Pats Preseason: Offense Edition

ZMart100

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 15, 2008
3,188
Why would you cut him instead of Bolden? What does Bolden do that can't be easily replaced on the team, while saving more money at the same time - money that could come in handy down the road?
Special teams. Bolden is an above average starter there, while Taylor is a reserve and seems limited to the return game.

If Dodge replaces Bolden on ST (the new nickname for Rhamondre Stevenson, thanks Brand Name) then I would argue Bolden is the most replaceable back especially now that Sony is showing you he can catch. They don’t have a faster outside back and even though his top speed is only a 4.61 he plays faster than that and is a better change of pace outside runner.
It's not at all obvious to me that Stevenson can do the things Bolden can do on special teams. Maybe, but I haven't seen it. There are always undersized, shifty guys on the outside of the NFL looking in.
 

SeoulSoxFan

I Want to Hit the World with Rocket Punch
Moderator
SoSH Member
Jun 27, 2006
22,089
A Scud Away from Hell
The only thing that held back Taylor was pass protection. As long as MCD feels comfortable with it, I just can't see justifying keeping Bolden over JJ.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,375
I'm almost certain Bolden will be cut, although he could end part of the shadow roster and compete for the Ross Ventrone Award this season.

The issue is that cutting Bolden still leaves them with 5 running backs and a fullback. Realistically, only 4 of them are going to get Sunday snaps. If Bill thinks they can sneak Taylor onto the practice squad, it's conceivable he ends up on the cut list. They could try the same with Johnson (my strong preference because I'm a fan of Taylor), but sometimes Bill surprises us when it comes to bottom end of the roster.
One thing you could do is cut Bolden and keep the other RBs and rotate them during the season to keep them fresh.

Week 1
- Active: Harris, Sony, White, Taylor
- Inactive: Stevenson

Week 2
- Active: Harris, Stevenson, White, Taylor
- Inactive: Sony

Week 3
- Active: Harris, Sony, Stevenson, White
- Inactive: Taylor

Week 4
- Active: Harris, Sony, Stevenson, Taylor
- Inactive: White

Week 5
- Active: Sony, Stevenson, Taylor, White
- Inactive: Harris

That gives these guys' bodies rest, while still having plenty of talent on the field and available week-in and week-out.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,375
Special teams. Bolden is an above average starter there, while Taylor is a reserve and seems limited to the return game.
I know BB values special teams, but the other guys are SO much better than Bolden at being a RB, and they can definitely approximate what Bolden does on special teams, that there's still very little argument for keeping Bolden over them.
 

Ferm Sheller

Member
SoSH Member
Mar 5, 2007
20,404
Bolden hasn't played a game in a year-and-a-half and he's 31. Let's not assume that he's the same player that he's always been (and who they've cut a couple of times in the past, BTW).
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

posts way less than 18% useful shit
SoSH Member
Nov 17, 2010
14,426
Theres a 0% chance the RB core gets through the season without injuries.

Cut Bolden, keep the others. The running game is too important to the success of this team.

Prior to last night's game, I'd say cut Bolden and Taylor. But Taylor, even though his vision doesnt appear to be as good as the others, he can make people miss better than the other guys. Hes good in the open field.

Also, Stevenson has fucking FANTASTIC vision. There was at least 3 plays off the top of my head where the lane closed and he made the perfect read to find space. The TD run and the backdoor stretch that he bounced inside the tackle were both runs that I think only he makes out of the stable of backs.

We havent had a back with consistent vision like that since Dillon. Stevenson finds the hole quick, and hits it even faster. Really surprising for a back of his size.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,375
Agree @Kenny F'ing Powers about Stevenson. Dude looks fantastic. Runs with vision, is nimble, has acceleration, and is an absolute horse. But Harris also looks really good, as does Sony. It's nice to have real quality depth - any of them could be a legit NFL starting RB.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
If Dodge replaces Bolden on ST (the new nickname for Rhamondre Stevenson, thanks Brand Name) then I would argue Bolden is the most replaceable back especially now that Sony is showing you he can catch. They don’t have a faster outside back and even though his top speed is only a 4.61 he plays faster than that and is a better change of pace outside runner.
Stevenson only played 1 ST snap last night. I think, like @lexrageorge pointed out, even if they keep 5 RBs, they can't really keep them all active. Stevenson seems a likely healthy scratch when everyone else is healthy.

