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I believe this is called tryouts. Players number 90 at the start of training camp, and 37 have to be cut by the start of the season. Rookies and UDFAs count every bit as much as vets and FAs. If the team stays static by keeping all vets, trouble is near. Should be a fun season.

Agreed, and as we know so well, BB will break the news when he's ready. I get the feeling he'd like to see Waters in Foxboro NLT today and is likely waiting for this to become a closed issue. I also get the feeling that we may be able to start singing, "The Party's Over" for Brian.

Agreed. He's up there at Next Level. The only reason Peyton isn't Top Shelf is due to injury.

Thinking about the doom and gloom that is the current Red Sox talk show buzz and will be for quite some time, the realization is that over the past 10 years the team was competitive with only some short periods where their ability to compete was in question. They were contenders for being one of...

If Demps is placed on waivers, he's likely gone, but he'd only be in that situation if the team decides he can't cut it. He's probably in for a very active trial as a returner over the next 9 days!

Makes sense. This team is very conservative with roster spots. I expected Demps to have to earn his role.

Good point. The compressed schedule for the Pats' last 3 preseason games is not friendly. Figure they need to pick one game to use for their starters. With key OL players just coming back from injuries and the long period of time between tonight and the first game of the regular season, it's...

Patriots' preseason schedule is rough. I'd just as soon watch the many vying for a spot on the roster prove themselves in this game. Typical preseason game likely has a half-time score of 20-3 in favor the team playing its starters and a final score of 23-23.

Under normal (healthy OL) circumstances, you'd be right. With Mankins just getting his conditioning back and Vollmer not available until they practice in Tampa, it's probably best to keep the starters on a light load while using this game to evaluate those who can provide depth, not only on the...

Understood. True to the Pats' way, we'll know no details of this injury until a roster decision is made. You make good points regarding his value. However, injuries are a part of the game, and the way the Patriots get an advantage is to manage their roster depth in the absence of certain...

Another point regarding Mallett, and I'm the first to admit that I don't see what the Pats see on a daily basis, Belichick has been extremely patient with backup QBs. Many were calling for Cassel's ouster before he took the team to an 11-5 record in 2008. Both QBs, Hoyer and Mallett, need game...

I'm hoping that one Tom Brady is very scarce tonight with only a full sideline role. Hoyer and Mallett need reps, and this is the game to give them the opportunity.

Excellent points and key insights here. Belichick knows how to build a team's momentum to peak at the right time in the season while protecting the record in the early part of the season to be playoff eligible. This prevents early burn out and maintains a steady momentum for when it really...

You may be right, but I'd be surprised with Hoyer becoming an UFA in 2013. It would be wise to keep one QB who understands the offense on board. He has 3 preseason games to show he belongs.

Agreed, last season, Mallett was indoctrinated into the Patriot way, but he did not have a training camp. With one training camp (this season), he's showing he needs game reps to really prove himself. In my mind, Hoyer is clearly the backup. Mallett is a work in progress. I, too, would like to...

Re: 5 main things you want to see in tonights game vs. Eagles (OTHER THAN NO INJURIE 1) A solid session from the OL for pass protection and run blocking. 2) Strong outings from our backup QB: Hoyer demonstrating his versatility in running the offense transitioning from passing to running by...

According to the voter, the election was unanimous.

Ditto, got excited when I read the topic thinking we were making sport of our favorite Broncos QB. :mad:

Agree that we're likely to see Waters in the next week or so. I'd love to see Carter back in a Pats uni. Teaming with Jones would give the team a one-two punch as a tag team on pressuring the QB along with some insurance when the rookie needs some rest. Just not sure how that would affect the...

Good and measured rationale in this post. I agree there is no need to panic. I've been thinking about the very compressed final 3 preseason games, and have a different view as to how BB will prepare the team for the regular season. Given that the mainstays like Mankins who just returned along...