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I was about to open a thread on this topic over at KFFL, when I found that not only did someone beat me to the topic...they did a better job than I would have discecting it...so here it is. Thanks URGENT. Ill add my 2 cents at the end.
1. I expect for Tampa to do more in this game than the Pats. They are looking to selling some seats after a couple of bad seasons. Grooden is on the hot seat now. He has used up all of his Superbowl currency, and now his job is on the line. So I expect to see Garcia more than one series, and rightfully so since he needs the work with a new team. I expect their first defense to be in there longer and be very aggressive. They will hype their squad on showing what they can do competing against the media annointed best team in the league, so they will be all fired up.
The Pats on the other hand will be as usual, very vanilla. They will show little and most of the starters will be off the field midway into the 1st quarter. BOTTOM LINE, I don't expect to win the game. In fact, I wouldn't mind if we got killed...and I don't think BB would mind either.
One of the best things that could have happened to the Pats in their dominant 2004 season, was the shellacking they took in Cincinatti in the preseason. I think it was something like 30-0 at the half, and the second half wasn't much better. It was a great lesson to a great team...and it was learned.
I wouldn't be surprised to see BB set up the conditions so it happens again. Not only would it give BB a great object lesson, it would get the media off the "bandwagon", and allow the Pats to get back to their 'underdog' mentality.
2. As for myself, I will be focusing on the CBs and RT competition. I think how Cassell looks is probably the best story. Though I care less about how Morris blocks than how he can run.
3. In the long run, for the top 70 players, this isn't a do or die scrimmage. Jobs wont be on the line, but it will go a long way for those looking to make a statement in the evaluation process. It will go a long way in the staff deciding who will get the reps over the next 2 weeks when the first team will start to get more and more of the significant reps in camp.
4. I have to say I'm disappointed that I won't see Randy Moss on the field, but I will enjoy getting my first looks at Stallworth and Welker. Better safe than sorry, Bill
QB: Can Cassel read through his progressions?
In prior pre-seasons, Cassel has made first downs by reading his first and second receiver, then bolting and beating a third-string safety for a first down. Let's see him read the defense and hit the open man. I expect to see Cassel midway through the first quarter, probably through the third.
Who cares what Guittierez can do right now.
RB: Can Morris pick up the blitz?
Presumably no Laurence Maroney, so a lot of Morris and Faulk. We know what Faulk can do.
Who nails down the final spots?
Looking forward to Welker in the slot. Presumably no Moss. The competition between Gaffney, Caldwell, and Washington should be fun. Right now Gaffney is clearly on the team, Washington is clearly not, and Caldwell is on the bubble, in my opinion. This is a critical chance for Caldwell and Washington.
Is Garrett Mills a Patriots TE?
He seemed destined for an HBack role when drafted, then basically missed the season. With Thomas and Brady out, and Watson potentially out as well, Mills is in the spotlight.
Who is the 2007 RT?
It's a three-horse race. Kaczur and O'Callaghan have seemed neck and neck, with Britt a length behind.
What's the depth chart?
Green is obviously #4.
Wright seems to be #5.
Behind them is a group including Le Kevin Smith, Kareem Brown, Santonio Thomas, Kenny Smith, Rashad Moore, and Zach West.
Who plays where?
How much does Thomas play at OLB?
Is Pierre Woods a viable OLB candidate?
How does Lua look in the middle?
Lots of interest here.
Who grabs the starting spot?
Randall Gay or Tory James at corner opposite Hobbs, pending the Samuel situation? Sounds like Meriweather is targeted at nickel. James cannot play nickel well. James has had an up and down training camp - how does he look in the game?
Is Wilson poised to bounce back?
We haven't heard much positive from him in training camp, but he is pretty important. With Samuel out, Meriweather has been plugged in at nickel corner right now. Sanders has been improving in the strong safety role, but depth is thinner at the free safety role without Meriweather. A rejuvenated Wilson would be a huge help.
special teams: Who wins a roster spot based on ST?
PR: Assume Welker wins this. Great role for the slot receiver.
KR: Hope Willie Andrews can take this from Hobbs. Let's hope he does well here.
Coverage: It will be very interesting to see who is on special teams blocking and coverage teams, because that's a big indicator of who wins some of the positional battles: guys like Hawkins, Mitchell, Wesley, Lua, Mays, Rogers, Richardson, Washington
1. I expect for Tampa to do more in this game than the Pats. They are looking to selling some seats after a couple of bad seasons. Grooden is on the hot seat now. He has used up all of his Superbowl currency, and now his job is on the line. So I expect to see Garcia more than one series, and rightfully so since he needs the work with a new team. I expect their first defense to be in there longer and be very aggressive. They will hype their squad on showing what they can do competing against the media annointed best team in the league, so they will be all fired up.
The Pats on the other hand will be as usual, very vanilla. They will show little and most of the starters will be off the field midway into the 1st quarter. BOTTOM LINE, I don't expect to win the game. In fact, I wouldn't mind if we got killed...and I don't think BB would mind either.
One of the best things that could have happened to the Pats in their dominant 2004 season, was the shellacking they took in Cincinatti in the preseason. I think it was something like 30-0 at the half, and the second half wasn't much better. It was a great lesson to a great team...and it was learned.
I wouldn't be surprised to see BB set up the conditions so it happens again. Not only would it give BB a great object lesson, it would get the media off the "bandwagon", and allow the Pats to get back to their 'underdog' mentality.
2. As for myself, I will be focusing on the CBs and RT competition. I think how Cassell looks is probably the best story. Though I care less about how Morris blocks than how he can run.
3. In the long run, for the top 70 players, this isn't a do or die scrimmage. Jobs wont be on the line, but it will go a long way for those looking to make a statement in the evaluation process. It will go a long way in the staff deciding who will get the reps over the next 2 weeks when the first team will start to get more and more of the significant reps in camp.
4. I have to say I'm disappointed that I won't see Randy Moss on the field, but I will enjoy getting my first looks at Stallworth and Welker. Better safe than sorry, Bill