Pats re-sign Eckel, cut Spach, swap Dillard and Malone on PS

[Leave No Doubt]

The Pats will play musical chairs with the 53 roster spot and

the practice squad all season long.

I think you're absolutely right. The roster will be BB's best friend this season, which no doubt means the NFL will soon send out a memo on this very topic.

 

[Leave No Doubt]

I'm glad Eckel's back

 

[Urgent]

With Brady the past year, the team ran mostly out of a three WR + TE/single back set.
The team was clearly designed around that format, with all these receivers.

With Cassel, the plan apparently (at least in the first game we have seen a plan for) included a lot of two-back formations.

You want a blocking fullback in for half the game, you probably want a backup fullback on the roster.

Special teams addition sort of makes sense as well. Guyton, Evans, and Izzo fill a similar role to Eckels/Alexander. But Eckels was good on special teams.

 

[Urgent]

Dillard actually had a very good pre-season, especially the last two games.
I didn't even realize the guy was on the roster until the second pre-season game, and then he was making lots of good second-half plays.
He was waaaaay-hay-haaay down the depth chart. But nice that he's back on the practice squad.

Apparently with a bunch of 50 yard unreturned punts, Hanson has earned a week without competition.

 

[Zeke_Mowatt]

If it were a matter of Maroney being hurt, wouldn't we be a lot more likely to bring BJGE back in rather than the human fireplug Eckel? BJGE seems like much more of a 'comp' back to LoMo in terms of running style. I'm with those that figure Eckel to be a special teams kinda guy.

 

[IcyPatriot]

Are the Jet's fans talking about their practice squad today?

 

[tedylb]

I'm glad Eckel's back

Agree. Eckel is an excellent blocker and STer.

 

[cstjohn17]

Two TEs left, and none can really block. A little surprising since it looks like the team will be running the ball a lot. The must mean Watson is ready to return, doesn't it?