2019 Patriots' News

[Shoeshine Boy]

BB on Dorsett today:

“Phil’s been a pretty steady player for us. He’s a smart kid, he knows the offense, knows all the positions. And he’s been able to play in a number of critical situations for us through the years. Either due to injury, gameplan or whatever the circumstances were he’s been a solid player. Great kid, works hard, does everything we ask him to do.“

 

[YankeeRebel]

Anyone else have no aversion to losing Burkhead? If we kept Michel, White, Harris then Bolden for ST / Emergencies that would free up a roster spot I can't see keeping 4 active RBs

 

[Carnzo]

Anyone else have no aversion to losing Burkhead? If we kept Michel, White, Harris then Bolden for ST / Emergencies that would free up a roster spot I can't see keeping 4 active RBs

Something I had not thought of. He is a nice bulldozer but as you lay it out it makes sense.

 

[YankeeRebel]

Something I had not thought of. He is a nice bulldozer but as you lay it out it makes sense.

And Harris can bulldoze, has soft hands and picks up b lock well.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Anyone else have no aversion to losing Burkhead? If we kept Michel, White, Harris then Bolden for ST / Emergencies that would free up a roster spot I can't see keeping 4 active RBs

 

[sharkymcwrath]

Ryan Allen released. Wow.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/punter-jake-bailey-rarity-bill-023120924.html

 

[BigKen]

Both Burkhead and Bolden could be gone. Can't keep Ebner, Slater, Bolden if they aren't actually doing something else of benefit. The St has a huge influx of rookies that also play other positions. Slater will stay, everyone else is gone.

 

[YankeeRebel]

[QUOTE="BigKen, post: 13665325, member: 4063"]Both Burkhead and Bolden could be gone. Can't keep Ebner, Slater, Bolden if they aren't actually doing something else of benefit. The St has a huge influx of rookies that also play other positions. Slater will stay, everyone else is gone.[/QUOTE]
Agreed

 

[BigKen]

Jakobi Meyers, Duke Dawson Headline Winners, Losers Of Patriots Training Camp
by Zack Cox on Tue, Aug 20, 2019 at 7:30AM


A lot can change over the course of 15 practices and two preseason games.

Total unknowns can become emerging stars. Perceived roster locks can slide down toward the bubble — or off the team entirely.

With New England Patriots training camp now officially closed and the team preparing for preseason game No. 3 on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, here are 10 winners and seven losers from what we’ve witnessed so far this summer:

WINNERS
Jakobi Meyers, wide receiver
Meyers won’t just make the team as an undrafted rookie — he has a decent chance to start in Week 1. The North Carolina State product was the undisputed star of training camp and has dominated in both preseason games, totaling 12 catches on 14 targets for 151 yards and two touchdowns. No other Patriots player has more than four catches or 45 receiving yards.

Chase Winovich, edge rusher
Speaking of dominant preseasons, Winovich has been the most productive pass rusher in the entire NFL thus far. His 12 total pressures (three sacks, one QB hit, eight hurries) lead the league, according to Pro Football Focus. The Patriots will find a way to get the long-haired rookie on the field this season.

Joejuan Williams, cornerback
Williams looked a bit lost during the first week of camp. That’s certainly not the case anymore. The super-sized second-round draft pick finished training camp tied for third on the team with eight pass breakups in competitive drills, has allowed two catches on seven targets for 18 yards in two preseason games and blanketed Corey Davis during Saturday’s win over the Tennessee Titans.

Jake Bailey, punter
It took the rocket-legged Bailey just a few short weeks to unseat Ryan Allen and bring about the Patriots’ first punter change since 2013. The Stanford product’s hangtime is a sight to behold.

Isaiah Wynn, left tackle
After a year-long layoff, Wynn finally returned to game action against the Titans. And though he played only 19 snaps in his comeback from a torn Achilles, the 2018 first-round pick appears ready to take over as the Patriots’ starting left tackle.

Sony Michel, running back
Having a (nearly) injury-free training camp allowed Michel to broaden his skill set. He now looks much more comfortable in the passing game than he did as a rookie, suggesting the Patriots might not be so overwhelmingly run-heavy when he’s on the field this season.