I know BB values special teams, but the other guys are SO much better than Bolden at being a RB, and they can definitely approximate what Bolden does on special teams, that there's still very little argument for keeping Bolden over them.
I don't know, I think Bolden has been fine in his limited opportunities as a RB. In about a season's worth of carries over his 8 year career (239), he has 1071 yards and 11 TDs and he's added 59 catches for 497 yards. He was also second on the team in ST snaps in his last season here. We'll see if he's still that guy after a year off and at age 31, but I don't see why you're talking about him like he stinks.

Well, one way to keep him on the roster - because he DID seem to be making progress - is to put him on IR.
To return, he has to make the initial 53 first before he goes on IR. So it still costs a roster spot initially, though hopefully you can bring someone back quickly.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,375
I never said Bolden stinks. I've said he's much older than the other guys, he's more expensive than most of them (thus cutting him would save money), and he's not as good at the RB position than them. Plus I think the value he brings on special teams is more easily replaceable. So to me he's the obvious, logical guy to cut.
 

Morgan's Magic Snowplow

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 2, 2006
22,345
Philadelphia
I don't know, I think Bolden has been fine in his limited opportunities as a RB. In about a season's worth of carries over his 8 year career (239), he has 1071 yards and 11 TDs and he's added 59 catches for 497 yards. He was also second on the team in ST snaps in his last season here. We'll see if he's still that guy after a year off and at age 31, but I don't see why you're talking about him like he stinks.
Those numbers are very heavily loaded on his age 22-25 seasons. He basically hasn’t played meaningful offensive snaps outside garbage time for five years. And that’s a purposive choice of the coaching staff, not some mysterious condition. So I think it’s a pretty fair bet that he would stink if put into that role at 31 given the implicit coaching assessment and the age curve of most running backs.
 

Shelterdog

Well-Known Member
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Feb 19, 2002
15,375
New York City
Those numbers are very heavily loaded on his age 22-25 seasons. He basically hasn’t played meaningful offensive snaps outside garbage time for five years. And that’s a purposive choice of the coaching staff, not some mysterious condition. So I think it’s a pretty fair bet that he would stink if put into that role at 31 given the implicit coaching assessment and the age curve of most running backs.
I’m not watching the all-22 of kick coverage but I’d be surprised if Bolden is the player on teams he was four years ago. With slater bethel and Holden’s age there’s some logic to going with a younger core special team player or two if there are new guys who can do the job.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
Those numbers are very heavily loaded on his age 22-25 seasons. He basically hasn’t played meaningful offensive snaps outside garbage time for five years. And that’s a purposive choice of the coaching staff, not some mysterious condition. So I think it’s a pretty fair bet that he would stink if put into that role at 31 given the implicit coaching assessment and the age curve of most running backs.
Well, we're talking about the 4th or 5th RB here, so whoever gets that role is probably playing in garbage time anyway. Most of his contributions will be on STs. White's gonna be the 3rd down back, Harris will be the early down guy, Michel will get some run, that's not leaving a lot of additional playing time. Bolden was perfect for that role for a while because he could play a lot on ST and backup both RB roles - he was Vereen's backup in 2013 and he's done some early down or goal line work. Maybe he's not still that guy at 31; I don't know.

The advantage Taylor has is he can returns kick and punts. But the former is like one play a game and he's not as good as Gunner at the latter.

Were fighting.

And I'm bringing Limberakis as back up.
I like Stevenson, I just don't see much of a role this year unless Harris or Sony gets hurt. Which they both did last year, so hey, maybe.
 

Eddie Jurak

canderson-lite
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Dec 12, 2002
44,475
Melrose, MA
I don't see Taylor getting through waivers. He can run, catch out of the backfield, and return kickoffs and punts. He may well be behind Harris, Michel, White, and Stevenson, meaning he gets cut, but I think if that happens someone with a need will grab him.

