Wide Receiver

[mgteich]

This is indeed a great opportunity for Price. He will get to learn from veterans Moss, Welker and Holt.

WEEI's Christopher Price profiles Taylor Price

It Is What It Is Rating the Roster, Training Camp Edition (Part 3)

52. Wide receiver Taylor Price: This spring, more than one media member was reminded of David Givens while watching the 6-foot, 205-pound Price — a physical pass-catcher who still has good enough speed to operate on the outside. Wide receiver is a crowded position, so it won’t be easy for him to get a lot of reps (especially as a rookie), but what he’s done so far, he’s looked pretty good. “He has a good head on his shoulders and he knows what’s expected of him,” Ohio wide receivers coach Dwayne Dixon — who has coached several other NFL receivers as collegians — said of the 6-foot, 212-pound Price. “He wants to prove he can play at that level. I really believe it’s a great situation for him.”

 

[Reckedtrek]

rofl

So, Darnell Jenkins who has never caught a pass in the nfl will be used to a draft pick or two that can be used to secure a true OLB?

We'll have to "sneak" Darnell Jenkins on the Practice Squad?? or what?
==============

Darnell Jenkins may or may not be on our Practice Squad this year. There is little danger of someone picking him up on waivers to put on their 53 man squad. And BTW, losing him to another team would be no loss to the patriots.

Sorry I misspoke (mistyped) on the trade part of what I said. What I meant to say was "as added sweetening"... meaning if a team wanted (picking an arbitrary name -don't pounce on me) James Sanders and they also were desperate for WR help also- throw DJ in to sweeten the deal for a pick- sorry about the way it came out in my last post.

He was catching everything thrown his way on Sunday, and looked pretty good doing it, but I admit I don't have teams knocking down my door wanting to hire me as a talent scout either, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[jmt57]

Bob Kraft throws some high praise towards Welker (and the tight ends too.)

It Is What It Is Kraft: ‘You want to get the coach mad at me?’

You can also count Kraft among those amazed with the return of wideout Wes Welker to the practice field just over seven months after a serious left knee injury that required reconstructive surgery. Kraft was on hand Monday morning for the first practice prior to Monday night’s scrimmage for season ticket holders inside Gillette Stadium.

“You see Welker out there today, he’s really unbelievable,” said Kraft, who related with the height of the 5-9 Welker. “For any guy our size, for all of America, what he represents is so special. His DNA is different because he can take those hits, do things other people just can’t do. And his attitude, what a great person. We’re so lucky to have him here.”

Also, if anybody is interested and missed it, here's a link to the complete transcript of Welker's press conference from Monday morning after he was activated off of the PUP list.

Complete Wes Welker Q&A 8/1 : Ian's New England Patriots Blog

 

[mgteich]

This makes more sense.

BTW, I don't see player for player trades happening very much. Sanders could be traded, but I wouldn't do it. He is our best signal caller in the secondary.

Sorry I misspoke (mistyped) on the trade part of what I said. What I meant to say was "as added sweetening"... meaning if a team wanted (picking an arbitrary name -don't pounce on me) James Sanders and they also were desperate for WR help also- throw DJ in to sweeten the deal for a pick- sorry about the way it came out in my last post.

He was catching everything thrown his way on Sunday, and looked pretty good doing it, but I admit I don't have teams knocking down my door wanting to hire me as a talent scout either, so take it for what it's worth.

 

[Reckedtrek]

This makes more sense.

BTW, I don't see player for player trades happening very much. Sanders could be traded, but I wouldn't do it. He is our best signal caller in the secondary.

Yes- that's why I'm thinking the Pats could trade a player or even two for a draft pick. Then flip the draft pick (or an existing draft pick or picks) for a player they want/need.

RE Sanders- I just chose him as an example. I don't want to see him traded either.

 

[jmt57]

Some more camp observations from this past week.

8/2: BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet Blog Archive What happened at the Patriots training camp? Day 5, Session 2 edition
– The highlight was Brandon Tate. No surprise. He made, simply, a ridiculous catch. Tate tracked a 50-yard pass from Tom Brady, while being tightly covered by CB Devin McCourty. Though he was out the back of the end zone, Tate dove out, head-long, and made the catch, while keeping it secure on the ground. It earned a hip bump from Brady.

8/3: Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive Quick Kicks: Answering some questions
“Erik, Did the Patriots add Rod Owens because Torry Holt is not having a good camp?”
Andy, Paul, and I were just discussing Holt yesterday on the podcast. It’s still way too early to start labeling him Galloway 2.0, but I’m starting to get concerned that he hasn’t done much to stand out to this point. Let’s remember, however, that we’re not even a week into camp yet, and haven’t played a preseason game either, so now is not the time to press the panic button on Holt. But we’re keeping an eye on him, and hoping he does something positive soon.

