PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

The Best of PatsPropaganda This Week

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Another week of OTAs are in the books, with some more interesting nuggets starting to come in based on various observations. 

Most interesting to me has been the slow-going at wide receiver where Michael Jenkins is starting with Danny Amendola, as expected.  It’s no surprise to see veterans getting the first looks at this point in the offseason.  That includes Steve Gregory, Kyle Arrington and Adrian Wilson on defense.

Of course the best news is that we can officially now say that “training camp starts next month”!

Here’s the best of the week:

Why Pats fans shouldn’t worry about Gronk

First week of OTAs report.

Belichick & top coaches of all-time – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Spikes training at Bommarito Performance and looking good.

Mayo on Spikes’ absence & more – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Drew Rosenhaus downplays significance of Rob Gronkowski’s ‘lingering’ back injury – Extra Points – Boston.com

More Patriots OTA observations from afar or players not wearing jersey numbers

Patriots change it up on defense.

Blank Scribbled Realness: BTW, Bill Belichick’s whole defensive philosophy is predicated on…

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Blank Scribbled Realness: BTW, Bill Belichick’s whole defensive philosophy is predicated on…

blankscribbled-realness:

How to you think Jamie Collins is going to be used?

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I think the simple answer is on passing downs. Depending on how balanced the opposing offense is will determine how much he plays. Against the Ravens, he probably won’t be much more than a 3rd down player, both in coverage and rushing the passer.

But against the Broncos and Texans, he might play 75% of the snaps.

Lot of discussion re efforts to become more verticals in the passing game this year. How much of lasts year’s lack of stretching the field ws due to the skill personnel and how much jelling with a revamped o-line ( played significant minutes in 12 w/o any of the opening day ’11 o-line in which everyone had been to pro bowls.

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Interesting question, and one that I had been poking through some stats on. The first place you have to look regarding the vertical passing game is Brandon Lloyd. Prior to coming to the Patriots he was one of the most targeted downfield receivers in the NFL. His yards per reception was the lowest of his career with the Pats. 

The Pats had the same vertical problem last year, so it makes you wonder how much of it was tied to Wes Welker’s ability to get open almost every time.

Some will say it’s the Patriots dink and dunk offense, or that Brady can’t throw deep anymore, but Brady’s favorite receiver has always been the open one, and Welker was pretty much always open.

So this year, without Welker, and more speed at the position, we might finally see the Pats open things up downfield.

As for the offensive line, I think we should expect a really stellar year from them. I’m watching Ryan Wendell to make progress in his pass protection, and whether Dan Connolly gets challenged for the starting right guard spot by Marcus Cannon. Mankins and Vollmer should be more healthy, and Solder now has a full starting year under his belt. 

You can never under play continuity, and I think we’ll see the benefits of it on the offensive line and in the defense.