Bolden seems like a good candidate to cut before Week 1, in order to put a player on IR-DTR, then re-sign.
 

BaseballJones

ivanvamp
SoSH Member
Oct 1, 2015
24,375
All the Pats' main 5 RBs (Harris, Sony, Stevenson, White, Taylor) would get snapped up by someone very quickly. No chance they make it to the PS. I wasn't sure about Sony, but man he looks good and obviously has championship experience, so *somebody* would sign him.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
I don't see Taylor getting through waivers. He can run, catch out of the backfield, and return kickoffs and punts. He may well be behind Harris, Michel, White, and Stevenson, meaning he gets cut, but I think if that happens someone with a need will grab him.
I dunno. He's tiny. For a lot of teams that's a non-starter. And RB is a pretty deep position around the league.
 

Jungleland

Member
SoSH Member
Aug 2, 2009
2,351
I really don’t see JJ making it to the practice squad short of injury or fumbleitis in preseason game 3. He looks like he’s taking the classic New England pass catching back year 2 leap, and while NE stock may be slightly down across the league those guys have real value. RB is deep for sure, and there are intriguing probably washed up guys like Gurley and Bell out there, but I think it would be a mistake to gamble on not a single team of 31 others taking a flier on a guy who appears on track to follow in the Faulk/Woodhead/Vereen/White footsteps of getting coached up on the Pats. (Ironically excluding Lewis, the guy he looked most like last night, because his value was a little more established pre NE.)
 

jsinger121

@jsinger121
SoSH Member
Jul 25, 2005
17,676
I think the Texans would probably claim JJ Taylor immediately. He isn’t going to make to the practice squad.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
Were fighting.

And I'm bringing Limberakis as back up.
I’m so torn on the RB room. I love me some Stevenson but I wonder if he’s going to see the light of day in 2022 vs this year. Harris was often inactive too his rookie year and while some of that was due to injury and maybe not being 100% ready to contribute because of missed time it also might be because they needed depth active at a different spot. If they have Harris and Michel active it might not make a ton of sense to keep Stevenson also active. All 3 of these guys are more between the tackles runners. But on the other hand if they want to keep everyone fresh and if Dodge plays more teams you could argue he can handle 2-3 series a game. Harris and Michel have been injury prone and getting Stevenson some on field experience will help his development as well as the team because he’s a freaking baller.

Each guy has pluses and minuses. Bolden is a fine backup all around back who is excellent at teams. I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face: STs matter and BB will roster 2-4 of them. He gave Bolden his standard 1-2 million a year core ST contract. He’s commented on Bolden and his appreciation for him but he also has cut him before thinking he could snatch him up and he slipped away.

JJT is small and that is an issue but he adds an element they don’t currently have. I am not sure if he can make it to the PS. Sure maybe 3/4 teams will have him as a no-go because of his lack of weight but I could see the Eagles or Texans (just 2 examples) scooping him up. It’s hard to speculate on stuff like that.


This is so much better of a conversation than talking about the outside corner depth or the wide receiver depth. All 6 RBs bring value.

My guess is it’s between JJT and Bolden for who gets cut (or both get cut) and at the moment I’m leaning… JJT. I’ve gone back and forth so many times on this I hit my steps goal for the day at 11:00am. My thought is that Bolden is the closest thing to a Burkhead replacement and gives you the best special teams while JJT can hopefully make it to the PS. James White can also handle running against lighter boxes and being their outside guy.

Quick edit: I think SN is right that Stevenson will be inactive a lot BUT because Michel and Harris get hurt he’s going to get play time eventually and he will probably look good and get a lot of buzz for next year. We will see. The running back room right now is a good problem to have. And yeah as an OL and RB guy the Pats have a lot for me personally to be excited about. September needs to freaking get here now.
 

