Mike D. note – Thanks to Cody Lachance (@HailtotheHoodie) for this report from training camp. His defensive report can be found here.
If there was one main takeaway from this weekend, it was that the Patriots look like they can really commit to a power running style offense where they can control the overall pace of game.
If Ridley can hold onto the ball and have some additional help from either White or Finch, the running back by committee technique could lead to the Patriots being one of the best running teams in the NFL.
The offensive line is big and physical and as we saw at the end of last year, they take pride in playing in an aggressive, running style of offense. This will only help preserve the health and efficiency of Tom Brady. By having Brady throw the ball around 30 times a game versus in the 45-50 range, opposing pass rushers won’t have as many chances at him as they have had in previous years. If the Patriots can commit to a run game early in games and make teams stack the box against Brady, he’ll be able to terrorize them in the passing game by picking apart one-on-one coverage to his top receivers like Edelman and Gronkowski.
In their past three playoff losses, the Patriots have lost the time of possession battle by an average of 9 minutes and 16 seconds. The largest deficit came in Super Bowl 46 against the Giants where they had the ball for 14 minutes and 10 seconds MORE than the Patriots. The Patriots need to start controlling the pace of the game more efficiently, or they’re destined for another disappointing playoff loss. The best way to do this is to commit to the run game and set the tone for the entire game with a tough and physical style of play. The Patriots need to use the momentum they built in their last three wins (Baltimore, Buffalo, and Indianapolis) and continue to first establish the run and then break down the defense behind the arm and mind of Tom Brady. If they can do this and stay healthy, there is a great chance this team is playing in Glendale, Arizona in February.
Here’s some more specifics on the different position groups;
The position that showed the most promise over the weekend was the running backs. Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen both looked for strong as they are entering contract seasons and both need great years to get a big paycheck. Ridley did not put the ball on the ground, and even though the drills are not totally full speed yet, it’s still a good sign. Vereen continues to look like a breakout star out of the backfield as his combination of speed and great hands was on display as he caught many passes coming out of the backfield.
But, it was a pair of rookies that really caught attention of everyone there. James White looks like he can take on a large workload this year. He was originally said to be an insurance policy for Shane Vereen, but after watching him practice a few days it’s apparent that White can not only catch out of the backfield, but also run with power. White could see some time taking snaps as the lead rusher for the Patriots this year if injuries or fumble issues hit Ridley or Vereen. Both
Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have had high praise for White in the past few days, which shows how even the toughest of critics are showing a log of faith in the rookie RB from Wisconsin.
Another rookie, Roy Finch, looks like he can make a big play at any time. The most notable Finch play was when he lowered his helmet and sat a linebacker down as he tried to make the tackle. Finch also looked solid on special teams as a punt and kickoff returner. Patriots’ fans have been wanting an explosive, game-breaker like this and although he is just a rookie, Finch might fit the mold. Both rookies should be on the 53 man roster going into the season opener in Miami.
That leaves veteran Brandon Bolden as a potential cut. Bolden did not play well during the practices as he dropped many balls and did not seem to run the ball well. The most notable disappointment came during a drill where a coach would drop a ball over Bolden’s head, With
Develin being a lock to make the team due to his versatility at FB and TE, it would seem unlikely the Patriots would keep six backs and keep Bolden on the team. If he does not pick up his play, look for Brandon Bolden to be searching for a new team within a few weeks. The offensive line looks much larger than it has in some time. Solder and Volmer still are the largest of them, but rookies like Bryan Stork just appear larger than what we’re used to seeing on the offensive line. Josh Kline was very impressive this weekend, as one series he took Vince
Wilfork out of a few running plays entirely (even though Vince is recovering from his injury he is still a formidable run stopping DT). Stork continues to have some growing pains as he took some laps with Jimmy Garoppolo on a few botched snaps.
Quarterback has never been a big problem for the Patriots as Tom Brady is still a top 5 quarterback in the league today. Ryan Mallett looked strong in camp, and it was great getting to see how close it appears Brady and Mallett are as Mallett seems to always like pushing Brady in drills and letting him know when Mallett outperforms #12. The most comical part of the weekend occurred during Saturday’s autograph session after practice. As Ryan Mallett was signing for a fan, Tom Brady came behind him and signed Mallett’s practice jersey. Mallett then started to jump around in pure joy of getting a future Hall of Famer’s autograph, much to the delight of the crowd.
Jimmy Garoppolo continues to make progress, but it’s very apparent that he was a Division 1 AA quarterback as he is not quick enough on his reads to perform at this level quite yet. During 7 on 7 and 11 on 11 drills it’s very apparent that the speed of the game is very fast for him and he struggles going through his reads quickly enough. He also seems to bounce around in the pocket a little too much, and with some practice should be able to calm down and set his feet better. Garoppolo did make one of the prettiest throws of the weekend when he hit D.J. Williams in stride down the right sideline for a pickup of about 30 yards during 11 on 11’s.
The wide receiver and tight end groups are looking solid so far as well. Edelman looks primed for another big year, even if his stats go down due to more potent weapons around him. It’s very apparent that Brady trusts him the most and will continue to be his number one option at receiver. Kenbrell Thompkins looked strong as well, but we saw him be a summer hero last year so it’s hard to truly judge him at this point. Danny Amendola looks more explosive and healthy than he did at the end of last year, as apparent by an outstanding, diving, one-handed catch he made during Saturday’s practice.
As for tight ends, Michael Hoomanawanui took snaps with the first team offense during contact drills, with Justin Jones and D.J. Williams getting snaps more with the second team offense.
Jones looks like he could be an absolute monster in this offense, but he dropped many catchable balls on Saturday, but came back for a strong Sunday as he did not drop nearly as many passes.
If Jones can continue to improve his pass catching, he could be the next star tight end to come out of New England. And as for #87, he looks great during non-contact drills, and he should be able to come out swinging week one in Miami.
There was a lot of concern about not enough added weapons to this offense during the offseason. With health and a solid gameplan, they are absolutely talented enough to make a deep playoff run. Add in that they are coached by Belichick and McDaniels and that they will practice against one of the top defenses in the league all year, and they should be primed and ready for nearly anything the other 31 NFL defenses could throw at them.