Mini Camp

There were quite a few happenings at this weeks minicamp, but before I delve into that I'd like to cover a topic I missed on my last post. The trade of Bethel Johnson for Johnathatn Sullivan. Once again, the Pats have made a brilliant move. By all indications, Johnson probably would have been cut this year anyway. In return for nothing then, they got former #6 overall pick Sullivan who played at Georgia and was a teammate of Seymours. While all he's done is EAT since he was drafted (he hasn't produced much at all on the field and has no work ethic) he has the size and ability to be very good in the Pats' system. In this week's minicamp Sullivan actually showed pretty good effort and the team was able to put together D-line with FOUR first round picks. (Seymour #6pick Sullivan #6 pick Warren #13pick Wilfork #21pick) I'm not saying that Sullivan is the next coming of Seymour, but the trend in the NFL is to play a nickel package (4 Dline, 2 LB and 5 DB's) and putting those four on the line is formiddable. Not to mention the likes of Jarvis Green and Marquise Hill. Even if Sullivan can just be a back up to Wilfork, enabling Wilfork to get off the field for 12 or 15 plays, he will be worth it because Wilfork will be that much more effective.

On to the minicamp and the events that occurred:

-As predicted by ALL, Branch was an "unexcused absence".

-Brady was the unquestioned leader on the field, demanding 100% from everyone at all times.

-Ellis Hobbs started taking on some leadership in the secondary which lacked Harrison AND Wilson. At one point Hobbs told veteran Eric Warfield to, "make the @#$%ing play or get the #&%@ off my field" Good for him.

-Gostkowski demonstrated a powerful and accurate leg. His biggest play was when Belichick lined him up for a 40 yarder and told the whole team practice is over if the kid makes the kick. He did and the team went nuts.

-Corey Dillon has actually taken Maroney under his wing and shoewn him the ropes. While he's not ready to acceed the position to Maroney, it is a good sign that he's got the right attitude - so far.

-The 'star' of minicamp was Ben Watson. Evidently he's going to get a lot of catches this season, as he was te primary receiver on many offensive plays. He lined up at TE, WR and H Back, ran great routes and dropped NONE.

-Not much was said about 2nd rounder Chad Jackson, but there was a quiet excitement in the way he was spoken about. He's like a BIG Deion Branch as far as cuts and hands, AND he is faster down the field than Branch. I'm trying not to get too carried away about him.

-When you see Reche Caldwell, you're going to think he's David Givens. Same size, build, NUMBER, and skin tone. Let's hope he produces like Givens.

Hope I didn't miss anything....

Next on the Pats' list should be adding some veteran depth, hopefully in the form of Ty Law and another Linebacker.

On a side note, my 'friend' of a friend on the inside has revealed to me that Belichick and Pioli are more excited about this year's draft class than any of the previous 6 they've had together. Watch the rookies!!!

Passing Fancy

The Patriots are having there annual, non-mandatory passing camp this week leading up to this weekends' mandatory training camp. Although the passing camp is strictly voluntary, just about every Pat is there with one notable excepion - Deion Branch. Should I call him Seymour Jr? Branch, who as far as I know willingly signed his rookie contract without a gun to his head, is unhappy with his contract - ala Seymour last season. Boo Hoo. In the meantime, Brady gets to throw more balls to newcomers Jackson and Caldwell. The rumors are starting that Branch is prepared to skip the madatory camp this weekend as well, hoping that it will motivate the Pats to do a new contract before this season. Good luck with that one.

Speaking of rumors, Ty Law supposedly has narrowed his search to the Pats or Cardinals. As I've stated before, he's nuts not to sign with the Pats even if it's a one year deal. Another rumor connected with the Pats that might effect Branch is that old friend David Patten is going to be cut by Washington because of his high price and average performance. If Branch wants to sit out, the return of Patten could help to soften the blow, but I am by no means implying that Patten is as good as Branch.

Tom Brady played in a foursome with George Bush the Senior and Bill Clinton - not sure who the fourth was, but I would have been willing to spend my life savings to have been that guy. If any of you doubted my premise a year ago that Brady has political aspirations, there's some hard evidence for you. I just hope he stays in MA to be OUR Senator rather than CA's.

As for this week's passing camp, I'm not sure that the media - or anyone has had any access to it. I've been searching high and low for something, anything on how the new guys are doing. Hopefully we'll hear more on this weekend's camp.

Pass it on....tell your friends you heard it here!