GB5

New Member
Aug 26, 2013
675
On a few things:
Harry: Harry is expendable. He was neck and neck to be the last WR on the field. He has had a great camp from all indications, but assuming this is a heavy run team, if he stays on the roster and is active, how many plays is he going to see. 10 per game? With no special teams ability, I could see Bill taking someone else, even if he decides that the new wide receiver is 10-15% worse than NKeal but can give me some special teams play. Now for my conspiracy theory on NKeal. Let’s say Bill has been silently pissed at NKeal or the agent. He thinks NKeal is 50/50 to make the roster. Let’s say the injury looks like a one month injury or so. Is there any chance that spiteful Bill puts NKeal on IR as a way to tell the kid and the agent, you want to go public with a trade request, well how about this, your guy needs a good year to maintain some interest around the league, you shot your mouth off when the kid hasn’t done anything in 2 years. Now I am sticking him on IR. He is done for the year. Good luck with him next year. Think before you shoot your mouth off.

The other strange thing when it comes to NKeal and his roster slot, if he does get healthy, and Bill plans on going with Cam, which looks to be the case, then he may have to legitimately think about what he can get out of NKeal with Cam as the QB, because for some reason Cam will absolutely not throw the ball to him. He has been open over the last year andpreseason with Cam and whether it is because he doesn’t see him or doesn’t trust him, Cam never goes to him.
 

lexrageorge

Member
SoSH Member
Jul 31, 2007
18,099
On a few things:
Harry: Harry is expendable. He was neck and neck to be the last WR on the field. He has had a great camp from all indications, but assuming this is a heavy run team, if he stays on the roster and is active, how many plays is he going to see. 10 per game? With no special teams ability, I could see Bill taking someone else, even if he decides that the new wide receiver is 10-15% worse than NKeal but can give me some special teams play. Now for my conspiracy theory on NKeal. Let’s say Bill has been silently pissed at NKeal or the agent. He thinks NKeal is 50/50 to make the roster. Let’s say the injury looks like a one month injury or so. Is there any chance that spiteful Bill puts NKeal on IR as a way to tell the kid and the agent, you want to go public with a trade request, well how about this, your guy needs a good year to maintain some interest around the league, you shot your mouth off when the kid hasn’t done anything in 2 years. Now I am sticking him on IR. He is done for the year. Good luck with him next year. Think before you shoot your mouth off.

The other strange thing when it comes to NKeal and his roster slot, if he does get healthy, and Bill plans on going with Cam, which looks to be the case, then he may have to legitimately think about what he can get out of NKeal with Cam as the QB, because for some reason Cam will absolutely not throw the ball to him. He has been open over the last year andpreseason with Cam and whether it is because he doesn’t see him or doesn’t trust him, Cam never goes to him.
I don't think Belichick will be spiteful. The team gains nothing.

Based on the photos of his arm in a sling, my expectation is that he goes on season-ending IR, and then is released via the waived/injured designation a few weeks into the season so he can hook up elsewhere.
 

Super Nomario

Member
SoSH Member
Nov 5, 2000
14,012
Mansfield MA
On a few things:
Harry: Harry is expendable. He was neck and neck to be the last WR on the field. He has had a great camp from all indications, but assuming this is a heavy run team, if he stays on the roster and is active, how many plays is he going to see. 10 per game? With no special teams ability, I could see Bill taking someone else, even if he decides that the new wide receiver is 10-15% worse than NKeal but can give me some special teams play. Now for my conspiracy theory on NKeal. Let’s say Bill has been silently pissed at NKeal or the agent. He thinks NKeal is 50/50 to make the roster. Let’s say the injury looks like a one month injury or so. Is there any chance that spiteful Bill puts NKeal on IR as a way to tell the kid and the agent, you want to go public with a trade request, well how about this, your guy needs a good year to maintain some interest around the league, you shot your mouth off when the kid hasn’t done anything in 2 years. Now I am sticking him on IR. He is done for the year. Good luck with him next year. Think before you shoot your mouth off.
My understanding is Harry could file a grievance in that case and they could work out an injury settlement.

