Preseason Game 4, 2016, Patriots vs. Giants

[patfan64]

So tough picking out non-skill type players watching a game live (albeit from decent seats.)

Thought Derby had a great game. Lucien, too until that a**hole cheap shotted him (right in front of my section.)

Cyrus Jones was beaten badly on a slant for a TD but his punt return was electrifying as many Pat fans were still in attendance.

No idea why Edelman was back there at all last night.

Foster should stick. The fumble sucked but hopefully, he did enough good things to warrant a roster spot. He will not make it through to the practice squad

Josh Brown didn't make it on the field, so I couldn't boo him. Giant fans were calling his wife dramatic and a headcase.

Most Giant fans in my section were decent. Had a four year old kicking the back of my row for the entire first half while his 6 year old sister just sat in her seat and cried. There was one guy wearing a Giants hat and Pats jersey and I thought he was nuts. The jersey number was 18 and the name on the back was "and one." Pretty clever.

Lots of fun. My little guy loved it. Very expensive but every person I encountered (concessions, aisle vendors, ushers and parking lot people) smiled, said hello and was extremely nice.

 

[headcase]

PS players have to be free agents. All cuts have to go to the waiver wire and a player cannot be added to the PS until they clear waivers.

Any player on a PS is free to sign a contract with any team, but they have to be placed on that team's active roster, I believe for at least 3 games. They cannot leave one team's PS and join another team's PS. So by paying them more than the minimum active roster salary, they'd be forcing any team to offer more than the minimum contract which is unlikely for a PS player.

THIS

I'm so glad I finish reading threads before posting, saves me replicating what someone else already said.

....And Instead I get to make useless comments like this.



SSDD

 

[spacecrime]

How did this guy not get drafted? If you told me he was a 3rd rounder then I wouldn't be surprised.

He was a RB who lined up as WR his entire senior season. He had about six teams trying to sign him post-draft, with the (local) Cards pursuing the hardest. He went with the Pats but only after the Pats offered a big ($30k) signing bonus (big for an UDFA).

 

[Dwight Schrute]

PS players have to be free agents. All cuts have to go to the waiver wire and a player cannot be added to the PS until they clear waivers.

Any player on a PS is free to sign a contract with any team, but they have to be placed on that team's active roster, I believe for at least 3 games. They cannot leave one team's PS and join another team's PS. So by paying them more than the minimum active roster salary, they'd be forcing any team to offer more than the minimum contract which is unlikely for a PS player. I believe the PS player would still have the right to join an active roster even if it paid less than the PS salary.

I'm actually wondering if this is a loop hole that the league could have closed. I'll have to look it up.

Yup. I get all that.

My question is to be simple, say a fringe cut, someone who could easily have made it but got caught in a numbers crunch, say one of our CBs now, got waived with the intention of going to the PS. Say Cleveland jumps in. We want you. Does the player have the option of saying no, I'd rather be here on the PS knowing that the first injury he's going to get brought up?

 

[Big/Sky/Fly]

So tough picking out non-skill type players watching a game live (albeit from decent seats.)

Thought Derby had a great game. Lucien, too until that a**hole cheap shotted him (right in front of my section.)

Cyrus Jones was beaten badly on a slant for a TD but his punt return was electrifying as many Pat fans were still in attendance.

No idea why Edelman was back there at all last night.

Foster should stick. The fumble sucked but hopefully, he did enough good things to warrant a roster spot. He will not make it through to the practice squad

Josh Brown didn't make it on the field, so I couldn't boo him. Giant fans were calling his wife dramatic and a headcase.

Most Giant fans in my section were decent. Had a four year old kicking the back of my row for the entire first half while his 6 year old sister just sat in her seat and cried. There was one guy wearing a Giants hat and Pats jersey and I thought he was nuts. The jersey number was 18 and the name on the back was "and one." Pretty clever.

Lots of fun. My little guy loved it. Very expensive but every person I encountered (concessions, aisle vendors, ushers and parking lot people) smiled, said hello and was extremely nice.

Damn hippy...

 

[spacecrime]

Yup. I get all that.

