SB Nation - George Bussey

New England Patriots 53 man roster - some thoughts

MaPatsFan — Sun, 06 Sep 2009 03:04:36 -0000

by Stephan Savoia - AP

7 months ago: New England Patriots head football coach Bill Belichick looks over his rookies during football minicamp at the team's practice facility in Foxborough, Mass., Friday morning, May 1, 2009 (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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We stay with 2 QB's, LB is a bit weak, TE will be a position to watch, OL is stacked on the interior...let's break it down position by position (props to NESilver for his comment in this thread)

Offense: 25

QB: Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer (2) - Odd we keep only 2, but that could change when the season starts.
RB: Laurence Maroney, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, BenJarvus Green-Ellis (5) - Solid group.
WR: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Joey Galloway, Greg Lewis, Saim Aiken, Julian Edelman (6) - Break out the air raid sirens. Edelman looked like "Little Welker".
TE: Benjamin Watson, Chris Baker, Michael Matthews (3) - Like this group, Matthews is a big man which must mean "blocking TE". Baker has good hands which we haven't seen in NE TE's for a long time.
OL: Matt Light, Logan Mankins, Dan Koppen, Stephen Neal, Nick Kaczur, Sebastian Vollmer, Rich Ohrnberger, Dan Connolly, Ryan Wendell (9) - Deep on the interior, Vollmer is the next stud.

Defense: 25

DL: Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, Jarvis Green, Ron Brace, Mike Wright, Myron Pryor (7) - Liking the depth, glad to see Pryor make the roster
DE/OLB: Derrick Burgess, Tully Banta-Cain (2) - Can you say, "4-3?" I knew you could. Here comes the pass rush.
LB: Adalius Thomas, Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Pierre Woods, Eric Alexander, Rob Ninkovich (6) - Might be considered a little thin, possibly why NE is experimenting with a 4-3.
CB: Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler, Terrence Wheatley (5) - Wheatley barely hung on to his spot. I hope a "shutdown corner" emerges.
S: Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Patrick Chung, Brandon McGowan, Matthew Slater (5) - Good group, although Slater will, most likely, be IR'd.

Specialists: 3

K: Stephen Gostkowski - What can I say? One of the best kickers in the league. A machine through the uprights and consistently boots kickoffs into the endzone.
P: Chris Hanson - Game changer. Massive hangtime and very good accuracy.
LS: Jake Ingram - Many laughed when Hoodie drafted Ingram. The rookie wins the long snapper battle.

Injured Reserve

OLB: Shawn Crable - Depressing. The dude can't catch a break.
RB: Chris Taylor
OL: George Bussey - Adds depth for next year.
LB: Tyrone McKenzie - Looking forward to seeing him inside for 2010.

Poll

What do you think of the roster?

Lovin' it!

524 votes

Too early to tell.

722 votes

Hate it.

66 votes

1312 votes | Poll has closed

New England Patriots Training Camp: 5 things to watch for

MaPatsFan — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 15:49:07 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

6 months ago: New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) flips the ball to a coaching assistant during the second day of football minicamp at the team's training facility in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday morning, June 11, 2009. (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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Like, has this been the longest off season or what? Like, fer shure, like, ya know? Like, O...M...G!!!!

Sorry, I went into "teenage daughter with teenage niece" mode. But, it has felt like the longest off season I can remember. With rookies arriving Sunday, 7/26/09 and veterans arriving this coming Wednesday, Training Camp starts this Thursday. To say I'm just about crawling out of my skin is an understatement. There will be plenty to write about, plenty to talk about, and games just around the corner.

With little more than mini-camps to keep us going, we've been forced to satisfy our appetites with what amounts to professional flag football. Helmets, but no pads or contact worth noting. Training Camp is where we get to see what's what. 300 pounders bashing into each other, full speed action, DE's bearing down on Tom Brady - it's all good, clean fun. With that said, I started thinking about what it is I'm looking for in this year's camp and thought I'd share it with you.