The other strange thing when it comes to NKeal and his roster slot, if he does get healthy, and Bill plans on going with Cam, which looks to be the case, then he may have to legitimately think about what he can get out of NKeal with Cam as the QB, because for some reason Cam will absolutely not throw the ball to him. He has been open over the last year andpreseason with Cam and whether it is because he doesn’t see him or doesn’t trust him, Cam never goes to him.
Cam targeted Harry more than Byrd and he targeted him a ton more than the tight ends. Harry was targeted on about 10% of his snaps, not far off from Meyers' 12%. The problem is Harry doesn't do anything with his targets. He was one of the least efficient receivers in the league on a per-target basis last year and that was an improvement from his miserable rookie year (with a totally different QB, obviously).
 

BigSoxFan

Member
SoSH Member
May 31, 2007
47,092
That play...seemed like a catchable ball. Suddenly, in stead of a great completion, he's sprawled and broken.
Weird.
It's a play his ASU highlights would suggest he can make but which we've seen very little evidence of in the NFL. I'm ready to cut bait here. He doesn't have it.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

posts way less than 18% useful shit
SoSH Member
Nov 17, 2010
14,426
I’m so torn on the RB room. I love me some Stevenson but I wonder if he’s going to see the light of day in 2022 vs this year. Harris was often inactive too his rookie year and while some of that was due to injury and maybe not being 100% ready to contribute because of missed time it also might be because they needed depth active at a different spot. If they have Harris and Michel active it might not make a ton of sense to keep Stevenson also active. All 3 of these guys are more between the tackles runners. But on the other hand if they want to keep everyone fresh and if Dodge plays more teams you could argue he can handle 2-3 series a game. Harris and Michel have been injury prone and getting Stevenson some on field experience will help his development as well as the team because he’s a freaking baller.

Each guy has pluses and minuses. Bolden is a fine backup all around back who is excellent at teams. I’ve mentioned this before but I’ll say it until I’m blue in the face: STs matter and BB will roster 2-4 of them. He gave Bolden his standard 1-2 million a year core ST contract. He’s commented on Bolden and his appreciation for him but he also has cut him before thinking he could snatch him up and he slipped away.

JJT is small and that is an issue but he adds an element they don’t currently have. I am not sure if he can make it to the PS. Sure maybe 3/4 teams will have him as a no-go because of his lack of weight but I could see the Eagles or Texans (just 2 examples) scooping him up. It’s hard to speculate on stuff like that.


This is so much better of a conversation than talking about the outside corner depth or the wide receiver depth. All 6 RBs bring value.

My guess is it’s between JJT and Bolden for who gets cut (or both get cut) and at the moment I’m leaning… JJT. I’ve gone back and forth so many times on this I hit my steps goal for the day at 11:00am. My thought is that Bolden is the closest thing to a Burkhead replacement and gives you the best special teams while JJT can hopefully make it to the PS. James White can also handle running against lighter boxes and being their outside guy.

Quick edit: I think SN is right that Stevenson will be inactive a lot BUT because Michel and Harris get hurt he’s going to get play time eventually and he will probably look good and get a lot of buzz for next year. We will see. The running back room right now is a good problem to have. And yeah as an OL and RB guy the Pats have a lot for me personally to be excited about. September needs to freaking get here now.
See, for me, weve seen rookie running backs come in on week 1 for teams their rookie year and produce. Its one of the few positions where that can happen.

Now, it hasnt really happened for the Pat's since Maroney, but I dont think BB is opposed to a rookie RB. Is there room this season? Yeah, who knows. But Stevenson, in limited viewing obviously, appears to be the best all around runner.

He absolutely trucks people and moves piles. More so than any other back we have. He hits the hole decisively - we saw both Sony and Harris dance a few times in the backfield last night. His vision is impressive. Weve seen plenty of runs with Sony driving straight into a linemans back instead of being patient or hitting a cut back.

I've already said I'm a Sony fan. But Stevenson appears to be the real deal, and it feels obvious the second you see him run. If he can step into a role and out produce the older guys, I think he should be given the chance.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
See, for me, weve seen rookie running backs come in on week 1 for teams their rookie year and produce. Its one of the few positions where that can happen.

Now, it hasnt really happened for the Pat's since Maroney, but I dont think BB is opposed to a rookie RB. Is there room this season? Yeah, who knows. But Stevenson, in limited viewing obviously, appears to be the best all around runner.

