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Fourth straight session of 1-on-1s – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

August 2, 2013 by Mike Dussault

Fourth straight session of 1-on-1s – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

It’s getting a little steamy in here…

Standout performers DE Marcus Benard – One rush stands out; he lines up over the outside shoulder of guard Chris McDonald (3 technique), which is different for a 6-foot-2, 260-pound end, and proves too quick at the snap as he surges through with relative ease. In addition, Benard’s first rep while aligned on a wide split at defensive end features high-impact contact with right tackle Sebastian Vollmer, as Vollmer gets his hands on Benard but Benard attempts to spin free to the inside. A real good matchup, with Benard’s explosion and Vollmer’s power meeting head on. Benard continues to get after it, later looping around fellow end Jason Vega in 2-on-2 combination work to apply some pressure.

It looks like Marcus Benard is coming on strong as a depth DE. Its likely that the Pats will have to jettison 1 or 2 (or both) former high draft picks in Cunningham and Bequette. Who stays, who goes?

August 2, 2013 by Mike Dussault

Justin Francis is in that mix too. Tough to say now of course, a lot can change over the next few weeks after games and more practices. I am struggling though wondering if they do keep 6 defensive ends.

Cunningham can do a number of different things and is more proven than Bequette or Francis, albeit not by much. Bequette is sounding more and more like an edge rusher and potential special teamer. Not impossible that wins him a roster spot, but he still needs to develop his pass rush skills, and doesn’t look suddenly able to chip in 5-7 sacks.

So we’ll have to let it play out, and see if Michael Buchanan makes any noise either as he gets more reps.

Who would be your front 5/6 in nickel/dime?

August 2, 2013 by Mike Dussault

Whoever you are, I love you for asking this.

Here’s what it looks like I think (and this is speculation, I haven’t seen any camp practices in person):

Heavy Nickel

Ninkovich-Kelly-Wilfork-Jones

Mayo-Hightower

Talib-Arrington-Dennard

McCourty-A. Wilson

Rush Nickel

Ninkovich-Wilfork-Benard-Jones

Collins-Mayo

Talib-Arrington-Dennard

McCourty-A. Wilson

Dime

Ninkovich-Wilfork-Jones-Benard

Mayo

Talib-Arrington-Dennard

McCourty-Gregory-A.Wilson

Of course there are plenty of variations around these, depends on what you’re looking for. My concern areas is again having Wilfork extensively in sub, ideally Armstead comes back and could be a viable dime option. Kelly is viable rotation option for Wilfork in any of the subpackages as well.

Otherwise I think Collins, Gregory, Tavon Wilson, and even Logan Ryan could be involved in sub in some capacity depending on the match-up. Perhaps the greatest depth chart question on defense right now is between Gregory and Tavon.

August 2, 2013 by Mike Dussault

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