Tom Brady's knee - I know, I know, stop worrying; there's probably bigger things to get worked up about, but I can't stop being concerned. Peyton Manning showed visible problems and mobility issues a number of games into the 2008 season. Yes, I know Tommy Terrific has had longer to recover and will be participating in training camp while Manning was basically watching film in his training camp dorm room, but Brady's ACL/MCL repair was more serious an operation than Manning's bursa sac procedure. I want to see Brady jiving in the pocket with OLB's and DE's bearing down on him. Even then, I'll most likely be nervous until a few games into the season.
Defensive Backfield - Rated 11th by the NFL (yards per carry) and 16th by Football Outsiders' DVOA, the defensive passing game has got to improve. Unfortunately, it's sliding. Football Outsiders' ranked the Patriots 12th in 2007. What's happened for 2009? Hybrid safety/linebacker Tank Williams' is healthy, Patrick Chung was our first draftee, and there appears to be a battle at cornerback. FA acquisitions Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden add veteran skills to the mix and are the likely starters. Behind them are second year men Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite, both having showed mettle and skills in 2008. However, the one to watch is Darius Butler. Apparently, he's got mad skills which includes a 43" vertical leap. That's almost four feet off the ground, folks. Suddenly, we're flush with talent, but can that translate to game time?
Wide Receivers - There is no question in my mind: Randy Moss and Wes Welker are arguably the best wide receiver tandem in football today. Watching the 2008 season, many said Moss checked out on occasion. Hogwash. That's because Matt Cassel never developed a long ball with Moss, so they started turning him inside. He was a target, so he ducked a few hits rather than end his career. At any rate, we know what those two can do. What about Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis? At 37, Galloway is certainly the oldest of the crew, but the questions for me are a) can he be productive when Moss is tied up and b) can he be an effective decoy? What will Greg Lewis' role be? Will he roam the middle or maybe act as another slant guy?
Running backs - I got into hot water when I put the Patriots first in Around the AFC East: Running Back Rankings. Well, I learned something while interacting with rival AFC East fans: I think of Patriots running backs as a whole, not as individuals. It's "backfield by committee". Some teams may have great success with a workhorse running back, but I think the Patriots have always done well with a few general purpose backs like Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, and Fred Taylor while adding a specialist like Kevin Faulk. Different guys for different situations. It seems to have worked; the Patriots posted the best 2008 running game in the AFC East. The big question for me, however, is will Laurence Maroney live up to his potential? He may not be a workhorse back like rivals think of, but can he be that young, steady, presence in our running game? Maybe Fred Taylor is the kick in the pants who can help him along.
Offensive Line - Last, but not least, we have the 300 pounders. JHR taught me to keep an eye on these guys, that games are won and lost in the trenches. One of my biggest concerns, other than Tom's knee, is the sturdiness of our offensive line. Having drafted three offensive linemen (Sebastian Vollmer, Rich Ohrnberger, George Bussey), I think Belichick's worried about it, too. 2007 saw them simply wear down towards the end of the season. But, can the added youth come up-to-speed to add value? Do they have enough skills to contribute early? Who survives the roster cuts?

That's my list of 5 things to watch for. What's your list? What are you interested in seeing? Is there anything you're particularly worried about or is everything OK? Fire away, sports fans. And yes, I'd love to see a rival fan's perspective, too.

Patriots Links 7/24/09 - Patriots Sign Six Draft Picks

Marima — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 13:39:14 -0000

Ron Brace at rookie Mini Camp

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The New England Patriots signed six draft picks Thursday.

Signed were second-round picks DL Ron Brace and OL Sebastian Vollmer, third-round pick WR Brandon Tate, fifth-round pick OL George Bussey, sixth-round pick DL Myron Pryor and seventh-round pick WR Julian Edelman. Terms of the agreements were not announced.

In addition, the Patriots waived first-year WR Robert Ortiz and placed rookie RB Eric Kettani and rookie WR Tyree Barnes on the reserve/military list.

Lori Lyons (New Orleans Times-Picayune) New England Patriots' Darryl Richard is running down his NFL dream.

Richard served as Destrehan's Class of 2004 student body president, posted a perfect 4.0 grade-point average and finished as the class valedictorian. And he left a lasting impression, receiving a standing ovation for his rousing graduation speech.

He left Georgia Tech after four and a half years with two degrees, including a master's in business administration. When a knee injury kept him out of the lineup for the 2005 season, Richard doubled up on classroom hours. He finished his undergraduate degree in three years.

"I'm not one of those guys who are good with down time," Richard said. "I definitely want to have a life after football, and football is, really, a business. You have to think of yourself as a small business. Thanks to my MBA, I think I am prepared for the business of football."