He absolutely trucks people and moves piles. More so than any other back we have. He hits the hole decisively - we saw both Sony and Harris dance a few times in the backfield last night. His vision is impressive. Weve seen plenty of runs with Sony driving straight into a linemans back instead of being patient or hitting a cut back.

I've already said I'm a Sony fan. But Stevenson appears to be the real deal, and it feels obvious the second you see him run. If he can step into a role and out produce the older guys, I think he should be given the chance.
I am captain cautious with this stuff because sometimes my optimism or pessimism has burned me. But the way he pressed the line before taking the cutback on the tuddy was fucking brilliant. I want to see him vs 1s because he’s destroying backups. I’m in the same boat with Mac. I just want to see them vs NFL players. I believe those skills will still translate and the dominance will eventually be there I just want to see it first. If I had to pick something today I’d say just that - he looks like he could be a potential starting back. Let’s see how he looks as a receiver and in pass pro and vs the 1s before anything is written in stone.

I feel like with Onwenu, Stevenson, and next year McGrone they are going to have 3 guys who either start or have significant role player roles and they got them all on day 3.

Waldman wrote this and I’m not sure if I said it here or on a certain slack channel but, if we’re talking about surprise results like what Big Mc was doing with Mac Jones? I wouldn’t be surprised if Stevenson turned into one of the top 2-3 backs in this class.
 

Kenny F'ing Powers

posts way less than 18% useful shit
SoSH Member
Nov 17, 2010
14,426
I am captain cautious with this stuff because sometimes my optimism or pessimism has burned me. But the way he pressed the line before taking the cutback on the tuddy was fucking brilliant. I want to see him vs 1s because he’s destroying backups. I’m in the same boat with Mac. I just want to see them vs NFL players. I believe those skills will still translate and the dominance will eventually be there I just want to see it first. If I had to pick something today I’d say just that - he looks like he could be a potential starting back. Let’s see how he looks as a receiver and in pass pro and vs the 1s before anything is written in stone.

I feel like with Onwenu, Stevenson, and next year McGrone they are going to have 3 guys who either start or have significant role player roles and they got them all on day 3.

Waldman wrote this and I’m not sure if I said it here or on a certain slack channel but, if we’re talking about surprise results like what Big Mc was doing with Mac Jones? I wouldn’t be surprised if Stevenson turned into one of the top 2-3 backs in this class.
So, that's the thing with running backs. Theres going to be times that running backs roast backups, and you have to be cautious with using their production as a barometer of success against starters.

But the things that he was doing well will translate against different level of competition. With a QB torching backups, you just have no idea. But with running backs - and Stevenson in particular - his footwork, vision, and instincts are obvious after only a few plays on the field. Those are traits that will transfer regardless of the level of competition.

Sure, holes may close a little quicker, there will be less arm tackles, and you wont run over as many guys when they arent caught on their heels. But it wasnt the results from last night that made me excited, it was how he got them.

He looked really good.
 

Eck'sSneakyCheese

Member
SoSH Member
May 11, 2011
10,391
NH
I agree with KFP, I haven't seen Stevenson look any different regardless of whether he's playing against 1's, 2's, 3's it just doesn't matter. He looks like an absolute steal. The long TD against the WFT was so impressive for a back his size. I can see him instantly being a TD vulture. 1st and goal just hand it to him.

Michel has really stood out as well. He's looked like a 1st round RB since the end of last year. His receiving skills so far in the preseason have been night and day from what they were.

Harris looks much more agile. Definitely quicker than last year.

Taylor may be small but that dude runs hard. There were a couple runs last night where he shed some tackles. He's shown that he can do more than just KR/PR.

Bolden definitely looks like the odd man out. Jack of all trades master of none. Great that he can play ST well, but we already have Slater and Bethel as probably the best gunner tandem in the league.

Good problem to have with so much talent in the RB room.
 

Soxy

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 1, 2008
6,095
I mentioned it during the game thread but I thought our boy Yodny looked pretty good at left tackle last night!