8/4: Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive Paul’s Calls: Practice 13 observations
–Wes Welker seemed to be a bigger part of the team period early in practice than he has been thus far. He and Brady connected on consecutive plays, the second of which came after a fake end around to the wideout when Brady swung a short pass to him in the flat. Anytime Welker is involved the crowd roars its approval.

8/5: Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive From the Hart: Practice 14 observations
–Julian Edelman spent time working with the running backs and quarterbacks. Edelman also took part in the pass protection drill against the defensive backs, seemingly holding his own when Brandon Meriweather tried to run right through him. Edelman said it was his first pass protection work since he was a 12-year-old Pop Warner player.

–Aaron Hernandez worked with the wide receivers during a lot of drills early in practice while the rest of the tight ends were elsewhere. He took reps in a slot group that include both Wes Welker and Buddy Farnham, as Edelman was with the running backs at the time.

8/6: Official Patriots Football Weekly Blog Blog Archive Quick Kicks: Practice 17 observations
–Rookie free agent Buddy Farnham from nearby Andover, Mass. also made a highlight-worthy, one-handed touchdown grab in that same period. He was matched up on Wilhite on the right side of the formation. At the snap, Farnham stuttered-stepped at the goal line and head-faked to his inside left before darting right on a corner route. Wilhite trailed a step behind as the pass looked like it was going to sail out of bounds. But Farnham timed his jump just right and extended his left arm to get a hand on the ball. He bobbled it for a moment, but then brought it to his body and toe-tapped both feet in bounds for the score.

–Brandon Tate continued his unofficial streak of making a spectacular catch but landing out of bounds. This time, he extended his body for an overthrown deep ball after getting a step on Devin McCourty down the right sideline during 11-on-11 action.

–During the red zone/goal line period of 11-on-11, Hoyer fired an errant pass over the head of Torry Holt. Immediately, Holt turned his attention, and ire, toward rookie receiver Taylor Price. Holt gave Price a pretty good tongue-lashing and waved his arms in a manner that looked like he was admonishing the rookie for not having run a better route.

 

[TheComeback]

This is indeed a great opportunity for Price. He will get to learn from veterans Moss, Welker and Holt.

Wish I could gain 7 lbs of muscle in three sentences.

 

[jmt57]

Taylor Price quick to adapt to life in Pats camp by Ian Rapoport for the Boston Herald


“You see all the guys you see on TV, you see Randy, you see Tom (Brady),” Price said. “It’s a championship environment, a (franchise) that’s been there and done that, won lots of games. How can I ask for a better place? They throw the ball around, and being a receiver, that always helps. I’m very appreciative to be here.”

It’s an internal battle for Price, the 6-foot, 205-pounder from an under-the-radar program.

On one hand, there is the unbridled enthusiasm that comes with being a third-round pick alongside players he grew up watching. Nearly 17,000 fans watched one day of practice last week - more that the 16,018 fans who paid to attend last season’s Ohio-Cal Poly game.

On the other hand, it’s now his job.

“It is what it is,” said Price, sounding like coach Bill Belichick. “When you come out here on the field, it’s still just football. It’s just X’s and O’s. Come out here, make a play on the ball.”



“He’s got a good skill set,” Caserio said. “He’s big. He’s physical. He can run. He has good playing strength. He has good hands. He’s trying to get himself acclimated as quickly as possible so he’ll have ample opportunity to go out there and perform. He’s moving in the right direction.”


“If you grasp the offense as a whole,” Price said, “that’s going to make your position that much easier to learn.”

 

[jmt57]

Torry Holt: No. 81 just like family by Karen Guregian for the Boston Herald


Holt had already considered Moss one of the greats before joining the Patriots. That opinion has only been enhanced watching him up close and personal at practice, as well as inside in the weight room and film room.

“Randy is every bit of what everyone else sees. He’s a very smart football player. First and foremost, he’s a football player, with tremendous athleticism and a tremendous knowledge of the game, a great feel for this offense,” Holt said. “He knows how to use his big frame, when to use it, when not to use it. He knows how to use his speed. A lot of things that true receivers need, he has, along with the athleticism.



“It’s a treat for me to be out here and be able to watch him and kind of take some of the things he has in his game, and be able to add them to my game.”

When asked if Moss was more impressive than he imagined, Holt said that was definitely the case.

“The only chance I got to watch him before was on Sundays,” Holt said. “And now to see him come in and work day in and day out, set guys up, utilize his body, just make plays, make things look so routine, so easy, to me, it’s just a treat to watch.”

