SB Nation Boston - New England Patriots Training Camp: Pats Wrap Up Camp, And So Do We

New England Patriots Training Camp: Wrapping Up Patriots' Camp

2011-08-21T20:27:22Z

New England Patriots' training camp officially came to a close following Saturday's practice, but make no mistake, the action is just heating up. There were a plethora of storylines from this year's camp, and here are the stories from the Pats' practice facilities at GIllette Stadium that stole our attention over the past few weeks.

Albert Haynesworth, Shaun Ellis Statuses Unknown

It's never good when the status of two of your team's top defenders is unknown with only weeks left prior to the start of the regular season. Unfortunately, that's the case for Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis, the two top names brought in this offseason to help sure up the Pats' defensive line.

Haynesworth returned to the practice field for the first time since early August on Saturday, but did not take part in drills, instead standing on the sidelines and observing. Ellis, on the other hand, returned to practice on Saturday and took part in walk-throughs.

The status for both is unknown heading into the all-important third preseason game against the Detroit Lions next Saturday in Michigan. It's entirely possible that both could be holding out of camp and the preseason to stay healthy, but at this point, it's impossible to know (unless Bill Belichick tells us, which he just won't do).

For now, we can only wait.

Chad Ochocinco Adjusting, Making Progress With Offense

Aside from Haynesworth, the Pats' other biggest offseason acquisition was veteran wide receiver Chad Ochocinco. It had been no secret that Ochocinco and Belichick had a mutual admiration for one another, and in many ways, it was only a matter of time until Ocho joined the Pats.

Ochocinco struggled early on in practices, dropping a few passes to the displeasure of himself and probably the coaches and fans. But Ocho continued to make progress, picking up the offense a little more with each passing day. In his preseason debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday, he only had two catches, but one was a touchdown pass from Tom Brady.

As far as Ocho's famous personality, it hasn't been missing (even though he said he's just here to play football). He hasn't even been in New England for one month, but has already made his presence known. From trips to Boston publicized on Twitter to saying he was going to live with a Pats fan, Ocho has been entertaining to say the least.

It will be interesting to see how Ochocinco performs as he gets more playing time in the final two preseason games and the opening games of the season. But, just like with Haynesworth and Ellis, it's unknown what role or how successful he will be in New England.

Quarterback Depth Not An Issue For Patriots

Tom Brady is arguable the best quarterback in the game at the moment, and one of the greatest of all time. But, it doesn't hurt to have a little insurance behind him, does it? Brian Hoyer and rookie Ryan Mallett have provided more than a little insurance, as both have been very polished in their preseason appearances so far.

Hoyer will serve as Brady's top backup, with Mallett still learning. But make no mistake, both have proven that, if necessary, the can lead the team down the field and can score points.

Hopefully, neither will have to for an extended period of time this season. Brady looks like he's good to go coming off of foot surgery in the offseason, but he is getting older, and injuries are more probable. If Brady did go down for a long period of time, the Patriots wouldn't be in terrible shape, and could still be competitive with Hoyer and Mallett.

Patriots' Defense Will Play 4-3...Or 3-4

With the additions of Haynesworth and Ellis, as well as Andre Carter - Haynesowrth's former teammate with the Redskins, it's easy to see why most have thought that the Patriots will play in a 4-3 base defense this year. For the most part, those suspicions were confirmed in the Pats' first two preseason games. But if Haynesworth and Ellis aren't able to go, then who knows?

We do know one thing though - whether the Pats play in a 3-4 or a 4-3, or any variation, they will play with hunger and determination. In their beatdown of the Bucs on Thursday, the Pats' defenders looked ferocious, making the Tampa Bay offensive line look like a bunch of high schoolers.

It seems like Bilichick and company have instilled a sense of determination into the locker room this season, especially on defense. No matter what scheme, the defenders look like they'll be bringing it this season.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis Leads Shaky Running Back Core

There aren't any immediate problems up front on the Patriots' running back core, with BenJarvus Green-Ellis primed for another good season (he had over 1,000 yards on the ground last season) and Danny Woodhead backing him up, but outside of those two, the Pats' aren't very deep.

