Brady and Lloyd are both familiar with the way Josh McDaniel's runs the offense, but they aren't at 100% with each other. Yet. "It just takes time" Lloyd says of the relationship between QB and WR.
After a slow, rocky start for defensive rookies Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower, the two have started to find their niche on that side of the ball. Both player have the potential to make a difference this year in a big way. Jones has shown marked improvement against the run and stuffed LT Solder on Day 5 after getting shut down earlier in camp. Hightower is working brilliantly, taking many reps on the first team defense, but also with the second and third teams.
RB Brandon Bolden is trying his darnedest to move ahead of Woodhead on the depth chart and may be gunning for Vereen's assumed second spot. Bolden appears to fit in nicely with the Patriots' offense with his smooth, elusive running style. I think we're looking to be just fine with the running game this season even with The Lawfirm now in Cincinnati.
The secondary is looking better for the most part by Day 5. Moore is showing that he isn't afraid to make bodily contact to break up a pass and had an interception against WR Jabar Gaffney thrown by Mallett. Arrington continues to be a bright light at CB, even giving slot receiver Wes Welker a run for his money. McCourty looked good on Tuesday breaking up several passes. Last year, McCourty allowed many a receiver to beat him off the line by a long shot, but now he is doing better at shortening that gap.
Ras-I Dowling shows natural talent at corner, but portrayed a new problem in camp - tackling. He seems reluctant to throw his body into a receiver and take them to the ground and is falling for fakes too often.
Aaron Hernandez continues to show why he was a top-5 TE last year. With big Rob Gronkowski on the roster it can be easy to forget about Aaron. Don't be a fool and do this though. He is a versatile player, capable of playing and succeeding at several different positions - TE, running back, and, at times, even punt returner! I remember last year when people were talking about the duo of Hernandez and Grownkowski as the best TE pair in history. I believe it after the 2011 season and I hope for a repeat from the Boston TE Party!
Day 7 of camp had Brady and Hernandez working on handoffs in the backfield and some personal one-on-one time after practice. Interesting, to say the least. Gronk is still getting a lot of looks in the redzone which should excite fantasy players.
Overall, it seemed like Belichick deemed Day 8 as a half-speed day. Starting QB Tom Brady had an off-day. We don't like to see that. Cue the 2011 AFC Championship game tape - Brady has an off-day and the Pats barely scrape past the Ravens to Super Bowl 46, thanks largely in part to a broken up pass by Sterling Moore and the fateful missed FG by Ravens' kicker Billy Cundiff. Sorry again, Billy. I'm sure Brady will break out of this mini-funk and be on-track for the future.
Over the last couple of practices, the team has had a few scuffles on the field - details are still vague. Jerod Mayo took it upon himself to act as an on-field leader, allowing the coaching staff to stand aside and watch. Maybe this was a chance for the team to redeem themselves after those minor altercations. This 26-year old LB shows great promise, on the field and as a team leader. I'm thinking my humble jersey collection needs a new addition.
Donte Stallworth is producing by Day 9 after several dropped passes early on. His speed is showing and he is obviously gunning for Branch's spot. We still have a long time to see who will fill that WR slot.
As of Day 9, the attendance report is a little disconcerting:
Players not on the field - FB Spencer Larsen and Tony Fiametta; TE Visanthe Shiancoe, Daniel Fells, and Jake Ballard; OL Brian Waters and Matt Kopa; DL Jonathan Fanene; and LB Tracy White
Players not in full pads - WR Jeremy Ebert; OL Logan Mankins, Sebastian Vollmer, and Markus Zusevics; DL Myron Pryor; and CB Alfonzo Dennard
Red "no-contact" jerseys - WR Matthew Slater and S James Ihedigbo
The first regular season New England Patriots game is on 9 September 2012. Let the countdown begin!
Don't forget to sign up for a fantasy football league and don't miss the preseason! The HoF game is slated for Sunday the 5th.