Jamie Collins, edge rusher
Few Patriots defenders were more disruptive during camp than Collins, who looks poised to play a major role in his first season back in New England.

Jonathan Jones, cornerback
That Jones vs. Duke Dawson battle for the slot corner job? Yeah, it’s been over for weeks now. Jones was one of the top camp performers and didn’t play in either of the first two exhibition games, indicating the team views him as a pseudo-starter.

Byron Cowart, defensive lineman
Cowart’s annihilation of Rodger Saffold and subsequent burying of Marcus Mariota was one of the most explosive highlights of the Patriots’ preseason to date, but the former No. 1 high school recruit quietly has shown steady improvement since he arrived in New England this spring, playing his way into the roster conversation as a fifth-round rookie.

Jarrett Stidham, quarterback
Stidham remains the third option behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer, but he’s looked substantially better this summer than any Patriots rookie QB in recent memory. His second preseason effort wasn’t as crisp as his first, but he still completed 14 of 19 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown and led a 99-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter.

LOSERS
Dontrelle Inman, wide receiver
Reggie Wayne. Nate Washington. Andrew Hawkins. Eric Decker. Dontrelle Inman.

Duke Dawson, cornerback
Bill Belichick never has cut a player one year after drafting him in the first or second round, but Dawson (No. 56 overall in 2018) is in danger of becoming the first. He’s allowed three completions of 20-plus yards and committed three penalties over two preseason games and hasn’t looked much better in practice. It’s understandable why the Patriots would want to hold on to Dawson after he didn’t play at all as a rookie, but it’s hard to find room for him in their loaded cornerback room.

Mike Pennel, defensive tackle
Pennel looked like the smartest signing of the Patriots’ offseason — a no-brainer replacement for the departed Malcom Brown. Fast forward to August, though, and Pennel is having to wait until the second half of preseason games to see the field. This hasn’t been the summer we were expecting from the ex-New York Jet.

Matt LaCosse, tight end
LaCosse was projected as the Patriots’ Week 1 starter entering camp, and while that still might be the case, he hasn’t really separated himself from the rest of the team’s tight end hopefuls. He also suffered an injury that sidelined him for all of Titans week.

Braxton Berrios, wide receiver
Injuries to several Patriots wide receivers — especially the one that sidelined Julian Edelman until Monday — created plenty of opportunities for Berrios, who saw extensive reps with Tom Brady during camp. That he’s still squarely on the roster bubble tells you what he’s done with those chances. Like LaCosse, Berrios hasn’t been bad this summer, but he hasn’t inspired much confidence, either.

Keionta Davis, defensive end
Davis struggled to crack the gameday roster in 2018 (13 healthy scratches, including three in the postseason), and nothing we’ve seen this summer suggests that will change this season. His roster spot is in serious jeopardy.

Ryan Allen, punter
Allen’s a very good punter who should find a new team quickly, but Bailey was the clear winner in their roster battle.

 

[YankeeRebel]

D. Thomas Back at practice

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/patriots-demaryius-thomas-back-practice-180314463.html

So at this point what?

Jules
Josh G
Nkeal Harry
D. Thomas
J Meyers

Who else might make the cut

 

[nefansince75]

D. Thomas Back at practice

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/patriots-demaryius-thomas-back-practice-180314463.html

So at this point what?

Jules
Josh G
Nkeal Harry
D. Thomas
J Meyers

Who else might make the cut

after reading that article I'm hesitant to say Berrios, but I will anyway.

Dorsett lacks ST value but has been reliable.

 

[Southieinnc]

Anyone else have no aversion to losing Burkhead? If we kept Michel, White, Harris then Bolden for ST / Emergencies that would free up a roster spot I can't see keeping 4 active RBs

No aversion to dumping him but he is a serviceable scoring threat.

RB (6) S.Michel, J.White, D.Harris, R.Burkhead, B.Bolden looks pretty good. I don't see going to 4 for high wear position.
I'd say a case could be made for dumping Bolsen if you went to 4 RB's
Bolden is a team guy and good leader and teammate. Not a guy you want to cut. Go with 5.....