It's weird, from what I saw (wasn't always 100% paying attention) I thought he looked good in pass protection, but seemed liked he lacked some power with his run blocking. Today, I'm seeing a bunch of clips of him run blocking in space that I definitely missed last night, and he looked real good! Backups, preseason, etc. But still. At least he's showing something.

If this dude becomes a legit swing tackle, that would be a fantastic development. Still a ways to go, but I have to think the team is pretty pleased with how he looked last night. Simply getting him on the field for this long is an accomplishment of sorts.
 

Garshaparra

New Member
Feb 27, 2008
527
McCarver's Mushy Mouth
I mentioned it during the game thread but I thought our boy Yodny looked pretty good at left tackle last night!

It's weird, from what I saw (wasn't always 100% paying attention) I thought he looked good in pass protection, but seemed liked he lacked some power with his run blocking. Today, I'm seeing a bunch of clips of him run blocking in space that I definitely missed last night, and he looked real good! Backups, preseason, etc. But still. At least he's showing something.

If this dude becomes a legit swing tackle, that would be a fantastic development. Still a ways to go, but I have to think the team is pretty pleased with how he looked last night. Simply getting him on the field for this long is an accomplishment of sorts.
Both Yodney and Herron looked totally reasonable as tackles, even with a couple of holds on that 17(!) play drive, and they're the backups. The O-line remains an incredible strength even after losing Thuney.
 

Soxy

Member
SoSH Member
Dec 1, 2008
6,095
Both Yodney and Herron looked totally reasonable as tackles, even with a couple of holds on that 17(!) play drive, and they're the backups. The O-line remains an incredible strength even after losing Thuney.
I'm still not fully sold on Herron. He's not as bad as say Korey Cunningham, but I don't know how comfortable I'd be with him out there for an extended period of time. I didn't notice him much against the Eagles, which is maybe a good thing, but he had some moments against WFT that were decidedly unimpressive.

I had absolutely no idea what to make of Yodny coming into camp. Would he even be competitive? While I was watching the Eagles game, I thought his ability to move and stay light on his feet stood out. He looked very comfortable pass blocking. I would have liked to see more from his drive blocking in the run game, but that was after I had noticed they were giving him so much run at LT and started paying closer attention. Nothing disastrous, there were just a couple plays where he kind of just went through the motions. I wonder if stamina was an issue considering the guy hasn't played in two years. To my eyes, he looked better run blocking when he was out in space and could get a head of steam, as opposed to just straight up drive blocking the guy lined up in front of him.
 

E5 Yaz

Transcends message boarding
Lifetime Member
SoSH Member
Apr 25, 2002
90,018
Oregon
Two tweets, nominally reporting the same thing, but with wildly different tones and implications.

Sports media, everyone!
Well, one tweet quoted the coach, so no real tone or implication; the other just tried to shorthand it.
 

Big McCorkle

Member
SoSH Member
May 9, 2021
231
Well, one tweet quoted the coach, so no real tone or implication; the other just tried to shorthand it.
Yeah, Reiss is actually good at his job; no complaint about his reporting. But I'm probably overreading into the language of the first tweet and am out of sorts today, so, disregard my complaint about it.
 

SMU_Sox

queer eye for the next pats guy
SoSH Member
Jul 20, 2009
8,878
Dallas
That's one of the things we discussed about Stevenson going into and after he was drafted. The guy was remaking his body and only had one year of a good college S&C program. That's another reason I am optimistic about him though - I'd love to see how he develops with NE's program. If he embraces NE, the coaching, and works hard all year round he has the talent to be a star/very-good-player. It sure seems like he has put his head down and worked hard in camp.
 

DJnVa

Dorito Dawg
SoSH Member
Dec 16, 2010
53,841
Jonnu back today and looked good.

After sitting out practice and the win over the Eagles last week, Smith returned and picked up right where he left off on Monday. Smith didn’t have any noticeable limitations, both physical or reps-wise, and caught two balls from Jones in 11-on-11s. Jones hit Smith up the seam pass between two defenders and on a crosser off play-action. Smith’s explosiveness and versatility continue to shine this summer.
Lazar's Notebook: How Did Mac Jones Look at Pats Practice With Cam Newton Out? | CLNS Media