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Greg Knopping of Pats Pulpit was kind enough to answer us some questions three on the game tonight. Here are the results!
1. How angry are Patriots fans with Adrian Clayborn over the Tom Brady knee injury incident?
Well, as it turns out, not angry at all. The incident could end up qualifying as one of the most overblown bruises in sports history. But had it been serious, I don't think the Patriots fans would have been angry with Clayborn. If anything, it would have landed on the guy trying to block him -- Nate Solder.
2. Are there any under the radar players on the Patriots' roster we should keep an eye on?
At this point, I'm not sure I'd call him under the radar - but receiver Kenbrell Thompkins is one to watch. He's an undrafted free agent, but has quickly ascended to the top of the Patriots' wide receiver depth chart. That might have to do somewhat with the fact that the Patriots don't have much experience at the position, but I'll attribute it more to what Thompkins has accomplished. He's picked up New England's complicated offensive scheme quickly, and has proven to be a reliable route runner.
On defense, watch out for defensive end Michael Buchanan. The seventh round pick played a lot of snaps with the second unit last week against the Eagles, and figures to see extensive playing time again this week. He's got good length, a quick first step, and has active hands. He can rush the quarterback and is fighting hard to earn a roster spot.
3. How have former Buccaneers Aqib Talib and Legarrette Blount done with the Patriots so far?
Very well. Talib has been dominant thus far in training camp and has, perhaps somewhat surprisingly, asserted himself in a leadership position. If he keeps up the good appearance off the field, I feel like he will translate that to on-the-field success. We're still in somewhat of a honeymoon phase, but Patriots fans can't help but like what they've seen thus far.
Blount has also surprised in a positive way. I never appreciated the agility and field vision that he has until last week's game against the Eagles (he's even returned the occasional kick in training camp). He's been a good team player, and is already earning reps above Brandon Bolden as the #2 "power" back behind starter Stevan Ridley.
We still don't know how their stories will end, but positive starts thus far for both of the former Bucs.
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- Thursday Night NFL Open Thread
- NFL Regular Season Win Totals: Buccaneers to go 6-10 per Prisco; 35% chance of playoffs per Football Outsiders