Pre-Camp Rosters

[mgteich]

I thought I'd start a new thread instead of continuing the discussion based on April projections.
First, to state the obvious, this is the strongest 80 man camp ever (I don't count McKenzie).

OFFENSE (22)
QB (2) - Brady, O'Connell
RB (4) - Taylor, Morris, Maroney, Faulk (This is plenty)
FB (0) - (I'm not as comfortable with this as some)
WR (4) - Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis (Faulk and TE's have the rest of the catches)
C/OG (5) - Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson, Orherberger (Hoch's time has come)
OT (4) - Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
TE (3) - Watson, Baker, Smith (time for Thoms to go)

DEFENSE (24)
DL (7) - Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wirght, Brace (the best)
OLB (4) - Thomas, Woods, Banta-Cain, Crable
ILB (4) - Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) - Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
DS (1) Hodel

SPECIAL TEAMS (4)
ST (4) Tate, Aiken, Ciurcui, Jones

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
BJGE, Slater, Edelman, Hoyer, Thomas, Redd, Tank Williams, Alexander, Ingram, Britt, Callaghan

 

[farn]

First, to state the obvious, this is the strongest 80 man camp ever.

Patriots or NFL "ever" in your opinion ?

 

[farn]

Also... HDJ (who was just picked up) isn't making your grade ?

 

[Bartmac36]

That looks like how it will play out...

 

[patriot lifer]

weren't we thinking Tate starts the season on PUP?

 

[Canada's #1 Pats Fan]

What about a 3rd QB on the roster? No Gutz or Hoyer? IMO the Pats have to have that 3rd QB. Also, I think Tank makes the roster.

 

[jmt57]

I thought I'd start a new thread instead of continuing the discussion based on April projecti
ons. First, to state the obvious, this is the strongest 80 man camp ever (I don't coun t McKenzie).

OFFENSE (22)
QB (2) - Brady, O'Connell
RB (4) - Taylor, Morris, Maroney, Faulk (This is plenty)
FB (0) - (I'm not as comfortable with this as some)
WR (4) - Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis (Faulk and TE's have the rest of the catches)
C/OG (5) - Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson, Orherberger (Hoch's time has come)
OT (4) - Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
TE (3) - Watson, Baker, Smith (time for Thomas to go)

DEFENSE (24)
DL (7) - Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wright, Brace (the best)
OLB (4) - Thomas, Woods, Banta-Cain, Crable
ILB (4) - Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) - Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S (4) - Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
DS (1) Hodel

SPECIAL TEAMS (4)
ST (4) Tate, Aiken, Ciurcui, Jones

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
BJGE, Edelman, Hoyer, Thomas, Redd, Tank Williams, Alexander, Ingram, Britt, Callaghan

My guess is that the Pats go with three QB, so I would add Gutierrez with Hoyer going to the PS. I would also guess that the Pats would not go with the combination of four (rather than five) RB, no FB, three (rather than four) TE, and also no Hochstein; I'm thinking the Pats add one if not two of those four choices. To make room for those changes (either BJGE or Hochstein) my guess is one less DL (most likely LeKevin Smith), and Tate goes on IR. Also wouldn't be surprised at all to see Redd or Alexander replace TBC.

 

[mgteich]

I listed Jones as a special teamer, which would be his primary role.

Also... HDJ (who was just picked up) isn't making your grade ?

 

[mgteich]

patriots

The offense may be the best NFL offense ever. The defense is far from that.

Patriots or NFL "ever" in your opinion ?

 

[mgteich]

We were. However, he seems much closer to playing than most of us thought a few months ago. He could be a major contributer as a returner. My preference would be that this rookie doesn't lose the practice time required by PUP status to start the season.

That being said, this roster spot is the most speculative and could easily be filled by BJGE or a #3 quarterback.

weren't we thinking Tate starts the season on PUP?

 

[spacecrime]

What about a 3rd QB on the roster? No Gutz or Hoyer? IMO the Pats have to have that 3rd QB. Also, I think Tank makes the roster.

Who do you cut to make room for them?

 

[BadMoFo]

patriots

The offense may be the best NFL offense ever. The defense is far from that.

Really? Let's not stretch it.

I'd say we had a better team last year, and an even better one two years ago.