 

[BigKen]

Interesting sights at training camp today. Two new numbers were participating in all of the drills and 11 on 11. #11 was seen playing only outside and was not in the slot at all. Appears that the patriots will not play him in the slot this year. #88...Demaryus Thomas was in uniform and participated fully. Was noted as playing both outside and in the slot.

Josh Gordon was on the field and participating in shorts and a tee shirt. It's not known if he will play in game 1 or not. He looks to be in incredible physical condition.

The practice today was in game uniforms and all of the vets had their numbers with no changes. It appeared that the rookies have been assigned temporary numbers and some could become permanent (#50 Winovich, #16 Meyers were two of note).

Great video of today's practice on NBCSB Early Edition.

 

[BostonBlackie]

I like Burkhead. I'm not going to cry, but I wouldn't like to see him go.

 

[BostonBlackie]

Ryan Allen released. Wow.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/punter-jake-bailey-rarity-bill-023120924.html

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Both Burkhead and Bolden could be gone. Can't keep Ebner, Slater, Bolden if they aren't actually doing something else of benefit. The St has a huge influx of rookies that also play other positions. Slater will stay, everyone else is gone.

I hope you're right? But I say the same thing year in and year out.

Maybe with this years' and last years rookies BB thinks he can make it work? These guys could be faster thus the reason going with Bailey over Allen?

BB zigging again?

 

[NWPATSFAN]

Jakobi Meyers, Duke Dawson Headline Winners, Losers Of Patriots Training Camp
by Zack Cox on Tue, Aug 20, 2019 at 7:30AM


A lot can change over the course of 15 practices and two preseason games.

Total unknowns can become emerging stars. Perceived roster locks can slide down toward the bubble — or off the team entirely.

With New England Patriots training camp now officially closed and the team preparing for preseason game No. 3 on Thursday against the Carolina Panthers, here are 10 winners and seven losers from what we’ve witnessed so far this summer:

WINNERS
Jakobi Meyers, wide receiver
Meyers won’t just make the team as an undrafted rookie — he has a decent chance to start in Week 1. The North Carolina State product was the undisputed star of training camp and has dominated in both preseason games, totaling 12 catches on 14 targets for 151 yards and two touchdowns. No other Patriots player has more than four catches or 45 receiving yards.

Chase Winovich, edge rusher
Speaking of dominant preseasons, Winovich has been the most productive pass rusher in the entire NFL thus far. His 12 total pressures (three sacks, one QB hit, eight hurries) lead the league, according to Pro Football Focus. The Patriots will find a way to get the long-haired rookie on the field this season.

Joejuan Williams, cornerback
Williams looked a bit lost during the first week of camp. That’s certainly not the case anymore. The super-sized second-round draft pick finished training camp tied for third on the team with eight pass breakups in competitive drills, has allowed two catches on seven targets for 18 yards in two preseason games and blanketed Corey Davis during Saturday’s win over the Tennessee Titans.

Jake Bailey, punter
It took the rocket-legged Bailey just a few short weeks to unseat Ryan Allen and bring about the Patriots’ first punter change since 2013. The Stanford product’s hangtime is a sight to behold.

Isaiah Wynn, left tackle
After a year-long layoff, Wynn finally returned to game action against the Titans. And though he played only 19 snaps in his comeback from a torn Achilles, the 2018 first-round pick appears ready to take over as the Patriots’ starting left tackle.

Sony Michel, running back
Having a (nearly) injury-free training camp allowed Michel to broaden his skill set. He now looks much more comfortable in the passing game than he did as a rookie, suggesting the Patriots might not be so overwhelmingly run-heavy when he’s on the field this season.

Jamie Collins, edge rusher
Few Patriots defenders were more disruptive during camp than Collins, who looks poised to play a major role in his first season back in New England.

Jonathan Jones, cornerback
That Jones vs. Duke Dawson battle for the slot corner job? Yeah, it’s been over for weeks now. Jones was one of the top camp performers and didn’t play in either of the first two exhibition games, indicating the team views him as a pseudo-starter.

Byron Cowart, defensive lineman
Cowart’s annihilation of Rodger Saffold and subsequent burying of Marcus Mariota was one of the most explosive highlights of the Patriots’ preseason to date, but the former No. 1 high school recruit quietly has shown steady improvement since he arrived in New England this spring, playing his way into the roster conversation as a fifth-round rookie.

