Gone camping: 5 things to note for Patriots training camp
Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Photos
As training camp opens, New England Patriots' fans (myself included) will go in waves to get a glimpse at the team they hope returns the Lombardi Trophy to Foxboro. This can be an overwhelming time for fans with all the positional drills running at once. With that in mind, let's take a look at 5 things of note during camp.
#1- Health
I could be sarcastic and write this topic as all 5. Between a slew of people opening up camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list and major names returning from season ending injuries a year ago, who is out on the field may as important as the work done. Mike Reiss gave a great summary of the injury situation here, and also provided a huge update on Rob Gronkowski:
Bill Belichick says Rob Gronkowski has been cleared by doctors. He is not being placed on active/PUP list.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) July 23, 2014
Having Brady's primary target healthy is a huge development for the team. Beyond that it will be important to keep QB12 healthy, as we all can remember the scare during joint practices last year where Brady went down clutching his leg. I was at that practice and saw that moment live, I hope we have no scares like that for any player during this training camp.
#2- Defensive chemistry
I won't belabor this topic too much, as it has been highlighted since the additions of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, but it is something we will have to note. Browner will miss 4 weeks on suspension, Alfonzo Dennard will start on PUP along with Dominique Easley, and Dont'a Hightower is returning to his natural position after taking over for the captain Jerod Mayo last year. With all these moving pieces, it will be difficult for a team to create a cohesive defensive unit. While skill and experience will carry them through development, if they want to be truly elite on that side of the ball they must learn to work as one.
#3- Who is Brady tossing to?
The Gronk news mentioned above is a huge boost, but it doesn't solve the entire issue. Aaron Dobson's return from PUP and development will be critical. He has all the tools to be a thousand yard receiver (and red area target), but if he reverts to Drop-son Brady may lose all faith in tossing him the ball. Edelman and Amendola both have extensive injury pasts, so building a reputation with them is only as valuable as the time they spend on the field. Each option has a big question mark, I'm fairly bullish if all stay on their feet.
#4- TE depth chart
While much of this article has had a Gronk-centric theme, I think it's time to explore the options beyond the big guy. The safest option behind Gronk is Michael "you have to google my name to spell it" Hoomanawanui. He is a strong blocker who runs decent routes, and fights for extra yards despite lacking the physical gifts of elite tight ends. While there are several options to take the move tight end position (for those not familiar, this was the role Aaron Hernandez took before the whole murder thing), I'd say the best is actually wide receiver Brandon LaFell. He is an intelligent player who, according to his former coach Ron Rivera, knew all of the receiver routes as a Panther. I also wouldn't sleep on Patriots' fullback James Develin, who proved to be a solid blocker and reliable receiver last season. He could certainly see some snaps on the line, and take some pressure off of Gronkowski on running downs.
#5- Jimmy Garoppolo
Bill Belichick had to be high on this player to take him over players who would help more in the short term. With this said, it'll be interesting to note how quickly he comes along. Teams were very high on Garoppolo during the scouting process, and quick development could mean that incumbent backup Ryan Mallett finds his way out of New England via a trade. Personally, I'd get rid of Mallett as long as Garoppolo shows the talent to develop, as this team likely doesn't go anywhere if Tom Brady gets hurt. Mallett may net the team a draft pick, or maybe depth at the linebacker position, but keeping Mallett to go 9-7 if Brady gets hurt doesn't make much sense to me. As long as they're comfortable with Garoppolo in a spot start situation if Brady gets banged up, we may see Mallett make his way to a team like Kansas City, Houston, or Cincinnati (depending on contract talks with Andy Dalton).
All and all, training camp should be exciting with many surprises. If you want a bold prediction, I believe that Alfonzo Dennard gets traded around the time the team cuts down to 53 players (54 because Browner won't count due to suspension). What bold predictions or camp expectations do you have? Make sure to comment below or tweet me @TheFib0624 to chat about this.
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--Bill Stiles