My question is to be simple, say a fringe cut, someone who could easily have made it but got caught in a numbers crunch, say one of our CBs now, got waived with the intention of going to the PS. Say Cleveland jumps in. We want you. Does the player have the option of saying no, I'd rather be here on the PS knowing that the first injury he's going to get brought up?

No, he does not. To get to the 53, all other non-veteran players are cut and are available on waivers. If a player is claimed on waivers, their contract is picked up by the claiming team. If the player clears waivers, then they are FAs and can sign with any team they want. They don't have to sign with the Pats unless they want.

With a player like AJ Derby and DJ Foster and others, people sometimes say we should put them on the practice squad like it is automatic, but in reality, first the player is cut from the team. Not transferred to a pc, but outright cut.

Then the fun begins.

They are still FAs even on a practice squad. Other teams can sign them away. The player doesn't have to sign with anyone, but since being signed off a practice squad means a minimum of three weeks on an active roster with regular pay, why would they not? One reason would be that the team on whose practice squad they are on is already paying them like a regular player and has promised to bring them up later.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

No, he does not. To get to the 53, all other non-veteran players are cut and are available on waivers. If a player is claimed on waivers, their contract is picked up by the claiming team. If the player clears waivers, then they are FAs and can sign with any team they want. They don't have to sign with the Pats unless they want.

With a player like AJ Derby and DJ Foster and others, people sometimes say we should put them on the practice squad like it is automatic, but in reality, first the player is cut from the team. Not transferred to a pc, but outright cut.

Then the fun begins.

They are still FAs even on a practice squad. Other teams can sign them away. The player doesn't have to sign with anyone, but since being signed off a practice squad means a minimum of three weeks on an active roster with regular pay, why would they not? One reason would be that the team on whose practice squad they are on is already paying them like a regular player and has promised to bring them up later.

Cleveland.

Detroit.

Gotcha though.

I thought once the player was cut his contract was void too, thus making him completely free. Then, if the choice were to stay with any team with SB aspirations and have it from a strong source you'd be the first called up, then yeah, I'd rather stay there than Cleve/Det.

 

[bideau]

Cleveland.

Detroit.

Gotcha though.

I thought once the player was cut his contract was void too, thus making him completely free. Then, if the choice were to stay with any team with SB aspirations and have it from a strong source you'd be the first called up, then yeah, I'd rather stay there than Cleve/Det.

Nope. The team awarded the player inherits the remaining terms of the contract. However, the cap hit could be much lower for the new team compared to the old team. Cap money already paid out for bonuses remains with the old team (thus the "dead money" hits many teams take). The new team only has to account for the remaining base and any future bonuses not already paid. If the player clears waivers, then the contract is void and they are a free agent.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Thank you.

 

[R+L=Negan]

Some good stuff, although I don't know what you mean about Derby playing different positions.

He's too good to cut, although I can't see him getting a lot of reps initially. I see him as a poor man's Zack Ertz. Very similar body types and overall game. I think there is a chance we go with 4 TEs to start the season although there is also a chance that Nate Solder will play the entire season without another injury. Anything is possible.

I don't think last night's game did much to clarify the backup corner position. Jones and Roberts both got beat and Coleman was, as usual, picked on. None of them blew coverages or was really out of position much and I see it as a coin flip, really. Any of them could develop into useful players including LeBlanc who I didn't see last night.

Cyrus was picked on a little for that matter, but he's a lock.

Maybe any of these guys would get targeted rather than test our regular DBs and Coleman is better than we think.

I should have been more clear. I was talking about Anthony Johnson.

 

[chevss454]

I posted this in the Roster Predictions thread but after last night's game I thought it deserved to be here as well. My thoughts haven't changed much. Fleming replaced Solder when he was injured instead of Waddle so I guess Fleming probably makes the team with Scar's magic. The tightest positional race is definitely CB between LeBlanc & JJones.

Hogan has become WR2 since he's replaced DAmendola imo. DA is strictly a slot guy and Hogan can play any WR position plus he's bigger, stronger and a better blocker. Not to mention that Hogan is healthy.

Dobson did enough last night to garner some interest for a trade imo.