 

[jmt57]

Randy Moss looking to erupt; monster season in store by Karen Guregian for the Boston Herald


Randy Moss burst out from the first day of training camp and sent a rather loud and pointed message for anyone watching.

There was no need to read body language. This one hit you like a blitzing linebacker. The mercurial wide receiver looks like he’s going to a have one of his monster seasons. He’s easily been one of the best players at camp, eight days in.

So why hasn’t anyone really taken notice?



For one, Moss has yet to speak with the media to discuss how great he’s looked, not to mention the fact he’ll be playing out the final year of his contract. Second, he makes the amazing catches and plays look so easy, so effortless. It really doesn’t seem like he’s doing all that much, when in fact he’s doing more than most athletes can dream of doing. Still, at age 33.

It’s possible that because we’ve seen him now, up close and personal in three training camps, that the shock and awe of those wondrous plays has become so routine. Perhaps the freakish nature of his athleticism has become so humdrum, that it’s merely being repetitive to point out how good he remains.

Well, it’s time to start pointing.

 

[jmt57]

WEEI's Christopher Price sees a roster spot coming down to a decision between Holt and Aiken.

It Is What It Is Five Patriots who might be feeling bubblicious


Wide receivers Torry Holt and Sam Aiken: Their fortunes are tied together. When it comes to Holt, it’s not that the new veteran has necessarily had a bad training camp — it’s just that he hasn’t done much of anything to show up on anyone’s radar screen, positively or negatively. As for Aiken, he does have special teams experience over Holt, but last year’s special teams captain appears to have been usurped by a variety of candidates for the role of punter protector. If Aiken’s role on special teams is lessened, so are the chances of him making the team. But the bottom line is that right now, with youngsters Taylor Price and Brandon Tate both having a good camp, it could come down to Holt and Aiken for the final wide receiver spot.

 

[Deus Irae]

Thought I'd toss in an update for you, sir. Farnham got the axe:

Patriots drop Buddy Farnham and Adrian Grady and add D'Angelo Willingham and Darnell Stapleton.

Twitter / Christopher Price: Patriots drop Buddy Farnha ...

 

[jmt57]

Wes Welker's Not Worried About Full Contact During Practice With New Orleans Saints by Jeff Howe for NESN:


Welker participated in 11-on-11s against the Saints defense Tuesday, which was a mildly surprising turn of events. Welker has been taking part in those drills against his own defense, but the Patriots understand they need to be looking out for the highly-valuable wideout.

The Saints, meanwhile, probably don’t care all that much, but Welker doesn’t think it will be an issue.

"I think we're all pros out here," Welker said. "This is practice. We're going to take care of each other, but at the same time, you don’t know these guys so you don’t know if they're going to try to thud you, or if they're clumsy or what's going to happen. For the most part, I'm not too worried about it."

There was plenty of contact during the teams' first joint session, but the tackling is limited. More often than not, defenders will just touch up on the ball carrier, but it's not always completely possible to avoid laying a hit on a guy. Plus, as the practices wear on, the tempers will flare up, and that could lead to some more violent hits on the field.

 

[jmt57]

Tom Brady, Receiving Corps Hitting Stride Despite Rotating Offensive Line by Jeff Howe for NESN:


Brady and the Offense
Tom Brady and the first-team offense looked in sync, with Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Brandon Tate working together to make a number of big plays. Tate, especially, did a nice job of weaving through the Saints' secondary.

 

[jmt57]

Training Camp Report From Tuesday Afternoon Practice by Christopher Price for WEEI:


Quarterback Tom Brady looked angry throughout the 7-on-7 drills, eventually throwing his helmet to the ground in frustration after a series of passes went incomplete. (Shortly after, New Orleans defensive lineman Will Smith batted down a Brady pass, and the quarterback kicked the ball away.) Shortly after, Brady was able to connect with Wes Welker on two out of three pass plays, which brightened the mood of the crowd. One of the young offensive standouts was Brandon Tate — with Holt on the sidelines, Tate got plenty of run with the starting offense as the wideout opposite Randy Moss, and he got a lot of snaps. His finest play of he day likely came on a touchdown reception on a nice catch from Brady.

 

[jmt57]

Nick Caserio Q&A, 8/10 by Christopher Price for WEEI:


Q: How many receivers do you project keeping?
NC: However many we feel is best for the club. We’ve kept five. We’ve kept seven. It all depends and really, you look at your club and you figure out the offensive or defensive component and then the special teams component and the receivers are competing with the secondary players or the linebackers for particular spots. We talk about the more you can do, the more you can do, and that’s important. That applies to the receiver position or a defensive back position. However many we keep, that’s the number that we feel is best for our club and that’s what we’ll do.

