New England Patriots Rumors: Offense Struggling?
By Cyrus Geller
The New England Patriots completed another “open” OTA session yesterday, so I just wanted to pass along a few links from beat reporters that were at practice.
Offense Struggling?
"Not a sharp day for the offense: Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo’s five interceptions highlighted how this wasn’t the best day for the offense, but it didn’t stop there, as plays had to be re-run at times, tight end Rob Gronkowskiwas among those uncharacteristically dropping a pass, and I noticed one sequence where a running back had to be called on to the field because a general lack of awareness of what was taking place. No reason for major concern, of course, but as Bill Belichick said, the Patriots wouldn’t be going through these drills if they didn’t have meaning. The offense will look to rebound next week, as the team has four practices scheduled."
Aaron Dobson Taking Advantage Of Healthy Offseason
"The second half of Dobson’s rookie season was all but wiped out due to a stress fracture in his foot. That ultimately led to an offseason surgery that derailed his entire 2014 season, and when he finally got the chance to play last December, his hamstring gave out on a go-route in Green Bay.The 2013 second-round pick is simply elated to be 100 percent healthy for the first time in two years.“I’m just glad to be back out here,” Dobson said. “I wasn’t out here this time last year, so I’m just glad to be out here with my teammates. I’ve been having fun and trying to get better every day.”"
Patriots OTA’s Observations: Jimmy Garoppolo Shaky In Two Minute Drill
"With time in the pocket, Garoppolo was 12 for 14 with an interception in 11-on-11 drills and 10 for 11 in 7-on-7s. Those numbers dipped to 15 of 25 with four interceptions while Garoppolo was running the two-minute offense, however. So, the second-year pro has plenty to work on during the final weeks of OTAs. His receivers weren’t doing him many favors. Tight end Fred Davis had two drops, and two of Garoppolo’s interceptions came off deflected passes."
Don’t make too much of Garoppolo’s OTA performance
"“It literally could not be more inconsequential than it is right now. when they’re doing OTAs, they’re not engaged on defense, first of all. The guys that he’s throwing to are Fred Davis and a collection of guys that probably aren’t going to make the NFL.“They’re going extreme up-tempo, some of these balls are tipped, some of them are ricochets, some of them are quickly made poor decisions. They’re still on the install. They’re not even grading them. The only people that are grading them are us. Right when they finished I said, you know what, information is good. What we choose to do with the information is where it gets dangerous. I wouldn’t make too much of that number five you had next to picks.”"