I didn’t see the Patriots-Lions game, but here are some interesting observations from random articles…
Thompkins and Julian Edelman have been the top receivers on the depth chart tonight. No surprise for Thompkins, but Edelman has gotten reps over Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce. Dobson got more reps later in the quarter.
Edelman allegedly played in 45 of 46 snaps in the first half. Apparently, he was playing in the slot in place of Amendola. I’m not sure if he played outside.
Don mentioned in another thread that New England will have an all-white OL this season. Assuming Will Svitek (who’s started all three games this pre-season) or Dan Connolly remain the starter at RG over Marcus Cannon, this will remain the case. Connolly returned from shoulder surgery last night, which is great news…
Connolly entered the game for the Patriots’ second series, and the two right guards rotated throughout the half.
With the addition of Adrian Wilson this off-season, the thought was always that he’d supplant Steve Gregory (who started at SS when healthy last season), but Gregory has started every pre-season game, even with Wilson healthy…
Devin McCourty and Steve Gregory were the starting safeties in the first game where the top three on the depth chart (Adrian Wilson) were all available.
With the rotund Daniels Fells injured (and hopefully cut soon enough), Ballard and Sudfeld started at TE once again. This is a good sign, as Gronkowski’s eventual return could leave the unit all-white for the season. The slow-footed Hoomanawanui (who is more of the FB than a tight end) is a decent blocker and could be retained instead of Ballard or FB James Develin…
At tight end, Jake Ballard and Zach Sudfeld opened as the top combination. Ballard has gradually upped his workload this preseason, with his 27 snaps a high
I knew Maryland DT, Joe Vallano, was on the roster, but I didn’t realize he was so high on the depth chart. Apparently, he started at DT last night in place of Wilfork…
Joe Vellano started in place of Vince Wilfork, who is dealing with some sort of leg injury.
Does this mean that Vellano is destined to make the squad?
CAPTION: Vellano At Maryland