Questions, Comments, Complaints, Compliments, Whatever
Friday Preseason Gameday Q&A is on! What’s on your minds Pats pals?
With Mayo not participating in practice the past three days, and veteran James Anderson a bit banged up and not expected to play, this is the type of opportunity third-year linebacker Darius Fleming has been waiting for. The former Notre Dame product who missed the first two years of his career with the 49ers because of knee injuries, has been playing both on the line and off the line, and this week was integrated more into the top special-teams mix. He’s making a hard push for a roster spot and based on circumstances that have unfolded outside of his control, he should have a nice opportunity to show what he can do Friday night.
Key areas for New England Patriots vs. Philadelphia Eagles – ESPN Boston
Good guy to watch tonight, and he could be in there sooner than later assuming Mayo isn’t playing. Sometimes I find myself more excited in the second half to see the guys going all out to make the team than the guys who are just going through the motions to get ready for the regular season.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/with-mayo-not-participating-in-practice-the-past/
Even the players can hardly believe football is so close! #Patriots
https://www.patspropaganda.com/lolpats-even-the-players-can-hardly-believe/
The Influencer « Chris Brown/Grantland
The Influencer « Chris Brown/Grantland
The NFL previews are starting to roll in and this is from the great writer Chris Brown (formerly of SmartFootball.com, which I highly suggest you check out). I’m sure Belichick was very interested to get a closer look at how the Eagles ran things this week and it will be fascinating to see how the Patriots defense adjust to what the Eagles do tomorrow night.
New England Patriots Training Camp Report: Darrelle Revis, Gronkowski | The MMQB with Peter King
New England Patriots Training Camp Report: Darrelle Revis, Gronkowski | The MMQB with Peter King
Always great when we get Greg Bedard back with some Patriots perspectives. One point he makes that I think I’ve mentioned is that Browner is far from a lock to be the every down RCB when he returns in Week 5. With the new rules that cornerbacks can barely even breathe on receivers, I agree that Browner is likely a matchup piece far more than an entrenched starter.
Patriots 53-Man Roster Projection (Preseason Week 2 Edition)
Here’s my latest stab at the 53-man roster. Lots of questions remain and this is far from a finished product. My biggest areas of question are at linebacker, where it’s hard to say how the special teams and back-up spots will play out and tight end, where depth is a joke there right now.
QB (3) Brady, Mallett, Garoppolo – High confidence rate here that all three will stick.
RB (4) Ridley, Vereen, White, Develin – Dropped Bolden this time around, think White is good enough to backup both base and 3rd down duties, while Develin will be an FB/H-back/TE.
WR (6) Edelman, Dobson, Amendola, LaFell, Thompkins, Slater – Haven’t seen enough out of Boyce while the starting spot seems wide open between Dobson/LaFell/Thompkins.
TE (2) Gronkowski, Hoomanawanui – Things are light here with injuries, will have to take a closer look at Maneri. Could be an addition here after the final cutdown.
C (2) Connolly, Stork – Connolly seems to have been the main guy at center, while Stork is on the road to recovery. Wendell’s lack of versatility spells his end.
G (3) Mankins, Halapio, Kline – Kline has been a standout in practices, can he lock down a starting role?
T (4) Solder, Vollmer, Cannon, Fleming – Cannon can play any spot but center, that’s a huge help. They won’t carry more than 9 OL.
DE (4) Jones, Ninkovich, Smith, Buchanan – Moore goes to the practice squad while Bequette’s time is up. Not much depth here.
DT (6) Wilfork, Kelly, Easley, Siliga, Jones, Worthy – Big injury questions here, but once everyone is healthy and in game shape look out.
ILB(2) Mayo, Beauharnais – Would like to see more out of Beauharnais than we did in the first preseason game. He could very well be one injury away from playing time on defense.
OLB(4) Hightower, Collins, Anderson, White – Good group that should make a lot of plays.
CB (5) Revis, Dennard, Ryan, Arrington, Butler – Browner doesn’t count against the initial 53 so he’s off. Butler has been the surprise standout of camp.
SS (3) Chung, Wilson, Ebner – Forget traditional safety spots, Chung should see a lot of time in the box. I think he could revitalize his career this season.
FS (2) McCourty, Harmon – Two solid back end guys who can come up to the line of scrimmage as well.
ST (3) Gostkowski, Allen, Aiken – Same as it ever was.
Total players: 53
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