I don't Fred Taylor makes us that much better. I hope he does, but I'm not convinced that he will.

 

[mgteich]

1) I'm OK with a 3rd QB, but I can't see Gut. Hoyer at least has potential.
2) I have no problem with adding a fullback. However, there is no need for four TE's or for a make-believe fullback (Hochstein). If a 4th TE can make the team as a special teamer, then he needs to beat out the special teamers. Even if a spot is opened up, I suspect Slater or Tank Williams are better than our TE's as special teamers.
3) I see no upside in keeping BJGE. I don't see the need for 5th running back. If Belichick sees the need, he'll sign someone better than BJGE.
4) With the DL in flux and almost everyone in their contract year, I prefer keeping seven. To put it another way, Brace doesn't replace the role of Wright or Smith.
5) I don't understand the love for Alexander or Redd. Banta-Cain was signed to play OLB and special teams. Belichick didn't bring him back to cut him for Redd or Alexander, who he knew he had. This a decision all about who projects to add the most to the 2009 team. That man is Tully.
6) I'd rather have Tate practicing than on the PUP list, where he can't practice. As a rookie, he might just as well be put on the IR since he won't learn have the experience to come in at mid-season which he might if he practices.

My guess is that the Pats go with three QB, so I would add Gutierrez with Hoyer going to the PS. I would also guess that the Pats would not go with the combination of four (rather than five) RB, no FB, three (rather than four) TE, and also no Hochstein; I'm thinking the Pats add one if not two of those four choices. To make room for those changes (either BJGE or Hochstein) my guess is one less DL (most likely LeKevin Smith), and Tate goes on IR. Also wouldn't be surprised at all to see Redd or Alexander replace TBC.

 

[Deus Irae]

Really? Let's not stretch it.

I'd say we had a better team last year, and an even better one two years ago.

I don't Fred Taylor makes us that much better. I hope he does, but I'm not convinced that he will.

I disagree, especially regarding last year's team.

 

[Metaphors]

I thought I'd start a new thread instead of continuing the discussion based on April projecti
ons. First, to state the obvious, this is the strongest 80 man camp ever (I don't coun t McKenzie).

OFFENSE (22)
QB (2) - Brady, O'Connell
RB (4) - Taylor, Morris, Maroney, Faulk (This is plenty)
FB (0) - (I'm not as comfortable with this as some)
WR (4) - Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis (Faulk and TE's have the rest of the catches)
C/OG (5) - Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson, Orherberger (Hoch's time has come)
OT (4) - Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
TE (3) - Watson, Baker, Smith (time for Thoms to go)

DEFENSE (24)
DL (7) - Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wirght, Brace (the best)
OLB (4) - Thomas, Woods, Banta-Cain, Crable
ILB (4) - Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) - Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
DS (1) Hodel

SPECIAL TEAMS (4)
ST (4) Tate, Aiken, Ciurcui, Jones

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
BJGE, Edelman, Hoyer, Thomas, Redd, Tank Williams, Alexander, Ingram, Britt, Callaghan

Not going to do a "Camp Battles" series this year, but would like to see your thoughts on the key decisions that get to your 53 prediction. My thinking:

- Your position number look about right except a little heavy on the DL. 7 seems too many since you probably only have 5 spots on the gameday 45 (possibly 4 if your gameplan is LB/DB heavy...and AD can drop down to a true end in a pinch). Le Kevin seems a bit redundant in your lineup.

- I would feel more comfortable going with 2 QB's if Edelman is on the roster. Not that I think he is a viable QB, but he could at least take snaps and run around to finish out a game if Brady and O'Connell go down. Can then pick up a vet or PS QB for the next game(s).

- Can't see McGowan and Jones both make the roster. The 4th safety (assume you put McGowan behind Sanders, Meriweather and Chung) should probably be a ST guy, especially with 5 corners and the possibility of Springs sliding to safety. Slater is also in play here.

- Seems like Dave Thomas is tossed on the scrap heap a bit prematurely. He was doing just fine in 2006 and earning some meaningful time. 2007 was an injury washout and 2008 was a tough year to judge (Cassel was not a TE-friendly QB). If Watson shows that his hands have become much more reliable...and the Pats consider Watson a priority after this season...and Alex Smith shows he can threaten downfield...well then keeping a roster spot for Thomas may not be wise. But the Pats drafted Thomas for a reason and I'm not sure he has had a full chance to shine yet.