Mingo threw every hat he owns into the ring last night. Beast of an athlete. #dumbassBrowns

==================================

Steve Balestrieri with a well thought roster projection with reasons given.
My few nitpicks are highlighted in red in his narrative.
My thoughts are in blue.
His controversial picks that I agree with are in dark gray bolded.
Quote:
<table border="0" cellpadding="5" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tbody><tr> <td class="alt2" style="border:1px inset"> OFFENSE — 24

Quarterback (2): *Tom Brady*, Jimmy Garoppolo, Jacoby Brissett

No changes here. The suspension of Brady gives the team the ability to carry an extra player for the first month as the Pats QB will rate a roster exemption. Rumors that the team will sign a 4^th veteran QB are just that….rumors.
Running back (5): Brandon Bolden, James Develin, LeGarrette Blount, D.J. Foster, James White

Dion Lewis starts the season on Reserve/PUP. Foster who was so electric in the spring noses out Tyler Gaffney for the final running back spot. He’s back to work and shown enough. Gaffney winds up on the practice squad. Could the team add another body into the mix with a player being released elsewhere? Yes, but it will depend on who that is.
Blount despite not being a world beater, has the confidence of his coach and if given a reasonable wall up front has proven himself to be effective. Bolden is a core special teams’ player (four units).
Wide receiver (5): Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, Keshawn Martin, Aaron Dobson

Danny Amendola starts the season on PUP. I really thought that he’d have been activated by now. He’s been at practice for weeks during the stretching phase and then retreating down to the lower fields with the training staff. DA should be back to work soon since he was not put on the Reserve PUP list. He could be playing by game 1 and should be playing by game 3.

That grants a reprieve of sorts for Aaron Dobson who noses out DeAndre Carter and now makes the roster. With Mitchell closer to returning, Dobson will be the outside the numbers, “X” wide receiver until the rookie gradually phases back into the offense. The Patriots are supposedly shopping Dobson, I can’t imagine that there’s a big market for his services right now, but never say never. My hope is that Dobson is traded but if Dobson isn't traded, he'll be released. Hogan is a better WR and Martin can play outside if Hogan gets nicked. If both Martin and Hogan get nicked, Gronk can split wide. Dobson takes up a roster spot for a more deserving player such as KG-H discussed below or Ted Karras, imo, but Steve could be right if BB continues to showcase Dobson the first few games in hopes of a trade by the end of September. I think Dobson's time is up in NE and to me KG-H and Karras are better at doing their job.

Edelman and Hogan are a nice 1-2 punch at wide receiver. Martin earns a spot but his summer was hardly smooth as he battled injury, but he can play inside or outside and can play in the return game. Carter is a practice squad candidate.
Tight end (3): Rob Gronkowski, Martellus Bennett, A.J. Derby

No changes here. Gronkowski and Bennett are roster locks and are going to be very difficult to stop because of their size and athleticism. The Patriots are going to use the “22-personnel” package (2 RBs, 2 TEs, 1 WR) quite a bit this year using James Develin as a lead blocker. It will open up all kinds of play action opportunities.
A.J. Derby had a bad third-down drop a week ago, but he’s built up enough capital to weather that, as long as it doesn’t become a trend. Clay Harbor missed too much time and hasn’t flashed enough to cause a change. Bryce Williams who flashed early in camp in the passing game is a practice squad candidate.
Offensive line (9): Nate Solder, Jonathan Cooper, LaAdrian Waddle, Marcus Cannon, David Andrews, Shaq Mason, Joe Thuney, Josh Kline, Cameron Fleming

Sebastian Vollmer begins the season on the Reserve/PUP and is likely done for the season. The Patriots will roll with four tackles and four guards. Cooper has returned to practice and replaces rookie Ted Karras.
Cannon has the opportunity to justify his contract with Vollmer out. He’s been getting the starting reps all summer and has played well. Now the real test begins. Fleming just noses out Karras for the final slot, but this could easily flip-flop on Thursday night. I'll take the younger, cheaper and tougher Karras please.



