New Faces Standing Out at New England Patriots Training Camp
New one up on Athlon, taking a look at some of the new guys who have stood out in the first four practices. Obviously a long way to go, but a good start is a good start.
An Independent Patriots Blog
New Faces Standing Out at New England Patriots Training Camp
New one up on Athlon, taking a look at some of the new guys who have stood out in the first four practices. Obviously a long way to go, but a good start is a good start.
We’re fighting the good fight on two fronts this summer. First, and most important, is training camp. And there’s Deflategate, which took a turn on Friday for the Patriots’ good, and seems to be headed for a conclusion as quickly as the judge can make it happen.
Let’s stick to real football today, with things that are sticking out to me right now.
– Having Jerod Mayo full-go and Dont’a Hightower close to full-go is an amazing development to start camp off. I thought there was a realistic chance both would start on the PUP list and without Spikes or Fletcher, there’s basically be Jamie Collins as the only legitimate starting NFL linebacker in camp. Just having the veteran presence to make all the calls is going to help the defense get up to speed a lot quicker.
– Speaking of Collins, he continues to look like a superstar in the making. I watched a lot of his film this offseason and I was only more and more impressed with how well-rounded he is. I would love to see what he does when there’s a complimentary cover linebacker like Mayo in the mix with him.
– While I still don’t think we can write Ryan Wendell off right away, it’s good to see the Pats starting and sticking with an interior line featuring two rookie guards – Shaq Mason and Tre Jackson. Last year they had no continuity at any position except right tackle in the early part of the season, even Solder was getting rotated out in camp. At least the rookies are getting their feet wet and from the sounds of it, Stork looks even more impressive this year. Have to say I’m most curious to see Shaq in pass protection, that could determine if he’s ready to start. He should be a wrecking ball in the running game. He’s one to focus on this preseason.
– Here’s how I see the current offensive depth chart after the first four practices, based on various reports. Nothing is set in stone but for the most part this is how it seems like they’re starting off.
Dobson has made some impressive catches but we’ve seen that before from him. The key will be to staying healthy and building on his good plays. Can he do enough to eat into LaFell’s snaps once he returns? I still have my doubts but a good start is a good start.
– While many of us could see Vollmer getting traded based on his age, salary, injury history and depth behind him, I’m not reading too much into Cannon getting more starter snaps early. Vollmer is coming off surgery and they’ll manage his return. Let’s not write Vollmer off completely, he’s one of the best right tackles in the game and could play left tackle if anything happens to Solder. I have my doubts Cannon or Fleming could slide to the left.
– Seems like James White and Travaris Cadet will be neck and neck all summer for the starting passing down back. Most important will be watching how well they pick up pass rushers when asked to block. White might be undersized but that didn’t stop Danny Woodhead. He still has the inside track as I see it.
– Defensively things are starting to become a little clearer as well especially at cornerback where it seems like Butler and Brown have made the most plays the first few days. Logan Ryan will get plenty of snaps and Robert McClain has drawn some praise as well. Not much mention of Bradley Fletcher so far, but it’s all very fluid. If Brown excels on the outside it could shift Ryan into more of a slot competition with McClain.
– Jordan Richards has the only interception of camp and has drawn consistent praise for being in the right spots. Another strong safety Belichick was said to have reached on, Richards is showing that he just might be a player worthy of his draft status. Still a long way to go.
– Jeff Howe reported that Flowers was ahead of Grissom on the depth chart so it’s reflected above. The Pats have also been using packages with Nink/Chandler and Sheard. That will be fun to watch.
– Eric Martin is a random name that has popped up a bit as well, even moreso after he won an offseason award. The backup/special team linebacker roles are always the hardest to project but he should be in the mix if White doesn’t get healthy sooner than later. Who knows how Fleming/Freney/Morris plays out. They’ll see plenty of time this preseason, would love for one of them to show potential on defense – a fourth LB would be hugely helpful, there’s not much depth there as is.
Easley had a bad start with a false start and two obvious losses in 1-on-1s, but he recovered nicely. He broke through the line in a run drill to stop Cadet and burst through the line to stop Cadet for a loss in 11-on-11s. Easley also broke through the line to stop a Lewis run in 11-on-11s.
Yes, he’s only two padded practices in, but the early reports are Easley got his burst back. Yum.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/easley-had-a-bad-start-with-a-false-start-and-two/
Training camp observations: Tarell Brown and Aaron Dobson stick out
Two interesting names that have emerged in the early days of camp. Of course it doesn’t mean much unless they keep it up and translate it into games, but Dobson and Brown are off to a good start.
Today was the first padded practice of camp and things are starting to get interesting..
During o-line vs d-line 1v1s, we saw Shaq Mason throw Zach Moore to the ground. He’s strong.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 1, 2015
During 3v3s, Dobson made a great catch over Jimmy Jean in the back of the end zone. Made another highlight catch over Roberts during 7v7s.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 1, 2015
Watched Dominique Easley blow past OT Marcus Cannon in 1-on-1 drills; took note because was curious if we’d see that type of explosion.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) August 1, 2015
Great day for Blount. He was far and away the best RB on the ground and made a couple plays catching the ball in positional. Shook Collins.
— Jeff Howe (@jeffphowe) August 1, 2015
Malcolm Butler looked really good in coverage. Had a couple of impressive battles with Edelman.
— Christopher Price (@cpriceNFL) August 1, 2015
Jordan Richards made a nice breakup during 1v1s on Scott Chandler. He’s been impressive so far.
— Mark Daniels (@MarkDanielsPJ) August 1, 2015
Friday Training Camp Pic of the Day! (via Patriots Training Camp – 7/31/2015 | New England Patriots)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/friday-training-camp-pic-of-the-day-via-patriots/
Malcolm Butler’s pass breakup highlights evolving CB picture – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN
Interesting takeaways as always from the trusted Mike Reiss, with him pointing out the corner combo for this session was Ryan and Butler with McClain coming on as the slot corner. Of course, this all remains extremely fluid, but one part of maintaining a dominant team over a long period of time is unproven guys stepping up. The door is still wide open to everyone right now.
I love this video and song. I can’t get enough. (Source: https://www.youtube.com/)