So toss out Le Kevin, keep one of McGowan/Jones/Slater and put Tate on PUP. Add Edelman and D.Thomas. Then I'm buying. I think that qualifies as nit-picking which is a positive sign heading into camp. Knock on wood for health and see you in February.

 

[mgteich]

Many thought the 2007 offense was the best NFL offense ever. The team would have been considered one the best NFL teams ever if they had won the Super Bowl. Certainly, the 2007 patriots were considered one the best NFL teams ever before the playoffs.

I believe that the 2009 offense can be as good as the 2007 offense by midseason, and be better going into the playoffs. We have had threads comparing the two offenses. We'll have many more.
===========
We had a better team in 2008 with Cassel at QB? Are you kidding? With the mighty twosome of Colvin and Seau at LB?
============
I agree that we had a better overall team in 2007.

Really? Let's not stretch it.

I'd say we had a better team last year, and an even better one two years ago.

I don't Fred Taylor makes us that much better. I hope he does, but I'm not convinced that he will.

 

[RayClay]

patriots

The offense may be the best NFL offense ever. The defense is far from that.

I'd agree with that. So how is this better than the last two years?

 

[signbabybrady]

Many thought the 2007 offense was the best NFL offense ever. The team would have been considered one the best NFL teams ever if they had won the Super Bowl. Certainly, the 2007 patriots were considered one the best NFL teams ever before the playoffs.

I believe that the 2009 offense can be as good as the 2007 offense by midseason, and be better going into the playoffs. We have had threads comparing the two offenses. We'll have many more.
===========
We had a better team in 2008 with Cassel at QB? Are you kidding? With the mighty twosome of Colvin and Seau at LB?
============
I agree that we had a better overall team in 2007.

Would you consider 44th being one of the best ever? I know 44 doesnt sound high but when you consider every team fielded 44 out of thousand + isnt to bad? I guess 44 wouldnt be one of the best but this experiment assumes every team that won a SB was better than the 07 team.

 

[RayClay]

We were. However, he seems much closer to playing than most of us thought a few months ago. He could be a major contributer as a returner. My preference would be that this rookie doesn't lose the practice time required by PUP status to start the season.

That being said, this roster spot is the most speculative and could easily be filled by BJGE or a #3 quarterback.

If we're not going to draft or acquire linebackers (except Mayo and maybe Crable) how can we afford to cut Redd in favor of a career special teamer and a guy who is rehabbing and should have no chance of impacting the offense in the short term.

If Circui is that valuable on teams, Tate needs to red shirt. There are guys that can return kicks that back up positions or start.

One linebacker injury has ruined a season before and I'm not sure it would take even that this year. If they are keeping Redd instead of acquiring someone, there must be a reason.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

I thought I'd start a new thread instead of continuing the discussion based on April projections.
First, to state the obvious, this is the strongest 80 man camp ever (I don't count McKenzie).

OFFENSE (22)
QB (2) - Brady, O'Connell
RB (4) - Taylor, Morris, Maroney, Faulk (This is plenty)
FB (0) - (I'm not as comfortable with this as some)
WR (4) - Moss, Welker, Galloway, Lewis (Faulk and TE's have the rest of the catches)
C/OG (5) - Mankins, Koppen, Neal, Johnson, Orherberger (Hoch's time has come)
OT (4) - Light, Kaczur, LeVoir, Vollmer
TE (3) - Watson, Baker, Smith (time for Thoms to go)

DEFENSE (24)
DL (7) - Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wirght, Brace (the best)
OLB (4) - Thomas, Woods, Banta-Cain, Crable
ILB (4) - Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) - Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan

SPECIALISTS (3)
K (1) Gostkowski
P (1) Hanson
DS (1) Hodel

SPECIAL TEAMS (4)
ST (4) Tate, Aiken, Ciurcui, Jones

OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
BJGE, Slater, Edelman, Hoyer, Thomas, Redd, Tank Williams, Alexander, Ingram, Britt, Callaghan

FB, im not comfortable with it either MG.
I think i would rather Tank over Mcgowan. If healthy, Tank can be a good player, and BB seems to be wanting him in a hybrid LB/S role.