DEFENSE — 24

Defensive line (10): Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, Rob Ninkovich, Trey Flowers, Shea McClellin, Malcom Brown, Markus Kuhn, Alan Branch, Vincent Valentine, Geneo Grissom

The Patriots are extremely deep on the edge. Sheard and Ninkovich are the starters and both are close to returning soon. But with Long, McClellin and Flowers behind them they have a deep and talented group that can keep fresh legs on the field. Ninkovich and McClellin can also drop back into the linebacker position and improve the depth there.
Brown and Valentine (by virtue of his draft position) are roster locks. Branch and Kuhn round out the remainder of the big, interior men. Branch has played his best football in New England, despite his being suspended for a few days for an unspecified team rule. Kuhn has played very solidly this summer after arriving with little fanfare from the Giants.
Geneo Grissom by way of his STs prowess (four units), noses out the intriguing Anthony Johnson, who ends up on the practice squad because Flowers, who close to the same size can replicate his interior pass rush. This also noses out my favorite back-end of the roster player Kamu Grugier-Hill, who we’ll mention below. Give me KG-H all day over Grissom even though Grissom is on 4 STs units. KG-H offers a unique skill set that Grissom doesn't offer on defense. Anthony Johnson came on strong after battling injury and he could make the team tonight or he could be a PS candidate but I worry he gets claimed. If he plays little tonight then BB could be hiding him to make it easier to get him to the PS. If he plays a lot tonight early then that indicates BB is leaning to keeping him on the 53...at least to me. Anthony Johnson or KG-H take over Grissom's STs duties plus offer defensive value over Grissom. PS eligibility could be the deciding factor but I lean toward AJ and KG-H over Grissom and Dobson.


Linebacker (4): Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Jonathan Freeny, Barkevious Mingo

Hightower and Collins are now bolstered by the similarly athletic Mingo. The three are likely the Patriots starters when they play in their base defense. They are a mixture of big and physical, (Hightower) and fast, and freaky athletes (Collins and Mingo). Freeny was just awarded a contract extension this week and is also locked in. The unit can be bolstered by either McClellin or Ninkovich who can drop back into coverage. It also shows the versatility of this unit, that can drop into coverage or rush the passer.

Hightower blows it up on the goalline

Grugier-Hill is an intriguing, athletic player who was one of the most difficult cuts on the team. He can be a valuable addition to the special teams’ units (played on all four) and an athletic, “tweener” on defense. He is a perfect fit for the “big nickel” role on defense and has been wearing the green dot, and calling the defensive signals with the backups during the first two preseason games. He missed the third one because of an illness. Did he do enough to dislodge someone else from the squad? Possibly but we’re in a numbers crunch here. He’ll go to the practice squad, with possibly Rufus Johnson.
Cornerback (5): Malcolm Butler, Logan Ryan, Cyrus Jones, Justin Coleman, Cre’Von LeBlanc

LeBlanc leapfrogs Jonathan Jones to make the roster with a late push. His hip injury will bear watching but he’s been the best of the young corners this summer. Butler, Logan Ryan and top draft pick Cyrus Jones as well as Coleman round out the corner position.
Jonathan Jones is an extremely athletic corner who has performed very well this summer. He and Darryl Roberts have played very well; it simply comes down to another numbers crunch. LeBlanc outplayed them by the slightest of margins and those two wind up on the practice squad.
This is perhaps the most tightly contested position on the team. The final game against the Giants could swing the pendulum back but right now these are the five that will start the season against Arizona. It's not that I disagree that LeBlanc has leapfrogged JJones but it was only for 1 week. JJones has played well this entire camp and he's also played gunner on STs. I hope BB finds a way to keep all 3 of LeBlanc, JJones and Roberts; 1 on the 53 and 2 on the PS. JJones is too good a player to put up for adoption by another team. Tightly contested, slimmest of margins so tonight's game may determine which of LeBlanc/JJones makes the 53 since I think Roberts is headed for the PS.



