The first week of Pats training camp is just about in the books and things continue to shake out. They'll be off tomorrow (Friday) so this weekend should be a good time to get a sense of who might be injured and if anyone is due to come off the PUP.
My number one concern right now is the health of Matt Light. He's the veteran anchor of the line and he's missed the last 4-5 days of practice. This is too many missed practices to simply be for the purposes of keeping him fresh. Nick Kaczur did an okay job as a rookie in 2005 when Light was lost for the season against the Steelers but I'd prefer not to see him lining up at the most vital position on the line as a starter in 2008. We already know the Pats achilles heel can often be poor line play and losing Light is not what the Pats need. Cross your fingers he'll be back soon.
James Sanders and Jason Webster also could be injured but given the depth in the defensive backfield they are less of a concern than Light.
Quick Hits Thoughs:
- Meriweather's getting a lot of praise all around for his communication and play early on. I'm happy to hear this, now if he can just hold onto the ball we might have a player on our hands.
- Chad Jackson had a good practice Wednesday, per Mike Reiss it could be a springboard for him. The pressure will only continue to build on the Chad once the preseason games start. He needs to show something there.
- Fernando Bryant looks like he could be a solid replacement for Asante as I thought he would be. Wheatley hasn't looked out of place and Wilhite is starting to get some mentions for positive play. All in all it looks like the cornerbacks will be fine this year, even moreso when Ellis Hobbs comes off PUP.
- Yesterday's Tom Casale incident was the ultimate example of lack of class. For those who missed it (I refuse to post links to it), Casale posted anonymously on a blog a bunch of dirt on the Pats since he was leaving the never ending circus known as Patriots Fan Weekly. Nothing was that shocking considering he called out some players he didn't like. Casale has long been a d-bag in my book so if he doesn't like someone it doesn't really concern me. As they say, the enemy of my enemy is my friend so I really don't care if Casale thought Tedy Bruschi was a jerk.
The one thing he did mention (and later took down) that concerned me is that Wes Welker has a groin injury that is much more serious than anyone is letting on. This could be devastating if he misses significant time. The Pats are top heavy with the receiver position. If Moss or Welker misses time the offense will not be the same. Only time will tell how accurate the report is and considering the source it could be false. We'll just have to wait and see.
- Matthew Slater is faaaaast and could contribute right away on Special Teams, maybe even as a returned.
- Antwain Spann came to play this summer.
- Dark horse Sam Aiken has been making plays at Wide Receiver. If his special teams play is up to par he could very well make the team. Especially if Welker is hurt.
-Always good to have Rodney Harrison back.
More to come in the next couple days. Things have been busy at the real job, so I've had to pick my spots.
In a side note I was recently made the community leader of the Patriots page over at Bleacher Report. I'd encourage you all to check it out and contribute.
Keywords: New England Patriots training camp 2008 Tom Casale Wes Welker Bill Belichick Matt LIght injury