Stevan Ridley has looked really good in his first two preseason games, and is making a strong case to be third on the depth chart. However, with Kevin Faulk still out and Shane Vereen still working his way back from an early-camp injury, the Pats were forced to look for outside options, such as free agent back Clinton Portis (who was reportedly in bad shape during his workout).

Belichick has traditionally been able to get by by scrapping together a group of backs, and he might have to do so this year to be successful once more.

Plain And Simple, Patriots Are Dedicated To Winning

I'm sure that every team thinks that they're going to have a great season at this point, but with the Patriots, there's an extra spring in their step. That could very well be coming from the inspiration generated from the team dedicating the season to the late wife of owner Robert Kraft, Myra Kraft, who is being a commemorated by a special patch on the Patriots' jerseys that they will wear all season long.

Myra Kraft played a big role in the lives of many Patriots coaches and players, and it appears that they are ready to dominate the league in her honor. If I were an opposing team, I would be very, very afraid.

Closing Thoughts: This Patriots team looks like it's in for something special this season, as everything appear to be lining up for another Super Bowl run. A healthy Tom Brady is always the top factor in the team's success, as will be the health of the defensive lineman and the entire team in general. There's no reason to believe that Belichick and company won't win the AFC East, and after that, there's good reason to believe a Super Bowl run is in store.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Albert Haynesworth Returns To Practice Field, Still Day-To-Day

2011-08-20T22:19:24Z

Albert Haynesworth has returned to the practice field at New England Patriots training camp, but according to head coach Bill Belichick, he is still listed as day-to-day.

"He's been day-to-day," Belichick said following Saturday's walk-through. "He's still day-to-day. When he's ready, he'll be out there." (via WEEI)

Haynesworth was only watching practice form the sideline and did not have a helmet, according to WEEI. Haynesworth has not practiced for the Patriots since August 3, an in-stadium workout in front of season ticket holders.

In addition, WEEI reports that Shaun Ellis was back on the practice field as well and took part in walk-throughs. Ellis, who had a knee injury entering training camp, and had not officially practiced with the team until today.

Haynesworth is coming off of a lackluster 13-tackle, 2.5-sack season in which he played in eight games. Ellis played in 15 games last season with the New York Jets and recorded 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Pats Reportedly Work Out Clinton Portis

2011-08-20T01:41:09Z

Clinton Portis has reportedly worked out with the New England Patriots, according to a report from The Boston Herald. Portis, a running back formerly of the Washington Redskins and Denver Broncos, was released by the Redskins this spring due to a salary cap move.

Portis was once considered one of the league's premier backs and has rushed for 9,923 yards and 75 touchdowns on 2,230 carries in his nine-year career. Portis has played in 113 games, starting all but five of them.

In 2003, his second season in the league, Portis rushed for a career high 1,591 yards and scored 14 touchdowns on the ground in 13 games. In his rookie campaign in '02, Portis darted for 1,508 yards and a career-high 15 scores.

Last season, Portis played in only five games, rushing for 227 yards and two touchdowns on 54 carries. In 2009, Portis didn't fare much better, playing in eight games and rushing for 494 yards and one touchdown on 124 carries.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Patriots To Work Out WR Mark Clayton

2011-08-18T23:04:18Z

Mark Clayton, a wide receiver formerly of the Baltimore Ravens and St. Louis Rams, will reportedly work out with the New England Patriots on Friday, according to Aaron Wilson of Scout.com.

Source: Mark Clayton to work out for Patriots: http://t.co/RUBos6pless than a minute ago via web Favorite Retweet ReplyAaron Wilson
RavensInsider

Clayton was drafted in 2005 with the No. 22 overall pick by the Ravens and has played six NFL seasons, five of which came in Baltimore.

