Monday. Let’s get it.
Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Quick-hit thoughts around NFL & Pats – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
It was interesting listening to Eagles players and coaches share their experience from three days of joint practices with the Patriots in Philadelphia. There was one common theme and it came back to one player: Tom Brady. Almost everyone we talked with marveled at the way Brady looked at age 36. Some expressed surprise at his size (6-4, 225), maybe not fully aware of how big he is and how well he takes care of himself physically, while others felt the level of competitiveness he showed was at a higher clip than they were accustomed to. Both the Patriots and Eagles got a lot out of last week’s joint practices. For the Eagles, the chance to be in Brady’s presence, in that type of setting where the clubs totaled nearly 7 hours and 30 minutes of practice time, appears to have left an indelible impression. Hearing this from the Eagles also served as a reminder that it’s something that might be taken for granted at times here in New England.
Awesome. That’s all you can say,” Vermeil said. “I’ve coached against him three times when I was with the Chiefs, but to see him on the practice field and see him throw the ball like that is really spectacular. You almost don’t believe somebody can throw the ball that accurately.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/awesome-thats-all-you-can-say-vermeil-said/
We’ve seen Benard line up at defensive tackle in practice, and he’s played well in the role Jermaine Cunningham occupied in 2012, but it was interesting that Marcus Forston was not the choice in that regard; he was instead the top choice on the second-team defense. At 260 pounds, Benard is not the ideal frame for plugging the middle, but his activity at defensive tackle was hardly limited to third downs; he was spotted lined up on the inside through the second quarter.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/weve-seen-benard-line-up-at-defensive-tackle-in/
Lots of bodies were cycling through the secondary on Friday night, as starting free safety Devin McCourty wasn’t in the lineup and the coaching staff wanted to get a good look at some different personnel combinations. As a result, it’s probably a little early to try and figure out who might be a starter based on what happened against the Eagles. But to this point in camp, it certainly appears Adrian Wilson has done everything that’s been asked of him, and has to be considered the favorite to land the job. The oversized safety has shown a nice ability to pick up the New England system, and his fellow defensive backs have spoke glowingly of how fast he’s become a part of the Patriots defense.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/lots-of-bodies-were-cycling-through-the-secondary/
The rookies all have excellent potential so far, and they’re all necessary so I’m excited for all of them. My related concern, however, is what happens if all of them hit that game 12 “rookie wall” and tail off for the rest of the season. All three recievers, Collins, and probably Sudfeld will be quite necessary for the long haul. If most or all of them tail off…uh oh. Otherwise, this season could be a thing of beauty.
It’s a fair point, but I’m more concerned about the inconsistency early in the season than hitting the proverbial rookie wall. Dont’a Hightower was playing his best football at the end of last season, I think really it has more to do with staying healthy than anything else. We’ll see what kind of resiliency this crop of rookies have.
There’s no denying the Pats have a collection of promising young talent, and I can’t wait to see who emerges and becomes the next elite player.
Did my eyes deceive me or did Thompkins start over Dobson?
No, it’s clear that Thompkins has emerged from the rookie trio, and is just more proof that it doesn’t matter how you get to Foxboro, you’re on equal footing in competition.
I really liked how polished and comfortable Thompkins looked, with strong hands. The fact that Dobson and Boyce didn’t totally pop doesn’t concern me. There will be ups and downs with all three of them this season. Let’s just hope it’s not all at once.