2016 Training Camp - Day 4

[DarrylS]

Got there late and started on the grassy knoll above the grassy knoll and worked my way down, great to be there today even if it was wet. Wound up standing next to a Navy Jr. Officer stationed in Newport who had the day off.

Nice conversation, he had a lot of NFL connections as his uncle adopted Tyrod Taylor.. and he kind of sort of knew Cam Chancellor, he went to one of his cookouts, the Hampton Va. area is more of a hotbed for NFL prospects than I realized.

He was amazed at the organization of the Pats Practice, he had also attended Panthers TC and Washington TC.. he was a Redskins fan, and said if it rained on practice there they would move inside..

Great to watch TC with another fanatic who knew a lot about the game..

Then there was the practice... Garrapolo is not Brady, Gronk and Bennett what a nightmare for other D Coordinators, Brisset stayed late to hone his craft.. Butler stands out, more vocal than previously noted. Cyrus Jones is obvious. Dobson looks better, lets see if he stays healthy.

 

[PatsBoy12]

 

[supafly]

I wonder, since you say that, if they consulted with Scar about whether they should keep him in the final roster last season. I remember reading somewhere that they consulted with him in 2014 before drafted that group of linemen.

I've read reports that claim that Scar was often seen at Gillette the day after games last season, helping to break down OL film. If that is true, he's been involved more than people realize, so I'm sure he's given his opinion regarding Andrews.

For what it's worth, Andrews has claimed that he was contacted twice during the draft by Pats coaches, so they obviously had their eyes on him. He could end up taking over permanently, or he could be the next Nick McDonald from a few seasons ago--who also looked pretty good in starting action.

 

[DaBruinz]

So far my top stories of camp.

TE - A lot of news here. Gronk and Bennett have been great but the 3rd spot looks to be shaping up to be a big battled and we might be forced to carry 4. By Camp reports it appears Bryce Williams has been the most impressive besides the top 2. Derby and Harbor have had good reports too though. This is something to watch as 3rd TE is a spot that will matter on a 2 TE base team like us.

How has Harbor had good reports when, to my knowledge, he's not been activated off the PUP?

RB/FB - Blount catching well. Foster getting nicked up but looking good. Develin blocking well and looks to still have it. It is hard to say what will happen here but it seems to me right now you may as well pencil in Blount, Lewis, Develin and Bolden. They will come back to do their thing. Question is White, Foster or Brown for the 5th spot.

Don't be so quick to pencil in Bolden here. He's primarily on the team as a Special Teamer. The team could use that spot elsewhere. Particularly with how thin they are at LB.

 

[PatsGuy]

Man, Thuney, Mitchell, Karras and Cy. Jones are all receiving high praise. Still early, but it looks like Bill fubar'ed another draft. d%#*!@t.

Damn it!! I keep on getting Fubar n Fugezzi mixed up!!

 

[BobDigital]

How has Harbor had good reports when, to my knowledge, he's not been activated off the PUP?

I thought he was. Seems i was wrong. Hard to keep track of 90 players fully accurately.

 

[long distance]

Sounds separated, which if it is that's him done for most of, if not all training camp.

sounds?
seems strange they would keep such a player on the filed in the rain

report:
Chris Hogan injured his right shoulder early in practice during a one-on-one blocking drill with defensive backs. Hogan tried to participate in the next period but removed himself after catching a couple passes. He watched the remainder of the workout from the sideline.

 

[supafly]

Don't be so quick to pencil in Bolden here. He's primarily on the team as a Special Teamer. The team could use that spot elsewhere. Particularly with how thin they are at LB.

It's hard to disagree with the notion that Bolden's ST role could be closer to being on the bubble than we've seen in recent seasons.

That said, I'd still figure him to have a pretty decent chance at retaining his role, even with the increased competition.

 

[PatsBoy12]

It's hard to disagree with the notion that Bolden's ST role could be closer to being on the bubble than we've seen in recent seasons.

That said, I'd still figure him to have a pretty decent chance at retaining his role, even with the increased competition.

King will push him, no doubt. He actually played better than Bolden did last season, though the fact that Bolden was playing hurt probably had a lot to do with it. I still think he winds up making the 53, but it'll likely be a photo finish.

 

[PatsBoy12]

 

[supafly]

King will push him, no doubt. He actually played better than Bolden did last season, though the fact that Bolden was playing hurt probably had a lot to do with it. I still think he winds up making the 53, but it'll likely be a photo finish.

Forgive my ignorance, but was King playing a gunner role or a wedge blocking role last year on STs?
I know that he excelled and will likely have another spot locked down this season.

 

[captain insano]

I'm surprised there isn't a Chris hogan injury thread yet. what's the latest on him anybody? was it a shoulder injury?

 

[AtomicDawg]

 

[PatsBoy12]

Forgive my ignorance, but was King playing a gunner role or a wedge blocking role last year on STs?
I know that he excelled and will likely have another spot locked down this season.

Hey again, Supa. He played mostly gunner, so my assertion was ultimately he made more plays in his role than Bolden in his, though Bolden also played some gunner...So maybe I wasn't being entirely fair. Bolden was an absolute game changer in 2014, literally. I really like Bolden and I'll say again that I think he makes the team. But if it comes down to one or the other, I don't know if it's Bolden, even though he does provide a little offensively. King really has played that well, IMO. Man, is this how hard it is for the people who really have to make these decisions? Lol

 

[manxman2601]

Beat me again.

 

[AtomicDawg]

Pink slip, thy name is Marcus Cannon.

 

[manxman2601]

Pink slip, thy name is Marcus Cannon.

The problem is, who replaces him as backup OT? At the moment it's Waddle and Fleming. We haven't got to see much of Waddle yet and I'm not sure Fleming is the answer.

 

[AtomicDawg]

The problem is, who replaces him as backup OT? At the moment it's Waddle and Fleming. We haven't got to see much of Waddle yet and I'm not sure Fleming is the answer.

Only other guy I can think of is Kyler Kerbyson and he just had himself a bad day, but he was at C. There's also Keavon Milton on the PS but he's a long shot to overtake the other two. So yeah, the pickings are very slim unfortunately.

 

[PatsBoy12]

The problem is, who replaces him as backup OT? At the moment it's Waddle and Fleming. We haven't got to see much of Waddle yet and I'm not sure Fleming is the answer.

Thuney is touted as having positional versatility so maybe he steps up to the role in a pinch. I think they ideally want him at guard, but he can play both tackle spots. Waddle played some tackle last season and didn't look great before he ultimately went down. And I'm really a bit confused about Fleming. I don't know if he's good or not. He's blocked well in the run game at times, but I don't think they're thrilled with him in the passing game.

OLine should intrigue every member of this forum. It's so vital going into this season. I know I'm watching closely. I feel a good OLine is what the Pats need more than any RB or WR they could bring in. Blount isn't spectacular, but he and the others would benefit from better and more consistent blocking up front. And we're loaded with pass catchers. Brady/Jimmy will just need time.

 

[DaBruinz]

Forgive my ignorance, but was King playing a gunner role or a wedge blocking role last year on STs?
I know that he excelled and will likely have another spot locked down this season.

King was a gunner on punt coverage but was also out on kick coverage as well..