In 81 games, Clayton has racked up 3,422 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns. Last season, Clayton played in five games and had 23 receptions for 306 yards and two touchdowns.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Training Camp: T.J. Houshmandzadeh A No-Show

2011-08-16T15:52:46Z

So much for that Chad Ochocinco-T.J. Houshmandzadeh reunion. Reports flurried on Sunday that the ex-teammate of Ochocinco in Cincinnati was going to work out for the New England Patriots on Monday. Nope, guess again.

Not only was Houshmandzadeh a no-show at Pats' training camp on Monday, but it's unlikely that he would be brought in, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, who made an appearance on the Dennis & Callahan show on Tuesday.

"Houshmandzadeh makes no sense," he said, adding, "There doesn't seem to be a seat for him. He wouldn't seem to fit whatsoever." (via WEEI)

Florio added that Bill Belichick and company were only doing their due diligence.

"I think that Bill Belichick is willing to turn over every rock out there, and he turned over three rocks yesterday and I think he didn't like what he found. ... You never know what the motivation is. Maybe it's just to apply a foot to the rear end of the guys who are already there." (via WEEI)

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Houshmandzadeh, Sharper, Hill Visit Foxboro

2011-08-15T17:36:32Z

The New England Patriots are taking advantage of a rainy Monday by trying out a few big name veterans currently without NFL homes.

According to several media sources, former Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens wide receiver TJ Houshmandzadeh is working out in Foxboro on Monday. Houshmandzadeh finished his 2010 campaign with only three touchdowns and 30 receptions. The 32 year old will be looking to get back to his career high numbers of the 2007-08 season, where he had 12 touchdowns and 112 receptions.

Houshmandzadeh is also seeking a reunion with his old pal Chad OchoCinco. Last fall, when Houshmandzadeh nearing the end of his time with the Seahawks, OchoCinco tweeted that he badly wished to be reunited with his Bengals teammate. Is OchoCinco lobbying Bill Belichick hard for a Bengals reunion?

The Patriots are also working out safeties Darren Sharper and Renaldo Hill. These veteran safeties have traveled the league in their over decade-long careers. Sharper has played exclusively for NFC teams during his 14 NFL seasons, and played eight games last season for the New Orleans Saints. Hill is going into his 10th season, and has played for four teams over that time. He spent 2010 with the Denver Broncos, and saw time in all 16 regular season games.

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

New England Patriots Training Camp: Mankins To Sign Long-Term?

2011-08-10T20:27:42Z

Logan Mankins has already signed his one-year franchise tender worth $10 million for the 2011 season, and according to Pats owner Robert Kraft, the team is close to signing Mankins to a long-term deal.

"I hope that after locking up our core veterans and bringing in these seasons veterans as I call them, and probably you'll see our good friend Logan Mankins will be signed up soon hopefully to be a Patriot for life," Kraft said. (via WEEI)

Kraft, who also spoke about his late wife Myra Kraft, expressed his strong desire to bring Mankins back.

"If I have a vote it will get done," Kraft said. "The other side's got to want it too, but it's our desire -- it's always been our desire -- but... you can't sign everyone you want, so you need to plan, and I think we did our planning knowing the kind of environment we were coming into, and we tried to position ourselves so we had our core veterans and we could continue to sign the people we want to sign. We very much -- we think that Logan is among the best there is at his position. We drafted him and we want him. "

For more New England Patriots coverage, visit our team page and blog, Pats Pulpit.

Patriots Release Safety Ross Ventrone

2011-08-10T17:18:15Z

Per Shalise Manza Young’s Twitter account, the New England Patriots have released safety Ross Ventrone, according to a team announcement on Wednesday.

Ventrone, who graduated from Villanova University, was signed by the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2010, but did not play in a game for the team last season.

After playing in the Patriots’ preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, Ventrone was waived on August 15, 2010. He was later re-signed and played in the Pats’ last two preseason games. On October 19, 2010, he was signed to the practice squad.

Last January, Ventrone was signed to a contract for the 2011 season, but Bill Belichick and company decided to pull the plug once again.