Overall the refrain seems to be:
- It's been a great start to camp for Edelman and Amendola. The news about Amendola is especially encouraging because the confidence carried over. Some have made the argument, and not entirely overstated, that we don't win the SB without Amendola in the postseason. I can't say that that statement is without some great validity. Edelman being concussed turned out to be a little-mentioned storyline.
- It's been a great start for Dobson. With JoJo still being out (which bums me out so much), other guys are getting good looks and gaining a lot of rapport with both QB's. Dobson needs the reps probably more than any other wideout on the team. Hearing that he is making the best of them so far is highly encouraging. That damn hammy crept up on him, and I just hope it doesn't become one of those nagging things in his season and/or career. Still, I'm happy to hear it's been more good than bad with him so far.
- Collins is being Collins. Look, this kid's trajectory is greatness and I don't think anyone can argue that. Collinsworth (I know I know) said that if Jamie stays healthy, there will not be an All-Pro team, pro bowl team, etc. (paraphrasing) that won't have him on it. I agree 1000 percent.
- Butler's play and confidence are way up! I knew he'd make the team last TC and had to defend him in many game threads early on, so this really does not surprise me at all. As well as guys played in the Super Bowl (Ninko, Hightower (beast), the secondary as a group), I could make a pretty compelling argument that we probably don't win without him (not talking last play of the game). He accounted for two third-down stops in that fourth quarter and a key reason why the Pats could drive the ball twice to score. His development could very well end up being a key storyline this season, and he could become a major element in repeating.
- Richards' intelligence continues to wow the coaches, players and onlookers. They say he could be the starter come game one of the season. He got a majority of the "first-team" reps today, in fact. I admire Chung and want him in the game on those obvious run plays or the Big Nickel. But in passing situations, I'll take a guy who can cover better. And I know Richards has not played at this level in a game that matters, but I'd still bet he's a better cover man than Chung. Chung was drastically better in this area in 2014, but it's still not a strength for him.
- Stork has gotten better and Tre Jackson is ready to be a Day 1 starter, and a good one, already. The interior line must hold up for an aging Brady. Teams have successfully destroyed that interior line and showed that's the way to beat Brady. Now I will say Brady's movement last season was absolutely astounding and honestly a surprise! He really moved like he was in his 20's last season (and that' s not a stretch, IMO). But ideally, you still want him in that pocket surveying the whole field. Our quick passing game will also give young Jackson a chance to ease into it as much as can be expected at the Pro level.
OH, and Brady still looks like the G.O.A.T.