LOCAL SHOTS

Paul Perillo, Erik Scalavino and Andy Hart debate which veteran player would be the most surprising cut from the Patriots this summer.
Erik Scalavino reports Pats' versatile Ray Ventrone is an ambitious fundraiser for pancreatic cancer research.
Christopher Price focuses on Running Backs in his Countdown to Camp.
Mike Reiss offers a snapshot of the Specialists leading up to Training Camp.
Jim Donaldson asks some pressing questions on the eve of Patriots Training Camp.
Jeff Howe looks at the AFC East competition, and focuses today on the Patriots.
Mike Reiss hosted his online chat yesterday, offering plenty of pre-Training Camp insight.
Mike Reiss notes Benjamin Watson is holding an autograph signing charity event Saturday at the Boston Billiard Club in Nashua, New Hampshire (5-7 p.m.), with proceeds going toward his One More foundation.

LONG SHOTS

Charles Robinson (Yahoo! Sports) Preseason Storylines: How mobile is Brady?
NFL.com NFL Draft's first round moves to Thursday night for 2010. Well, that'll take the fun and anticipation out of next year's Draft Party.
Michael Lombardi (NFP) New Chief's coach Todd Haley gets his shot, must control his emotions.
Mike Florio (Pro Football Talk) NFLPA keeps trying to get a look at the NFL's books.
Thomas George (NFL.com) Multitude of issues likely to delay Favre's decision on possible return.
Brian Burke (NY Times) Cutler's interceptions: The context matters.

New England Patriots Links 7/18/09 - "Sign the rookies" edition

MaPatsFan — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 13:51:35 -0000

More photos » by Stephan Savoia - AP

7 months ago: New England Patriots rookie defensive lineman Ron Brace (60) takes a break during football minicamp at the team's practice facility in Foxborough, Mass., Friday morning, May 1, 2009 (AP Photo/Stephan Savoia)

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Yes, Patriots fans, a bunch has happened in the past few days. I was lazy yesterday and didn't provide you with your daily dose of morning links. Instead, us AFC East writers decided to Rate the Defensive Tackles. Yes, I put Kris Jenkins above our Vince Wilfork, but the difference between these two is so narrow that it was a tough decision. That and I don't want to appear like TOO much of a homer.

Anyway, Thursday and Friday were busy days for the Patriots. There were a number of important signings and, in my opinion, the most important one was DT Ron Brace. I don't want to say that Vince Wilfork is on the verge of holding out or being jetisoned by the Patriots - far from it. That would put Kraft and Belichick in the "this is your brain on drugs" category. But the signing of Ron Brace does what all great coaches and organizations do: they strengthen the pipeline.

More after the jump.

SIGNINGS

Defensive Tackle Ron Brace - I consider this one of the most important signings to date given Wilfork's situation.
Wide Receiver Julian Edelman - I think WR is where the Patriots will most likely use Edelman, but in OTAs and mini-camps, he's taken snaps at QB, kickoff returns, and let's not forget he led Kent State as a running back. This guy has versatility written all over him. It's only a matter of time before he's playing CB. Troy Brown, anyone?
Wide Receiver Brandon Tate - Tate's on ice while he heals from an ACL/MCL tear in his right knee. He will, most likely, sit out the entire 2009 season. A barn burner at North Carolina, he set a ridiculous number of NCAA records, but tripped up after a positive drug test at the combine. Don't be stupid, Brandon. Stay clean and you'll have an incredible career with the Patriots.
Left Tackle Sebastian Vollmer - This is a good signing. The Patriots needed youth in their offensive line and they get it with Sebastian. Left tackle is one of the most difficult positions to play on the line (protecting a right-handed quarterback's blind side), so let's hope Vollmer is up to the challenge.
Offensive Lineman George Bussey - Bussey is a good value pick and can play tackle as well as guard. I see him as adding youth and depth to our somewhat aging offensive line. Load up on 300 pounders (I'm learning JHR!! ;-))
Defensive Lineman Darryl Richard - Apparently, this guy's an absolute brain, completing his Bachelor's in three years then diving in for a Master's in one and a half years. Let's hope all that grey matter translates on the grid iron.

MIKE REISS'S SERIES WITH FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS

I like statistics, but only when they help to gain insight, to FURTHER a discussion, not BE the discussion. At any rate, the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss put together a series with Football Outsiders's Doug Farrar. Doug Farrar was responsible for penning the New England Patriots section of the Football Outsiders Almanac 2009 and Mike asked him to comment on the Patriots. We're only at Part 4 out of 5, but I thought I'd give you the links anyway.

