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[Murphys95]

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The topic for this show is – 5 Things We are Dying to Learn From Training Camp. FYI - You can listen via streaming audio or subscribe via iTunes. Our internet show provides an alternative to sports talk radio.

 

[pats1]

Great show. I don't agree with the Izzo/Pass/Davis notion though, as some of those guys are the core of the special teams and losing them won't help an already medicore unit. I just don't see Belichick doing that.

(And hey, I do think the Pats can go 16-0! )

 

[Murphys95]

Great show. I don't agree with the Izzo/Pass/Davis notion though, as some of those guys are the core of the special teams and losing them won't help an already medicore unit. I just don't see Belichick doing that.

(And hey, I do think the Pats can go 16-0! )

I can't envision Davis being cut. I'd hate to Izzo released. Pass is probably the closest to the chopping block out of the three.

16-0, I love it!

 

[Ring 6]

I can't envision Davis being cut. I'd hate to Izzo released. Pass is probably the closest to the chopping block out of the three.

16-0, I love it!

Pass has a lot of use. If he were cut, who is the FB? He can play FB, he can sub in at RB. He will be on many st units unless he is doing a lot of the above.
While he doesnt get used a whole lot in the role, he is a good receiver at the FB position and a mismatch to any LB. We may throw out of a 2back set only a few times a game, but in that portion of the offense he is a very good option. I think Pass is a lock, but can see why many do not, because he is a role player, playing roles that are not full-time. Those guys are always overlooked by everyone but the coaches.

I could easily see Davis gone. I havent been tremendously impressed by him since he has been here, and age is definitely a concern. Izzo is a clear cut above Davis IMO.

 

[Pats67]

Those guys are always overlooked by everyone but the coaches.

I could easily see Davis gone. I havent been tremendously impressed by him since he has been here, and age is definitely a concern.

Conversely, the coaching staff seems impressed. Per Reiss:

This article from NFL.com provides an interesting snapshot of how clubs approach special teams while filling out their rosters. It's relevant to the Patriots because the team is adding at least two new players to its special teams "core" in 2006.

The piece notes that linebacker Don Davis logged the most special teams plays for the Patriots in 2005, with 381. Davis (team-high 25 tackles) and fellow linebacker Larry Izzo (18 tackles, 2nd on team) are the Patriots' top two core special teamers, and they return in 2006.

Lending further credence to your first point.

 

[Murphys95]

Pass has a lot of use. If he were cut, who is the FB? He can play FB, he can sub in at RB. He will be on many st units unless he is doing a lot of the above.
While he doesnt get used a whole lot in the role, he is a good receiver at the FB position and a mismatch to any LB. We may throw out of a 2back set only a few times a game, but in that portion of the offense he is a very good option. I think Pass is a lock, but can see why many do not, because he is a role player, playing roles that are not full-time. Those guys are always overlooked by everyone but the coaches.

The question surrounding all of this was, "which long-time Patriot player will be cut after training camp?" I think Pass is high on that list for 3 reasons. 1. Garrett Mills looks to compete/fill his role as FB and Special Teamer 2. Laurence Maroney looks to fulfill secondary running back duties, and 3. I'm still holding a grudge over that "hamstring fumble" he pulled last season.

Pass has the experience, I'd like to see him stick - but realistically I think he is closer to being let go than other long-time Patriots like Izzo and Davis.

 

[Crowpointer]

3. I'm still holding a grudge over that "hamstring fumble" he pulled last season.

That was Brutal. I think it was Felger that sacastically gave him the "tough guy award" for that one.

 

[PYPER]

I also think BB and the rest of the coaching staff probably lost some respect for Pass after that strange fumble he had when his hamstring tightened up. I can't remember if it was against Denver or San Diego but he just plain dropped the ball.

Keep in mind that for a long time at the beginning of his career the coaching staff thought he was a piece of crap.

Then right when he started earning some respect he just gives up the ball and basically justified all the ill feelings that had existed towards him from the beginning.

I'd be shocked if he makes it out of camp as a Patriot.

I think he'll eventually make his way over to the Broncos. That's my prediction.

 

[pats1]

I also think BB and the rest of the coaching staff probably lost some respect for Pass after that strange fumble he had when his hamstring tightened up. I can't remember if it was against Denver or San Diego but he just plain dropped the ball.

Buffalo.

He had a good game in Denver:

1st and 10 NE 40

Result: Sweep, Patrick Pass, right side, 15 yds.

1st and 10 NE 21

Result: Screen, Patrick Pass, left side, 39 yds.

2nd and 2 Den 29

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, right side, 10 yds.

1st and goal Den 8

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, left side, touchdown.

2nd and 10 NE 29

Result: Screen Right, Patrick Pass, 32 yds.

1st and 10 Den 27

Result: Draw, Patrick Pass, 7 yds.

3rd and 8 Den 25

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, right side, 17 yds.





And then in Buffalo:


1st and 10 NE 7

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, left tackle, 16 yds

1st and 12 NE 5

Result: Pass, Patrick Pass, underneath, 23 yds.

1st and 10 NE 36

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, left side, 11 yds.

1st and 10 NE 48

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, right side, 9 yds.

2nd and 1 Buf 43

Result: Run, Patrick Pass, left side, fumble - turnover.




And don't fool yourself into thinking Belichick will condemn a player to death for one bad play. Even the best of them (Brady) have their days.