From the Hart: Warming up for passing camp
Written by Andy Hart on May 20, 2009 – 10:35 am -Later this morning the media will be allowed to watch the third practice session of this week’s passing camp here at Gillette Stadium. The workout is voluntary and, for this week, is focused on New England newcomers. Tom Brady is not expected on the field, so the biggest story of the offseason is delayed a bit. So while waiting another week to see Brady throw for the first time since his opening day knee injury last fall, I figured I’d pass along some of the things I’ll be looking for during this morning’s workout. Here goes:
–Joey Galloway’s speed. I want to see, with my own eyes, how fast Galloway is in person. Everyone says he still has the elite speed that he’s known for. Bethel Johnson is the fastest guy I’ve ever seen on a Patriots practice field. Now I want to see how the 37-year-old compares. Is he scary fast?
–Alex Smith. I don’t know much about Smith. I’ll be watching to see how athletic he is. How soft his hands are. I think he could be in the mix for some real playing time. I’ll get my first taste today.
–Chris Baker. Same types of things as with Smith. He’s a proven veteran. But I like to judge how soft a guy’s hands are at tight end.
–The new corners. Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs bring experience and increased talent to the position. Can either be a true No. 1 corner at this point? Will both be starters or could one of the trio of young guns make it into the starting lineup? The best, most heated competition at any position starts today at cornerback.
–Nate Hodel. Beyond the tatoos and a decent resume does the former Cardinal have what it takes to replace a living long snapping legend? A first look at his accuracy and fast ball may come this morning, assuming he’s fully recovered from a reported offseason knee procedure.
–Kevin O’Connell. It looks like the second-year player will have every chance to win the backup QB job this summer. That starts today. With Brady not on the field O’Connell leads the passing camp and takes the first step toward showing us all that he’s made that ever-important year-two jump. He’s talented. Last year he looked raw. Has that been refined with a year in the system?
–Who exactly is on the field? This is build as a camp for young players and newcomers. But will some returning vets — I’m thinking injured guys like Tank Williams, Shawn Crable – be in the mix? We’ll have the attendance rundown for you here on the blog and on Patriots.com later today. If Crable is out there, he’s another guy practicing in a proverbial spotlight. The world is watching what he might be able to offer at outside linebacker.
What is the biggest issue facing fans at this point? What do you want to hear about coming out of today’s workouts? Let us know. Leave a comment below.
Posted in General |
May 20th, 2009 at 10:59 am
Hey Andy. I know there won’t be many full-squad offensive plays, but I’m curious about anyone lining up as a fullback. Also, please keep an eye on how the OLB projects look coming off the line if and when that happens.
Thanks!
May 20th, 2009 at 11:13 am
I see in the vidio that Crable is wearing long pants…. Did he bulk up those legs at all over the offseason? Last year he was all upper body, one of the constant negatives from the PFW staff in training camp.
May 20th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Patriots Now! had footage from at least one of the completed OTAs and Crable and Fred’s boy (Tank, the savior of the D) were both on the field. Interestingly, Crable was wearing pants… probably trying to cover up those toothpicks.
May 20th, 2009 at 12:11 pm
I see you mentioned Joey Galloway but I was interested in also seeing how Greg Lewis looks out there as well and Freddie T., last I heard he had a wrist injury, how does he look ?
May 20th, 2009 at 12:39 pm
Hey Guys, What time does the blog start today? Can’t wait to see who’s there, Vs who isn’t.
May 20th, 2009 at 12:53 pm
Hey guys, I’m interested in Greg Lewis more than anyone else. With Gaffney gone, that leaves us with only Moss and Welker as proven wideouts. I have high hopes for Galloway stretching the field, but I think Lewis could be a more consistent option and maybe has the versatility that Gaffney had to play both out wide and in the slot. Galloway seems like a low-risk, high-reward gamble, but Belichick spent a pick on Lewis, albeit a low one; I’m guessing Lewis becomes a low-profile guy that makes major contributions.
May 20th, 2009 at 12:54 pm
You’ve got some great points of interest. I’d love to hear more about the running backs and how the coaching staff figures to utilize their talents to open up the passing game and take some heat off the o-line.
May 20th, 2009 at 1:01 pm
i want to hear about Darius Butler more than anything.
May 20th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
I’m curious to hear observations about injury situations. Tom Brady will probably not attend from what I’ve heard, but what about the likes of Brandon Tate? Will we see him this year? He seemed inactive, but was at least in uniform for rookie mini-camp. Also, what about Lawrence Maroney? I bought the hype last year when I saw a commercial of him jumping through a car window and out to the other side, when I picked him second in fantasy (right behind number one pick, Tommy B). Needless to say, I finished last. I hate to hate, because I do love his game, but the guy seems to be made of glass. I’m curious to see if he’ll run with confidence this summer or if he appears tenative, finally psyched out by the injuries.
Also, I’m curious about the linebackers like everybody else, but particularly the young “apple” linebackers(1st and 2nd year folks) like Antonio Appleby, Shawn Crabapple, Vince Redd (Delicious), and Gary Guyton (I got nothing). Tyron McAppleknee seems to have snapped a twig already… Let’s not have a repeat of last year. Keep it on the tree, boys! Cheesy analogy aside, does anyone scream PT early on?
May 20th, 2009 at 1:26 pm
was bethal really faster then moss,
and i would love to here anything about crable i watched him play alot at michigan.
one more thing can u tell me anything about omar cuff i am a big deleware fan and was happy to here he came to NE.
May 20th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
i saw that commerical with maroney jumping through the window it was pretty cool, here it is
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nw5t6aDT6KQ
May 20th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Moss might be downgraded a little for his long strides that make it look easy, but I don’t think he looks as fast as Bethel did. Johnson had an extra gear that I think few people have on this planet. Reminded me of the greatest athlete who ever lived — Bo Jackson. That’s the first and last time I’ll ever use Bo and Bethel’s name together in the same zip code.