AFC East Training Camp Preview

[T-ShirtDynasty]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/bucky_brooks/06/19/tc.preview.afc.east/index.html

Some highlights from the Patriots section...

New England Patriots

Challenge No. 1: Prepare to play without Asante Samuel.
With Samuel's holdout likely lingering into the regular season, the Patriots have to find a suitable replacement for the cornerback during his anticipated absence. ...

Challenge No. 2: Develop chemistry between Tom Brady and the new receivers.
....
Moss has always been viewed as a lead receiver; his willingness to sacrifice his numbers will be the key to the Patriots success. If he can find satisfaction with fewer catches, it will make it easier for the other guys to buy into a less-is-more equation. Remember, the Patriots have never had a receiver gain more than 1,000 yards or catch over 60 balls in a season during their championship runs. Getting everybody to buy into the system should be the focus of the preseason.

Challenge No. 3: Determine whether Laurence Maroney is healthy enough to carry the ball fulltime.
...
there is growing concern over his ability to be the workhorse in the Patriots' offense.
....

Other interesting stuff in there regarding our division rivals as well.

 

[Rob0729]

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/bucky_brooks/06/19/tc.preview.afc.east/index.html

Some highlights from the Patriots section...

Other interesting stuff in there regarding our division rivals as well.

Not to nitpick the article, but Troy Brown had 101 catches for 1199 yards in 2001. That was part of the Patriots run.

 

[BAM!]

I already emailed Mr. Bucky about that "inaccuracy" in his article. If his email is [email protected]. I don't know how to find their emails.

 

[DaBruinz]

How has Randall Gay "settled in as a nickle or dime back" when he hasn't play much at all the last 2 years?

In all honesty, Gay is my Darkhorse to win the starting spot opposite Hobbs if Samuel isn't in camp.

 

[Ochmed Jones]

I have to agree with Dabruinz, if Gay is healthy and can prove to BB that he can stay healthy and be physical, I'm thinking he will beat Scott for the starters job, provided the Samuel issue is not resolved amicably. I say this because I think Gay is better in coverage than Scott (based on what I've seen of Gay in games and TC) . So if Gay can be as physical as Scott and stay out of the training room, then he should win the starters job.

Even though Gay has not finished the last two years, he has participated in off season programs and TC's so that should give BB a real good idea of Gay's strengths and weaknesses.

 

[patfanken]

The fact of the matter is that no matter what the agent or media say, the bottom line will be that Samuel will be there to collect those $500,000 weekly checks from the start of the season. BOTTOM LINE: there is just TOO much money involved to have a hold out...for the regular season. I can believe it could drag out into TC, especially the during the 2 a days, but eventually he will come in. My guess is before the 2nd preseason game.

BTW- We should start a pool on when Samuel arrives and signs the tender. There should be some kind of prize for the winner.

 

[jczxohn1]

I have to agree with Dabruinz, if Gay is healthy and can prove to BB that he can stay healthy and be physical, I'm thinking he will beat Scott for the starters job, provided the Samuel issue is not resolved amicably. I say this because I think Gay is better in coverage than Scott (based on what I've seen of Gay in games and TC) . So if Gay can be as physical as Scott and stay out of the training room, then he should win the starters job.

Even though Gay has not finished the last two years, he has participated in off season programs and TC's so that should give BB a real good idea of Gay's strengths and weaknesses.

Not to be a drag, but IIRC, Gay's UDFA status out of college was due to a season-ending injury in college as well. While Gay may begin the season as a starter, it would be a mistake to let go of the runner-up. He might even make more mileage as a situational back-up.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Not to be a drag, but IIRC, Gay's UDFA status out of college was due to a season-ending injury in college as well. While Gay may begin the season as a starter, it would be a mistake to let go of the runner-up. He might even make more mileage as a situational back-up.

**sigh** You wet blankets and your cursed reality stuff, next you'll be telling us Tedy Bruschi is getting older. Still...

BB's defensive breakdown generally works out to be 7 DL, 10 LB, and 10 DB. Those 10 DB seem to breakdown into 6 CB and 4 S, with lots and lots of crossover. There are currently 17 DB on the roster heading into Training Camp. 1 or 2 will probably be lost to injury, a couple more could wind up on the Practice Squad (the historical rosters on Patriots.com show 5 DBs were on the PS on the end of season rosters, combined with all the DBs moved between the PS, Shadow Roster, and Roster, BB does try to keep a few extra stashed).

[u]   [b]CB                         Tweener                          S[/b]    [/u]
Hobbs                         Anam^                          Baker 
James                         Andrews                        Harrison
Richardson^                   Gay                            Hawkins* 
Williams^                     E.Jackson**                    Mitchell**               
                              Meriweather^**                 Sanders  
                              Scott                          Wilson*                         
                              Spann**

Crossover players: Childress^, Welker, and Troy Brown if he re-signs.

*I no longer consider Hawkins or Wilson to be tweeners, Hawk has lost a step and 
Wilson doesn't seem quick twitch enough to play CB on a consistent basis. 

^Indicates Practice Squad eligibility (Spann may also have another year).                             

**Rehab as of Mini-Camp - possible PUP candidates.

Looking at this mass of humanity, I'm comfortable with the idea that BB can put together a pool of capable CBs to play opposite Hobbs.

 

[T-ShirtDynasty]

*I no longer consider Hawkins or Wilson to be tweeners, Hawk has lost a step and
Wilson doesn't seem quick twitch enough to play CB on a consistent basis.

But you do consider Scott still a tweener?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

But you do consider Scott still a tweener?

Yes. Since he started 9 games in 2006, BB & Co. still see him as a good CB. I'm not as comfortable with him as a Safety, but he can play back there in a pinch. I love having him for situational roles, like his work against Antonio Gates in San Diego. It's nice having a 6'1" 205 pound CB who can work against those big receiving TEs.

 

[zippo59]

But you do consider Scott still a tweener?

I remember last year hearing that Scott was the fastest defensive back on the team. If he has that kind of speed he can definitely play cornerback.