Safety (5): Devin McCourty, Patrick Chung, Jordan Richards, Duron Harmon, Nate Ebner

No changes here. McCourty and Chung are locked in as starters. They work extremely well together, McCourty as the QB of the defense and centerfielder. Chung as the in-the-box safety and are backed ably by Harmon and Richards. This is a very deep position on the team and Vinnie Sunseri has a real tough time cracking the roster.
Ebner returns to his STs role and the odd occasional snap on defense. With the group all returning to their well-defined roles, it makes a good secondary even better.
SPECIAL TEAMS — (5)

Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, punter Ryan Allen, long snapper Joe Cardona, special teamers Matthew Slater, Brandon King,

No changes here, the top five specialists, are all solid. Gostkowski is among the top kickers in the game but I wondered if his extra point miss in Denver, his first in 10 years may affect him long-term. Then he missed two FGs in a preseason game. The first was a bad snap from Cardona that threw off his timing but the best thing that could happen now is for him to get back on a long hot streak.
Slater remains one of the leaders of the team and was rewarded with an extension that will carry him thru the 2017 season. He’s a five-time Pro Bowl special teams’ player for a reason. He has a tremendous amount of respect in the locker room from his peers.
Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG </td> </tr> </tbody></table>
http://www.patsfans.com/patriots/blo...ction-4-0/amp/

 

[R+L=Negan]

I was holding off on Foster until I had a chance to see him for a while and he acquitted himself very nicely and shows good speed, skill and some versatility. I would also like to see us keep Foster over White since it doesn't make sense to keep both on the initial 53 and I think he might be a little bit tougher than White, which is not saying much.

How did this guy not get drafted? If you told me he was a 3rd rounder then I wouldn't be surprised.

I was fairly high on Tyler Gaffney, but there was nothing there for him last night and I don't see how we can keep him. Too good to slip through waivers and not quite good enough to put on the roster. I felt bad for the guy because he has done everything you would hope for and the final impression was an unfortunate one as he couldn't get past the LOS.

Whether it was more him or his coaching staff, Foster played WR, instead of the dual threat he is. He'll never be Payton running between the tackles but he runs hard. I thought last night was exactly what we can expect from him.

I share the same thoughts on Gaffney. Very tough situation imo. Like you said he's done everything asked from him and a little more. Bill loves the familiarity he has in Blount I think. Knows exactly what he's getting I guess. And yes that goal line stuff didn't help at all considering that's his time to shine in the role hes playing.

 

[R+L=Negan]

Man if we can keep Jones, Blanco and Roberts Bill deserves an award. I posted a while ago that Jones reminds me a little of Butler. Just the fact that he seems to compete for everything. Malcolm will always get beat in some instances because of his size. After that he does so much right.

I'm slightly biased because Jones and Foster were somewhat binkys of mine. Blanco has played great though. Again if we can keep all 3 that would be just crazy.

Still can't get over Mingo. I know we're pouring it on thick but 2 strips in a row? The guy was an animal and showed a lot of motor and heart.

I CAN NOT WAIT to see our defense, sub package and the unit act as one machine. I try to be objective as possible but there's not 3-4 groups in the league that are as talented, deep and we'll coached.

 

[chevss454]

Doug Kyed Verified account ‏<s>@</s>DougKyed



NFL scout after watching Barkevious Mingo last night: "He looks more like Jamie Collins than a pass rusher."


Adam Kaufman Verified account ‏<s>@</s>AdamMKaufman <small class="time"> 59m59 minutes ago </small>


I actually thought the same thing and then worried I was insane. <s>#</s>Mingo <s>#</s>Patriots
https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash
https://twitter.com/hashtag/Patriots?src=hash

 

[chevss454]

SI's Andy Benoit scouted the Patriots and says


"Defenses Are Going to Have a Miserable Time Matching Up"

and this was before Foster's performance against the Giants last night.



http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/09/02/nfl-new-england-patriots-2016-scouting-report?xid=si_social


my comments:
2. Add Foster to the group
7. Owen Daniels made Collins look ordinary. Collins must become a better student of the game to play smarter.
9. Forget Grissom...Mingo is faster, stronger and can play in space.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

SI's Andy Benoit scouted the Patriots and says


"Defenses Are Going to Have a Miserable Time Matching Up"

and this was before Foster's performance against the Giants last night.
And add the trouble a Gronk adds.



http://mmqb.si.com/mmqb/2016/09/02/nfl-new-england-patriots-2016-scouting-report?xid=si_social


my comments:
2. Add Foster to the group
7. Owen Daniels made Collins look ordinary. Collins must become a better student of the game to play smarter.
9. Forget Grissom...Mingo is faster, stronger and can play in space.

Added.

