The New England Patriots are kind of a mess right now.
Before you freak out, don’t worry, they’ll be fine once the season starts, but during Tuesday’s training camp practice, 18 players didn’t participate because of injury and their star quarterback was tending to the most annoying court case in NFL history.
Among those 18 injured players were projected starting running back LeGarrette Blount, Nos. 1 and 2 wide receivers Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell, left tackle Nate Solder, center Bryan Stork, guard Ryan Wendell, defensive tackle Chris Jones and No. 2 tight end Scott Chandler.
It’s obvious that injuries — some lingering from the Patriots’ Super Bowl XLIX-winning season — have affected the roster, but an NFL talent evaluator noted to NESN.com how weak the back end of New England’s roster currently stands, and some of that is head coach Bill Belichick’s own doing.
He chose to release tight ends Tim Wright and Fred Davis, leaving Logan Stokes, already cut once by the Patriots this offseason, as tight end depth. Fullback Eric Kettani and wide receiver Chris D’Orazio also are on second chances with the Patriots, and mounting injuries, and subsequent reserve-list additions, are forcing the Patriots to sign players who are available midway through training camp — usually a fairly motley bunch.
So, for now, we’re suffering through some pretty sloppy practices, and I wouldn’t expect the Patriots to look like their usual dominant selves in the preseason.
Fortunately, none of this matters, and once Brady is back on the field, the same old Patriots should show up for the 15th straight season.
Here are six players who have stood out positively in Patriots training camp:
DARRYL ROBERTS
The rookie cornerback from Marshall isn’t playing like a seventh-round draft pick. He leads Patriots defenders in pass breakups, making at least four in Tuesday’s practice alone.
Roberts, who performed well in organized team activities and minicamp during the spring, had a shaky start to the summer, frequently getting beat by Patriots receivers. But as training camp has rolled along, Roberts appears more comfortable, and he’s displaying some special ball skills.
We’ll see if Roberts can continue impressing during the preseason.
BRANDON GIBSON
Gibson doesn’t have the upside of taller, speedier and younger receivers Aaron Dobson and Brian Tyms, but he appears to be emerging as the favorite to win the Patriots’ No. 4 wideout role. Gibson has been dependable and consistent in practice, rarely dropping passes. Most importantly, he’s been on the practice field every day.
Tyms missed two practices with a shoulder injury, and he remains in a red non-contact jersey, so it’s unlikely we’ll see him suit up Thursday. Tyms also has been plagued by drops during training camp.
Gibson will never be a No. 1 receiver in the Patriots’ offense, but he’s a perfect fit as a No. 4 option behind Edelman, LaFell and Danny Amendola, and it appears he’s re-learned Josh McDaniels offense easily after they spent a season together with the St. Louis Rams in 2011.
TAVON WILSON
Wilson is on the roster bubble, but he’s making a strong case to stay with the team with a strong training camp. He had two interceptions Tuesday, and he’s been impressive in man coverage against tight ends this summer.
Wilson led the Patriots in special teams snaps last season, and he carved out of role as a hybrid linebacker in New England’s dime defense. With a strong end to the summer, Wilson could beat out Nate Ebner for a roster spot.
CHANDLER JONES
Jones appears to have added some bulk over the offseason, and it’s serving him well while facing off against a banged-up Patriots offensive line during training camp.
Jones consistently wins one-on-one battles, and he’s regularly in the backfield during team drills. The Patriots’ defensive line looks in good shape as running backs have had little wiggle room during 11-on-11 drills.
MALCOLM BUTLER
Butler is living up to high expectations in training camp, jumping routes, picking off passes, and overall being a nuisance to Patriots receivers.
Butler has been a constant presence at left cornerback in the Patriots’ starting defense, and unless he really struggles during the preseason, it’s likely he’ll be the No. 1 cornerback for the Patriots in 2015.
TOM BRADY
Brady has had a tumultuous offseason, and he’s missing his top two wideouts, but it’s not affecting his play on the practice field in the least. Brady has completed 190 of 245 passes in team drills this summer with just three interceptions.
Thumbnail photo via Brace Hemmelgarn/USA TODAY Sports Images
