Issues to Resolve in Training Camp

Way too much has been made of the Branch holdout. Everything has been written about it, and nothing is getting done. The fact is, unless he wants to skip the entire season or be handed a franchise tag at the end of season, Deion Branch will be on the field for the first game of the season. From here on out, I'll be Belichickian and just say that I'm here to Blog about the players that are in camp.

*Tedy Bruschi has injured his wrist and will be re-evaluated after a week in a cast.

On with the issues.....

Assuming that employee #83 will be on the field, who will emerge as the #2 wide receiver? Early indications are that it will be Reche Caldwell. He is head and shoulders above the other receiver in practice, but that is not saying much. Other than Troy Brown there are no WR's in camp with any real NFL experience. While Caldwell has looked fantastic, he does come with a significant injury history. I don't feel that Brown is a legit #2 guy at this stage in his career, but he was always better as the 'slot' (#3) receiver anyway. It's hard to imagine that they haven't brought in more (any) veterans for camp, but I'd be surprised if they didn't sign 1 or 2 vets by the end of preseason. Ricky Proehl anyone? And I still believe old friend David Patten will be cut by the skins and join the Pats once again.

Is Beisel the answer as the 'will' MLB next to Bruschi? He'd better be or you may be looking at a starting lineup that includes Bruschi and Larry Izzo or Don Davis - yikes! Beisel has put on a few pounds in the off-season and in a good way. All indications are that he's 'doing better' than he was last training camp. Rod Gardner hasn't looked bad when he's been in, but other than that, there have been no reports about the younger MLB's doing anything at all in camp.

Who needs Ty Law when you've got Eugene Wilson? Seriously, Wilson has been starting at corner with the first team in almost every practice. Wilson and Hobbs at Corner and Artrell Hawkins and either Sanders or Tebucky or Scott at the other safety. Evidently the Pats liked what they saw in Hawkins ability as a Safety last year to make this transition with Wilson. Don't forget, sooner or later you'll be adding Harrison to the mix.

Who takes over for Vinatieri? Neither kicker has done a lot to hurt their cause. Gramatica has been Automatica and Gostkowski has been very consistent as well. The difference being that Gramatica kicks lower and not as far while Gostkowski kicks high and long. The pre-season games will be interesting just to see these two kick.

Lastly, I'd like to address an issue that hasn't yet surfaced as an issue as far as I know. Tom Brady. Yes I know, he's Mr. Everybodysallamericangoodboy, but do you think the Pats might be asking a little too much of him this year? I'm just throwing this out there because it's something I've been wondering about for a few weeks. What are they asking of Mr Perfect (I mean that in a good way)? 1) go to the line of scrimmage with 4-5 plays, read the D and call the appropriate play. 2) Run the offense perhaps without Branch, and when he returns no real #2 reciever. 3) Throw predominantly to the TE's even though that's never been the focus of the Offense. 4) Drive down the field for a game winning TD instead of FG because we're not sure the rookie will make a 40 yarder to win it. 5) Sit in the meetings and be the co-offensive coordinator (unofficially of course). 6) We have NO depth at LB or DB so you might have to go out and win games 50-49 if we get one or two "Rodney Harrison" type injuries. (see Tedy Bruschi's wrist) Did I miss anything? Oh Yeah, smile and be happy - you are the team's unquestioned leader and the face of the franchise and don't forget that the fans expect another superbowl victory this year.

OK, if anyone can do it, it might be Brady but don't be too harsh on him if he waivers a little.

Another post shortly on my visit to camp!