 

[chevss454]

Winners and losers as a result of the Giants game.

Here are our winners and losers.


Winner: DT Anthony Johnson
The Patriots have Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Vincent Valentine as roster locks and there is space for a fourth, but probably not a fifth. Johnson did an outstanding job of claiming that final spot. For the third straight game, Johnson was an absolute force in the passing game, forcing the quarterback out of the pocket and wrecking plays. He’s done too much to keep him off the roster.
Loser: DT Markus Kuhn
Kuhn was playing with the last-stringers in the second half, which is not where he wants to be. After starting out strong earlier in the preseason, he showed flashes of why the Giants couldn’t wait to get him out of the building. He was getting thrown back away from the line against the New York 3rd stringers, when he should have been dominating. Not an ideal game for a player on the bubble.
Winner: TE AJ Derby
Derby cemented his position as the third tight end on the roster with some great receiving, some quality running after the catch, and some adequate blocking. Clay Harbor still has a chance of making the team since the wide receivers were mediocre, but Derby would make the roster regardless of the depth at other positions. Derby finished the day with 51 yards on 5 receptions.
Loser: OG Josh Kline
The Patriots starting right guard stayed out on the field for much of the game, even when the rest of the starters were benched. The big question is why? I don’t believe Kline’s spot is in jeopardy, but I think the implication is that Kline is keeping the starting right guard spot warm until Shaq Mason returns.
Winner: CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
LeBlanc didn’t even play, but he’s a big winner because the other cornerbacks didn’t do enough to supplant him in the depth chart. Jonathan Jones and Darryl Roberts needed to have tremendous outings to leapfrog LeBlanc and they didn’t do anything really noteworthy.
Winner: RB D.J. Foster
Foster had himself a day with 132 yards on 18 touches, although he did fumble inside the red zone. But the reaction by head coach Bill Belichick wasn’t that of anger or disgust, but of teaching and cultivation. I think Belichick sees something in Foster’s future, especially if the injury to Tyler Gaffney is considered serious.
Loser: ED Geneo Grissom
Grissom needed to have an exceptional game to avoid getting lost in the depth chart. He did not. He’s currently behind Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, Trey Flowers, Rob Ninkovich, and Shea McClellin in the pecking order and, in all honesty, should be behind Rufus Johnson. Grissom looks less polished and less consistent than the others on the team. While he might ultimately have more upside, it’s hard to pass up on the other players. Will his 3rd round draft grade save him?
Winner: ED Barkevious Mingo
What more can be said about Mingo? He forced fumbles. He make tackles for loss. He played inside and outside at linebacker. He was visibly the most athletic player on the field for the final three quarters. I don’t know how the Patriots will use Mingo when Shea McClellin and Rob Ninkovich return, but I’m thrilled about the prospects of a Mingo, Dont’a Hightower, and Jamie Collins line-up.
Loser: Every player that suffered an injury
LT Nate Solder was dinged up in the first half, but it didn’t appear serious. WR Keshawn Martin, RB Tyler Gaffney, and WR Devin Lucien all suffered injuries in the middle of the second half. I’m sure I’m missing a few players here and there, too. Solder, Martin, and Gaffney were expected to make the final roster. Hopefully they will all be available, but it’s never good to see players hurt in this game.

http://www.patspulpit.com/2016/9/1/...-the-giants-foster-kuhn-johnson-leblanc-derby

Re: Cre'Von LeBlanc. I don't see how he can be a winner when he didn't play since JJones and Roberts didn't make any mistakes and were solid in coverage. Yes, they gave up completions but so did Butler, Ryan and Coleman. I think this CB race is really tight.

Re: Gaffney. Maybe this injury puts him on IR which allows him to stay under the Pats control for another year. I'd much rather have Foster on the 53.

I'll be expecting BB & Caserio to look for a veteran OT as a 1 year rental as soon as cut downs are announced this afternoon. He has plenty of cap space to sign a good OT.

 

[Hawg73]

I'll be expecting BB & Caserio to look for a veteran OT as a 1 year rental as soon as cut downs are announced this afternoon. He has plenty of cap space to sign a good OT.