Part I, Go with the shotgun
Part II, Pass defense killed the Patriots in 2008
Part III, The running game was quietly effective
Part IV, YAC great for offense, killed the defense

Shots Heard 'Round The Web - Patriots Links 6/02/09

Marima — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 13:07:50 -0000

George Bussey #75 participates in a drill during the New England Patriots Minicamp at Gillette Stadium May 2, 2009

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TOP SHOTS

Meet the Rookies: George Bussey.

[Louisville offensive line coach Brent]Myers said he often watched as Bussey routinely pancaked his man to the turf while also displaying the athleticism to move to the second level and clear out extra space for the running backs. The Cardinals used an inside-outside zone-blocking scheme and Bussey's power was evident.

Michael Felger encourages Patriots fans to be patient with Tom Brady as he returns to form.

Maybe Brady will round into form quicker [than Peyton Manning]. Maybe he'll be a bit slower. No one knows. But this you can take to the bank: the Pats' early season opponents in 2009 are going to put as much traffic at his feet as they can and make him prove he's cleared that hurdle. The Jets, who ranked seventh in the NFL in sacks last season, will show no mercy in Week 2. The Ravens and their hard-charging defense come calling in Week 4. Then there's a trip to Denver, where Josh McDaniels will attack Brady with reams of inside information. In Week 6 it's a visit by the chippy Titans followed by a long, overseas flight to London in Week 7 to take on Tampa.

If Brady is on pace for 50 touchdown passes after that slate, then he is, in fact, a super hero. Get him a cape.

Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) Brady return is breath of fresh air for NFL.

Brady provides a welcome breath of fresh air from such negativity [from QBs Jay Cutler, Brett Favre & Michael Vick]. There may be no other NFL superstar as conscious about showing that he is a team player. During Thursday's 24-minute media session, Brady used the word "we" on 76 different occasions along with nine mentions apiece of "us" and "team." Because he didn't want to seem different than his teammates, Brady refused to speak with reporters at a podium or even stand on a riser arranged to give a better view to 20-plus photographers.

More Shots after the jump...

TEAM SHOTS

Patriots re-sign punter Tom Malone.
Celebrities For Charity Vince Wilfork is doing his part to help eradicate diabetes by raffling off a BBQ catered by Redbones, plus tickets to Patriots 2009 preseason and regular season home games.

LOCAL SHOTS

Karen Guregian discusses Brady's strong support of Dr. Neal ElAttrache, notes she will be watching for Wilfork at today's OTA and that tomorrow Rodney Harrison will answer questions about his future during a conference call set up by the Patriots.
Chris Gasper reports Brady defended his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, in the Los Angeles Times yesterday and more news and notes.
Mike Reiss lists the Patriots OTA and mini-camp schedule for June.
Christopher Price notes Detroit Red Wings coach Mike Babcock read "The Blueprint" about the New England Patriots winning organization and modeled his team after it.t. No surprise they're headed for their second Stanley Cup championship in a row.
Bob Ryan reports that Troy Brown will be honored by the Sports Museum as one of the best of our best when it comes to New England athletes who have distinguished themselves.
Aaron Gouveia reports Tom Brady, along with a cavalcade of sports stars and other celebrities, was in Centerville to raise money for the Best Buddies organization. Here are some photos of the successful event.

LONG SHOTS

Alex Marvez (Fox Sports) NFL offseason winners, losers and awards. Patriots winners (of course).
Matt Sohn (Pro Football Weekly) AFC East offseason team reports: Unfinished business.
Mike Florio (Pro Football talk) More evidence of injury shenanigans. More proof of why that NFL injury study presented to the owners was bogus.
Vic Carucci (NFL.com) Carucci offers his opinion of what to expect from Tom Brady in his weekly on-line chat.
Sam Farmer (Los Angeles Times) Tom Brady's doctor says knee recovery exceded expectations.
Tom Monkovic (New York Times) How to Lose Friends and Irritate People, Eric Mangini edition.
Bud Shaw (Cleveland Plain Dealer) How is Cleveland Browns' trip for rookies voluntary?
Mike Florio (Sporting News) 10 Pack: The worst offseason moves.