Q: What are your thoughts on Torry Holt’s performance so far in camp?
NC: Torry has a lot of experience. He hasn’t been out there for a few days, but he’s smart. He’s a very instinctive receiver. He has good hands. He’s a good route runner. When he’s been out there, when he’s had his opportunities, he’s made some plays. I think his value comes into play off the field as well. He does a nice job working with our younger receivers. Torry has been a productive player in this league. He’s done things on the field that have been good and also behind the scenes, some of the things that you don’t see. I think he’s been invaluable from that perspective. He’s done a nice job for us.

 

[jmt57]

Christopher Price of WEEI from his roster rankings put together prior to the start of training camp:

It Is What It Is Rating the Roster, Training Camp Edition (Part 5)


32. Wide receiver Torry Holt: The one thing I took away from watching the 6-foot-, 200-pound Holt this spring — other than that freaky finger of his — is the fact that he never stopped moving. When the veteran wasn’t on the field catching passes, he always doing something — running in place, laying a mock karate kick on a teammate, pushups or taking a younger receiver aside for (presumably) a few words of wisdom. That sort of energy can’t be faked. Holt is clearly geeked about being a Patriot, and right now, remains the presumptive No. 2 receiver when New England moves into three-receiver set. But fairly or unfairly, the spirit of Joey Galloway is always looming. To that end, here’s what wide receivers coach Chad O’Shea said when he was asked about possible comparisons between Holt and Galloway: “Torry Holt has come in and been a great veteran leader for us. He’s a guy that brings a wealth of experience to the playing field,” O’Shea said. “He definitely has a certain skill set that the other guys can learn from. He’s come out and worked very hard in his role and done everything we’ve asked him to do.” Not a ringing endorsement, but still an indication the franchise believes Holt isn’t going to replicate Galloway’s performance.

 

[jmt57]

A big no comment regarding Welker and the first preseason game Thursday night:

Patriots coach Bill Belichick: No decision yet on whether Wes Welker will play on Thursday - ESPN Boston

"We'll see how it goes here yesterday and then today and make a decision on that," said Belichick. "I don't know. I'm not saying he will; I'm not saying he won't. We'll evaluate it and see."

Welker had told ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter on Friday that he hopes to be ready to play in the first game of the season against the Bengals on Sept. 12.

"My goal is to get out there on the field as soon as possible," Welker said, "and Week 1 is definitely something I'm shooting for. We'll see what happens."

 

[jmt57]

Everything's Working Out For Randy Moss by Karen Guregian for the Boston Herald:

Tim Martin, who has trained Moss the past eight years and is the innovator of the workout, believes the Patriots receiver doesn’t get enough credit for how well he’s maintained his body over time, and how hard he’s worked to stay at the top of his game.

“Yeah, he is very talented, but he outworks 99 percent of the NFL,” said Martin, when reached by phone last week. “I heard Jerry Rice talk about how hard Larry Fitzgerald works. I’ve seen his workout ... if people take a look at what myself and Randy do, you’ll see a lot of things you don’t see other people doing. I’d put our regimen up against anyone else’s.”

If you want an actual behind-the-scenes look, footage from the upcoming Moss documentary, “Feeling the Heat,” on DraftNasty.com provides a great visual and feel for the lengths the wide receiver takes in order to get himself in shape.

Some of it is fairly routine. Other parts border on insanity.

More specifics on Moss' workout regimen here:
Work out like Randy Moss... if you can - BostonHerald.com




Edit: looks like the video and a corresponding debate on Moss' work ethic was discussed here: http://www.patsfans.com/new-england...10/390340-article-moss-offseason-regimen.html

 

[jmt57]

Jeff Howe of NESN comments in his post-game up/down in regards to Torry Holt:


Over the next three weeks, a few dozen players have much more uncertain futures, and they're sitting on the roster bubble. Let's take a look at a few of those players who either helped or hurt their stock in the first of four preseason games.

Downward Trending

2. Defensive lineman Ron Braceand wide receiver Torry Holt didn’t dress for the game, and Brace still hasn’t even passed his physical. With each passing day, it seems more and more unlikely Brace will make the team, and he might wind up on the physically unable to perform list or injured reserve for the Patriots to hold onto their 2009 second-round investment.

Holt's biggest asset lies in his veteran savvy, route running and a chance to develop good veteran chemistry with Brady. If Holt, who has missed four consecutive padded practices, can't get on the field, he can't develop that rapport with the quarterback.