Roster thoughts based on Mike Rodak's practice notes

[Reckedtrek]

This new innovation with Edelman possibly in the lineup in some sort of wildcat formation changes my opinion as to whether he might have been the unfortunate odd man out as a WR.

Now, it appears, he will be there and will offer a lot more.

Lined up as a Running back, he now would be considered a threat to run the ball, go to the flat as a receiver and, seeing as he was a quarterback, to even throw the ball after a pitch from Brady, or even taking a direct snap.

Interesting strategy.

No offense but I think your head is bleeding blue... you better see a doctor and get your head checked. Edelman will make the team, and that's not based on Welker starting off on PUP.

 

[Headcase]

Slater was actually a very good return man.. Not to mention that he plays in formations that Aiken doesn't.

Very Good? Maybe on the Patriots last year, but league wide? Nope. He was 34th in the league by average, even if you remove players that had less that five returns as aberrations, he was only 25th.

I know stats can be twisted, but he has never done anything on returns to make me take notice of him.

SSDD

 

[JSn]

I know stats can be twisted, but he has never done anything on returns to make me take notice of him.

Didn't he have a return for a TD in camp last year?

 

[italia44]

Slater was actually a very good return man.. Not to mention that he plays in formations that Aiken doesn't.

This is a good point about Slater......It's not what he does as a wide receiver,but the threat of his speed.I saw him last year lining up in the right slot and he ran down the middle of the field.He's so fast,he quickly pins the free safety into the center.

You may not throw to him,but you can manipulate the coverage with him,rather than Aikens,who is an outside receiver,at best.

Sometimes,the perceived threat is better than the reality.

 

[Kontradiction]

Slater was actually a very good return man.. Not to mention that he plays in formations that Aiken doesn't.

He really wasn't.

 

[Patspsycho]

I have been to camp and I have seen Slater taking very little reps on ST, and not one rep at PR or KR. Based on that, I have to conclude he will not be on the regular season roster.

 

[zoffle]

He really wasn't.

+1

Career stats KR:

22 returns, 424 yds, 19.3 Avg, long 35 yds, 12 20+ yds, 2 Fum

 

[zoffle]

Could Dane Fletcher make it as a STer or leap frog Pierre Woods at OLB, pushing woods to a ST only role?

 

[jsull87]

I'm wondering if maybe they're seeing if Edelman can be not just a Welkstitute,** but also a replacement for Faulk, too. . . .

**Or, if you prefer, a Welkersatz. . . .

Thats the way i am reading this. I think they are just giving him some reps to see if he can be that faulk type on third downs... faulk is a the master at it but it would be interesting for someone to try match up on the pats if edleman can block/run/catch out of the shotgun on third downs like faulk can

 

[RayClay]

Patriots practice 14 observations - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

So here's a scenario: do we drop one RB and keep a WR who can run the ball?





And how about dark-horse Kyle Arrington?



Interesting things, which may not ever be significant. But where would we be, as a forum, if we didn't blow some things out of proportion?

So what do you think? Can a WR hybridize to an RB to add depth?
Can an ST DEMON make the team as a DB with a pretty killer (on paper) stable already on the field?

Arrington is a keeper. He delivers and will replace a non WR non safety non KR.

Edelman in no way replaces a RB, you crazy? Trick plays, wildcat third down receiver (even if he lines up in the backfield. RBs need to absorb punishment
Some of our special teams "specialists" are seriously on the bubble.

 

[PYPER]

If Slater makes this team then our depth isn't nearly as strong as I expect it to be. The guy hasn't done anything to stand out up to this point, other than muff a few punts and/or kickoffs.

I think Arrington has carved out a nice role for himself. Not only his he a special teams demon but apparently he might be the best DB we have at rushing the CB.

As far as the other comments above, I don't agree that we'll cut BJGE. All of our other RB's are aging, in their last contract year and/or have durability issues. As such I believe we'll go with five RB's again....unless Taylor or Morris end up as surprise cuts.

I think the guy fighting for his life right now is Torry Holt. I went to two practices over the weekend and Tate is looking damn good which make Holt expendable. It's hard to imagine us keeping a sixth WR who doesn't play special teams.