Jarrett Stidham, quarterback
Stidham remains the third option behind Tom Brady and Brian Hoyer, but he’s looked substantially better this summer than any Patriots rookie QB in recent memory. His second preseason effort wasn’t as crisp as his first, but he still completed 14 of 19 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown and led a 99-yard scoring drive in the fourth quarter.

LOSERS
Dontrelle Inman, wide receiver
Reggie Wayne. Nate Washington. Andrew Hawkins. Eric Decker. Dontrelle Inman.

Duke Dawson, cornerback
Bill Belichick never has cut a player one year after drafting him in the first or second round, but Dawson (No. 56 overall in 2018) is in danger of becoming the first. He’s allowed three completions of 20-plus yards and committed three penalties over two preseason games and hasn’t looked much better in practice. It’s understandable why the Patriots would want to hold on to Dawson after he didn’t play at all as a rookie, but it’s hard to find room for him in their loaded cornerback room.

Mike Pennel, defensive tackle
Pennel looked like the smartest signing of the Patriots’ offseason — a no-brainer replacement for the departed Malcom Brown. Fast forward to August, though, and Pennel is having to wait until the second half of preseason games to see the field. This hasn’t been the summer we were expecting from the ex-New York Jet.

Matt LaCosse, tight end
LaCosse was projected as the Patriots’ Week 1 starter entering camp, and while that still might be the case, he hasn’t really separated himself from the rest of the team’s tight end hopefuls. He also suffered an injury that sidelined him for all of Titans week.

Braxton Berrios, wide receiver
Injuries to several Patriots wide receivers — especially the one that sidelined Julian Edelman until Monday — created plenty of opportunities for Berrios, who saw extensive reps with Tom Brady during camp. That he’s still squarely on the roster bubble tells you what he’s done with those chances. Like LaCosse, Berrios hasn’t been bad this summer, but he hasn’t inspired much confidence, either.

Keionta Davis, defensive end
Davis struggled to crack the gameday roster in 2018 (13 healthy scratches, including three in the postseason), and nothing we’ve seen this summer suggests that will change this season. His roster spot is in serious jeopardy.

Ryan Allen, punter
Allen’s a very good punter who should find a new team quickly, but Bailey was the clear winner in their roster battle.

Good write up.
Not sure I would put LaCosse or Berrios in the loser category though.

LaCosse may not have seperated himself but he had been looking like the best option pre-injury (Watson suspension) I think makes LaCosse a lock barring injury.

Berrios though not outstanding has been solid. His return ability should net him a spot. Let him take Bolden's roster spot. He'd be a safety valve if receivers start going down during the season.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

D. Thomas Back at practice

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/patriots-demaryius-thomas-back-practice-180314463.html

So at this point what?

Jules
Josh G
Nkeal Harry
D. Thomas
J Meyers

Who else might make the cut

Good to hear D. Thomas is back. I'm hoping for the best from him but need to see how these next couple of weeks go. I'm not sure he's a lock. Hope I'm wrong because even if he's 3/4 of his old self, on this offense he would be dangerous especially in the EZ with the other monsters.

Dorsett I think sticks around but like I said elsewhere I'd take a 5th for him.

Hoping Berrios sticks.

 

[NWPATSFAN]

No aversion to dumping him but he is a serviceable scoring threat.

RB (6) S.Michel, J.White, D.Harris, R.Burkhead, B.Bolden looks pretty good. I don't see going to 4 for high wear position.
I'd say a case could be made for dumping Bolsen if you went to 4 RB's
Bolden is a team guy and good leader and teammate. Not a guy you want to cut. Go with 5.....

Don't forget about Develin. Obviously he's a beast for opening up holes for the other guys. But he's also a good short yardage back. Could handle more of a load if someone went down. Or I see BB and Josh just going more pass heavy if the RB injuries mounted.

 

[Yankee Traveler]

D. Thomas Back at practice

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/patriots-demaryius-thomas-back-practice-180314463.html

So at this point what?

Jules
Josh G
Nkeal Harry
D. Thomas
J Meyers

Who else might make the cut

Dorsett.
He has been reliable, and BB just gave a glowing (for Bill) interview response regarding PD.