Offense (24)
Quarterback (2) –*Tom Brady* (suspended Weeks 1-4), Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Lindley
Brady’s court case drags on and so his status remains as suspended for the time being. I still believe that he will be in uniform for the opener against the Steelers. If the suspension does hold, it will open the door for Lindley (who didn’t play vs NO), to back Jimmy Garoppolo until he does return.
Garoppolo had a very strong outing against the Saints and seems to have taken a big step forward, a great sign if he has to start in lieu of Brady.
Running Backs (5) – *LaGarrette Blount* (suspended Week 1), Brandon Bolden, James Develin, Jonas Gray, James White, Dion Lewis
Blount is suspended for Week 1, but was able to come back and not only practice but play against New Orleans. He and Jonas Gray will share “big back” duties with core ST standout Bolden waiting in the wings in case of emergency.
The third down back competition which two weeks ago seemed liked Cadet’s to lose has seen a flip-flop as he’s been out with an injury and James White and Dion Lewis have emerged. Lewis looked particularly impressive against the Saints, displaying a nice burst in both the running and passing games, although for now, White still has the upper hand but Lewis looked impressive. Now Cadet finds himself out and needs to get back on the field…and quickly.
Out: Travaris Cadet, Eric Kettani, Tony Creecy
Tight End (3) – Rob Gronkowski, Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui
The team still hasn’t seen either Gronkowski or Chandler in a preseason game and the offense has certainly suffered for it. Gronk has had an outstanding summer and his absence in the preseason games has just been a precautionary decision.
Hooman holds on to the # 3 position…for now. He dropped an easy drag route catch on the third play from scrimmage against NO that Gronkowski usually makes with ease. His blocking at first glance without looking back at the tape seemed subpar as well. Cleveland may get some extended reps next week, something to watch.
Out: Jake Bequette, Jimmay Mundine, Logan Stokes, Asante Cleveland
Wide Receiver (5) – Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, Chris Harper
The top three, Edelman, LaFell and Amendola, are roster locks. LaFell is still on PUP and may begin the season there. If so that will open up the door for someone else, at least initially. There is still plenty of room for players to rise and fall. Tyms it seems has a serious foot injury and may end up on IR.
Gibson who has had an outstanding summer, was hurt late in the New Orleans game. His injury may force him out for an extended time. Harper hasn’t hurt his chances at all with two solid games receiving and a key punt return that set up the Patriots for the winning score on Saturday.
Which brings us to the enigmas that are Dobson and Boyce, the 2013 draft picks aren’t short on potential, but they either don’t produce nor are able to stay on the field. Krause may not have the talent of either, but his production during the preseason games is more than both…combined. This isn’t over by a long shot.
Out: Brian Tyms, Jonathan Krause, Josh Boyce, Zach D’Orazio, Brandon Gibson
Offensive Line (9) – Nate Solder, Sebastian Vollmer, Cameron Fleming, Marcus Cannon, Ryan Wendell, Bryan Stork, Tre Jackson, Shaq Mason, David Andrews
No big change here other than Andrews has earned a spot on the roster with some good play filling in for Stork at center and has the versatility to play guard. The offensive line play against New Orleans top defensive unit left much to be desired. Wendell is still on PUP and if he starts the season there, may open up a spot elsewhere on the roster.
Out: Josh Kline, Caylin Hauptman, Chris Barker, Mark Asper, Ryan Groy
Next up the Defense…
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A former US Army Special Forces NCO and Officer, Steve has been following the Patriots since their days at Fenway Park. Steve has worked in the film industry and wrote as an Military Editor at SpecialOperations.com, 1945.com as a reporter for the Millbury Daily Voice, Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, and the Grafton News. He's also a member of the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA)
