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- Jul 11, 2005
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Sorry not to have posted this earlier, but this is the first chance I've had to get to my lap top today. I'll try not to repeat too much of what has already been written.
1. You had to get there early to get a seat this morning. It sucks waiting around for a couple of hours before something meaningful happens
2. Gronk moved the needle just a bit by not only doing full speed work in individual drills, but also getting a few reps in group drills in the running game before he was again shut down,
3. I would characterize the practices more as "thud" than full contact
4. I heard Kelly was out there as well, though I didn't notice him.
5. I had a chance to watch Buchanon take on some TE's and OT's in group run D. He looked like he set the edge much better than he did last season. For a tall guy he plays with great knee bend and leverage
6. Last year's starting OL (Solder, Mankins Wendell, Connolly and Volmer) was back in place for the most part. TWilson worked the majority of time as the starting "other safety" and looked sharp, decisive and quick. Harmon and Chung got snaps with McCourty as well as practice wore on.
7. Saw Vince getting his hand taped during practice but it didn't seem to slow him down much. Still waiting for him to start skipping and hopping in warm ups. Chandler Jones (who usually runs next to Vince) is a BIG skipper and hopper, btw,
8. When the OL and DL broke off to do some one on one drills in the far field, DAMNED Bill if he didn't have 7-7 drills going on right in front of us. It was like he dared me to focus on the lines instead of all the action. I failed. Its hard not to take every opportunity to watch the receivers go up against this pass defense. NOTHING was easy. I will try to do better tomorrow.
9. If you want to know why Wendell is currently the starter, I suggest you watch him closely when the Pats are running the ball. He is by far the quickest and most explosive offensive lineman off the ball. Its a rare skill. In this respect he reminds me of the old Dolphin great C, (Stephenson IIRC) who was also smaller but incredibly quick off the ball. I'm sure Wendell isn't THAT quick, but you get the idea.
There are going to be certain DLmen who are going to give Wendell a problem in pass protection. I think the Pats will be OK if they plan accordingly. You can't win every match up going into a game. Stork hasn't shown anything special enough to think he's going to be a day one starter, though its still very early.
10, I find it amazing that while I was walking out 2 minutes after the practice was over, I over heard some guys walking alongside of me and one was checking out his phone and relating all the completion rates of Brady, Mallett, and Garapolo in different drills. It was like instantaneously.
I'll be there tomorrow as well. I hope I can concentrate better and be more informative. So much to see.
BTW- Joker I usually sit in the bleachers about half way down on the top row. Look for the old skin head with the Binocs and the NYFD hat. I would to have a chance to chat with you or anyone here who will be going
1. You had to get there early to get a seat this morning. It sucks waiting around for a couple of hours before something meaningful happens
2. Gronk moved the needle just a bit by not only doing full speed work in individual drills, but also getting a few reps in group drills in the running game before he was again shut down,
3. I would characterize the practices more as "thud" than full contact
4. I heard Kelly was out there as well, though I didn't notice him.
5. I had a chance to watch Buchanon take on some TE's and OT's in group run D. He looked like he set the edge much better than he did last season. For a tall guy he plays with great knee bend and leverage
6. Last year's starting OL (Solder, Mankins Wendell, Connolly and Volmer) was back in place for the most part. TWilson worked the majority of time as the starting "other safety" and looked sharp, decisive and quick. Harmon and Chung got snaps with McCourty as well as practice wore on.
7. Saw Vince getting his hand taped during practice but it didn't seem to slow him down much. Still waiting for him to start skipping and hopping in warm ups. Chandler Jones (who usually runs next to Vince) is a BIG skipper and hopper, btw,
8. When the OL and DL broke off to do some one on one drills in the far field, DAMNED Bill if he didn't have 7-7 drills going on right in front of us. It was like he dared me to focus on the lines instead of all the action. I failed. Its hard not to take every opportunity to watch the receivers go up against this pass defense. NOTHING was easy. I will try to do better tomorrow.
9. If you want to know why Wendell is currently the starter, I suggest you watch him closely when the Pats are running the ball. He is by far the quickest and most explosive offensive lineman off the ball. Its a rare skill. In this respect he reminds me of the old Dolphin great C, (Stephenson IIRC) who was also smaller but incredibly quick off the ball. I'm sure Wendell isn't THAT quick, but you get the idea.
There are going to be certain DLmen who are going to give Wendell a problem in pass protection. I think the Pats will be OK if they plan accordingly. You can't win every match up going into a game. Stork hasn't shown anything special enough to think he's going to be a day one starter, though its still very early.
10, I find it amazing that while I was walking out 2 minutes after the practice was over, I over heard some guys walking alongside of me and one was checking out his phone and relating all the completion rates of Brady, Mallett, and Garapolo in different drills. It was like instantaneously.
I'll be there tomorrow as well. I hope I can concentrate better and be more informative. So much to see.
BTW- Joker I usually sit in the bleachers about half way down on the top row. Look for the old skin head with the Binocs and the NYFD hat. I would to have a chance to chat with you or anyone here who will be going