Training Camp Battles: Backs, Kickers, WR's, CB's, and more

 Kicker: Gostkowski vs. Gramatica Who’s winning: deadlock Gramatica has looked very accurate and consistent over the first 14 practices.  However, he has not demonstrated the leg power that Gostkowski has shown to this point.  Personally, I’ll be dissapointed if Gramatica wins the kicking job.  Gramatica can only be decent and Gostkowski can be great.

Runningback: Dillon vs. Maroney

Who’s winning: Dillon

So far, it has been obvious that Dillon will be starter come September 10th.  The veteran has been present at almost every practice and seems to be a step faster than last year at this time.  Although Maroney is performing well, with Dillon healthy, he will not be atop the depth chart at the start of the season however he will receive 5 – 10 carries a game.   

Fullback: Patrick Pass vs. Heath Evans vs. Garrett Mills 

Who’s winning: Patrick Pass

Although Pass is on PUP, I still think he has the upper hand, and it should definately stay that way.  Heath Evans and Garrett Mills have been unimpressive and Patrick Pass is by far the fastest and most versatile of them all.  This should be an easy decision for Coach Belichick.

Conerback: Everybody vs. Everybody

Who’s winning: Ellis Hobbs, Asante Samuel, Randall Gay (maybe)

Despite being burned on three straight plays yesterday, Hobbs has had a very strong training camp.  Asante Samuel has been so-so and Randall Gay was just taken off PUP.  The long-time veteran Chad Scott has also been playing well.  Then you throw Eugene Wilson and Artrell Hawkins (both are S/CB) into the mix and you’ve got yourself one punishing battle.  To this point, Eric Warfield has not looked good at all.

No. 2 WR: Caldwell vs. Jackson vs. Brown

Who’s winning: Caldwell

Reche Caldwell has been the strongest of all training camp wideouts so far.  He just keeps seeming to make great catch after catch, pulling in everything in sight.  With Deion Branch holding out, Reche would get the top starting job.  Surprisingly, I think Troy Brown would get the no. 2 spot.  He’s shown that he’s got at least something left in the tank with this outstanding training camp.  Chad Jackson, who hasn’t been on the field much, has looked OK, not good, not bad.  Bam Childress is also making a good impression on the coaches and I think with a few good preseason games, he should lock up a roster spot.