PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Preseason 2013

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There are probably going to be roster moves over the next few days,” he said. “I don’t even know what they are but it’s just that time of year. Between the practice squad and the roster, there’s a lot of transition. I don’t know, there could be.

Source: New England Patriots waive fullback James Develin – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/there-are-probably-going-to-be-roster-moves-over/

Catching up on all the Patriots’ moves (Sunday Night Edition)

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It’s pretty tough to keep track of everything going on today, so at this point I’m just sitting back, enjoying my last Sunday before football starts and letting the Pats do their thing. By Tuesday we’ll have a better idea of who is going to stick.

Let’s start with the most positive news. Gronk was back at full-pads practice.

In acquisitions:

In departures, they released Leon Washington and Marquice Cole, both surprising moves.

In returns, some of the defensive ends are sticking around.

And the practice squad is shaping up.

There will be plenty to talk about once the dust settles, but for now it’s too fluid to fly off half-cocked.

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The biggest surprise has come among the reserves at defensive end, with Justin Francis, Marcus Benard and Jermaine Cunningham all being cut. They projected to the 3-4-5 spots on the depth chart. Health was likely a factor with Francis and Cunningham, as they have been sidelined. There is always the possibility for them to return if not picked up elsewhere, but an initial thought is that 2013 seventh-round pick Michael Buchanan (previous film breakdown) has impressed to the point that the coaching staff felt comfortable letting go of more experienced depth at the position. Buchanan was impressive on Thursday.

Sharing some New England Patriots midday cut-down thoughts – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-biggest-surprise-has-come-among-the-reserves/

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Defensive lineman Marcus Benard was a guy who flashed very positively through the initial stages of training camp, and played well in the first preseason game against the Eagles. And while the Patriots shuffled him a bit along their defensive front — he played his natural position as a pass-rushing defensive end, but also gave him a shot as an interior pass rushing presence — he ultimately didn’t show the consistency needed to survive in the NFL.

It Is What It Is » Five thoughts on the first wave of cuts the Patriots made on Friday afternoon

https://www.patspropaganda.com/defensive-lineman-marcus-benard-was-a-guy-who/

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Releasing tight ends Jake Ballard and Daniel Fells. Ballard, who was claimed on waivers in June, wasn’t as widely considered being close to the roster bubble as Fells and tight end Michael Hoomanawanui (who is still with the club). The Patriots have to decide whether to place recovering tight end Rob Gronkowski on the active roster or reserve/physically unable to perform list by Saturday at 6 p.m. ET, and with Ballard and Fells no longer part of the mix, this could be a sign Gronkowski will land on the active roster.

Examining New England Patriots’ latest cuts – ESPN Boston

https://www.patspropaganda.com/releasing-tight-ends-jake-ballard-and-daniel/

Patriots release some veterans

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Obviously Ballard, Fells and Benard are the surprises. Ballard has never looked comfortable running, while Fells and Benard both started camp off hot but slowly faded.

Those three were on just about everyone’s 53-man roster, but I’m sure there are more surprises to come.

Final Patriots Preseason Thoughts

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Let’s start with the good news – the Pats made it through a training camp and preseason without a major injury! That in and of itself is a reason to feel good, eventhough there was a tense six hours when Brady had his knee scare.

Tomorrow comes the cutdown to 53, but here are some thoughts on the last preseason game and who is trending up and who is trending out.

– Aaron Dobson was up and down last night, but I think he needs time. He’s still a raw player and needs to learn how to play the pro game. The biggest thing is learning to use his strengths (height) to his advantage. He’ll need to progress over the course of the season.

– I’ve been hard on Ryan Mallett but he showed some pretty good stuff last night. Don’t know if he did enough to entice a team to go after him in a trade next offseason, but I feel well enough that he wouldn’t be a total disaster if he had to fill in for TFB at all.

– Kenbrell Thompkins is good at football. I’m excited to see what he does with Brady and the impact he makes, which should be immediate. Reminds me of Deion Branch with his secure hands and ability to win at the line with quickness.

– Leon Washington played a lot last night, and had a fumble. Kind of surprised he was even on the bubble to begin with, but still think he makes it.

– Jake Bequette and Michael Buchanan both played well last night, and the timing couldn’t have been better. Something tells me both could make the team, and with Jermaine Cunningham missing yet again, I think his time in New England might be over.

– Logan Ryan will play a lot next week and I’m sure he’ll be targeted and have his share of mistakes. But I like him as a player, he’s physical and has improved consistently over the course of camp.

– Duron Harmon seems pretty solid to me as well. Definitely has had his lapses, but overall, like his Rutgers mate Ryan, he’s a solid player. I’ll be looking for him to improve as the season goes along and perhaps push Steve Gregory at some point for safety snaps.

– Thursday morning I was leaning toward Adrian Wilson making the team. This morning I’m leaning toward him not making it.