Let's hope so. I'd say it was a mortal lock, but I thought that we would definitely address the position in the draft, too.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

Winners and losers as a result of the Giants game.

Here are our winners and losers.


Winner: DT Anthony Johnson
The Patriots have Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Vincent Valentine as roster locks and there is space for a fourth, but probably not a fifth. Johnson did an outstanding job of claiming that final spot. For the third straight game, Johnson was an absolute force in the passing game, forcing the quarterback out of the pocket and wrecking plays. He’s done too much to keep him off the roster.
Loser: DT Markus Kuhn
Kuhn was playing with the last-stringers in the second half, which is not where he wants to be. After starting out strong earlier in the preseason, he showed flashes of why the Giants couldn’t wait to get him out of the building. He was getting thrown back away from the line against the New York 3rd stringers, when he should have been dominating. Not an ideal game for a player on the bubble.
Winner: TE AJ Derby
Derby cemented his position as the third tight end on the roster with some great receiving, some quality running after the catch, and some adequate blocking. Clay Harbor still has a chance of making the team since the wide receivers were mediocre, but Derby would make the roster regardless of the depth at other positions. Derby finished the day with 51 yards on 5 receptions.
Loser: OG Josh Kline
The Patriots starting right guard stayed out on the field for much of the game, even when the rest of the starters were benched. The big question is why? I don’t believe Kline’s spot is in jeopardy, but I think the implication is that Kline is keeping the starting right guard spot warm until Shaq Mason returns.
Winner: CB Cre’Von LeBlanc
LeBlanc didn’t even play, but he’s a big winner because the other cornerbacks didn’t do enough to supplant him in the depth chart. Jonathan Jones and Darryl Roberts needed to have tremendous outings to leapfrog LeBlanc and they didn’t do anything really noteworthy.
Winner: RB D.J. Foster
Foster had himself a day with 132 yards on 18 touches, although he did fumble inside the red zone. But the reaction by head coach Bill Belichick wasn’t that of anger or disgust, but of teaching and cultivation. I think Belichick sees something in Foster’s future, especially if the injury to Tyler Gaffney is considered serious.
Loser: ED Geneo Grissom
Grissom needed to have an exceptional game to avoid getting lost in the depth chart. He did not. He’s currently behind Jabaal Sheard, Chris Long, Trey Flowers, Rob Ninkovich, and Shea McClellin in the pecking order and, in all honesty, should be behind Rufus Johnson. Grissom looks less polished and less consistent than the others on the team. While he might ultimately have more upside, it’s hard to pass up on the other players. Will his 3rd round draft grade save him?
Winner: ED Barkevious Mingo
What more can be said about Mingo? He forced fumbles. He make tackles for loss. He played inside and outside at linebacker. He was visibly the most athletic player on the field for the final three quarters. I don’t know how the Patriots will use Mingo when Shea McClellin and Rob Ninkovich return, but I’m thrilled about the prospects of a Mingo, Dont’a Hightower, and Jamie Collins line-up.
Loser: Every player that suffered an injury
LT Nate Solder was dinged up in the first half, but it didn’t appear serious. WR Keshawn Martin, RB Tyler Gaffney, and WR Devin Lucien all suffered injuries in the middle of the second half. I’m sure I’m missing a few players here and there, too. Solder, Martin, and Gaffney were expected to make the final roster. Hopefully they will all be available, but it’s never good to see players hurt in this game.

http://www.patspulpit.com/2016/9/1/...-the-giants-foster-kuhn-johnson-leblanc-derby

Re: Cre'Von LeBlanc. I don't see how he can be a winner when he didn't play since JJones and Roberts didn't make any mistakes and were solid in coverage. Yes, they gave up completions but so did Butler, Ryan and Coleman. I think this CB race is really tight.

Re: Gaffney. Maybe this injury puts him on IR which allows him to stay under the Pats control for another year. I'd much rather have Foster on the 53.

I'll be expecting BB & Caserio to look for a veteran OT as a 1 year rental as soon as cut downs are announced this afternoon. He has plenty of cap space to sign a good OT.

I think by virtue of not even playing Le'Blanc it's implied they've seen enough already and feel he's made it.

Or he's cut.

But I think he's made it.

 

[Dwight Schrute]

So much for that...