBrady12 said:
Sherman = revis

No

BTTA · Aug 22, 2014

Any comparison between two teams that only looks at the starters is using a fantasy football mentality. The Pats will rotate 6 or 7 players through the defensive backfield on a regular basis, and that's before the usual injuries become a factor.

patsinthesnow · Aug 24, 2014

@MikeReiss: Bill Belichick with some praise for rookie DL Zach Moore (6th round, Concordia) when asked on conference call this morning.

@MikeReiss: Asked Bill Belichick if he has seen enough at center & RG to know who will start there. Says he is not ready to announce at this time.

ctpatsfan77 · Aug 24, 2014

patsinthesnow said:
@MikeReiss: Bill Belichick with some praise for rookie DL Zach Moore (6th round, Concordia) when asked on conference call this morning.

@MikeReiss: Asked Bill Belichick if he has seen enough at center & RG to know who will start there. Says he is not ready to announce at this time.

Because BB is all about giving the media what they want, when they want.

goheels22002 · Aug 24, 2014

TommyBrady12 said:
Earl thomas > mccourty. Mccourty is a top 5 FS, but earl thomas is the best.

Chancellor > harmon

Sherman = revis

Maxwell = browner

I would say that the seahawks have a significant edge at safety.

I don't think comparing individuals is as valuable as looking at secondary units. Communication and the ability to read formations and know tendencies is more important than talent. Steve Gregory was not an elite safety, but his smarts and ability to communicate was instrumental in McCourty's development and the secondary improving last year.

I don't really disagree, except that Browner and Dennard are a platoon in my view. Browner wan't a starter in Seattle, but was very valuable as the big corner to jam WRs at the line when the refs were letting stuff go, and as a matchup for big receivers and tight ends. I like Revis on one side or assigned to a specific receiver with Browner/Arrington or Dennard accounting for WRs and slot receivers. Collins makes all of these guys better with his coverage ability.

SHOWTIME15 · Aug 24, 2014

goheels22002 said:
I don't think comparing individuals is as valuable as looking at secondary units. Communication and the ability to read formations and know tendencies is more important than talent. Steve Gregory was not an elite safety, but his smarts and ability to communicate was instrumental in McCourty's development and the secondary improving last year.

I don't really disagree, except that Browner and Dennard are a platoon in my view. Browner wan't a starter in Seattle, but was very valuable as the big corner to jam WRs at the line when the refs were letting stuff go, and as a matchup for big receivers and tight ends. I like Revis on one side or assigned to a specific receiver with Browner/Arrington or Dennard accounting for WRs and slot receivers. Collins makes all of these guys better with his coverage ability.

I agree communication is important. We then have to wait and see if the pats secondary can rival seattle's since we haven't seen how revis, browner/dennard, harmon and mccourty play as a unit. I was just comparing them talent-wise.

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