http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/2239 Recent articles about Victor Hobson en-us The New England Patriots, along with every other NFL team, released enough players to get down to the 53-man roster requirement. As is usually the case, there were some surprise cuts and some surprise players who made the roster. One surprise cut/keeper was the cut of QB Matt Gutierrez in favor of QB Matt Cassel. Cassel really had a poor preseason, and while Gutierrez wasn't much better, he did lead the team to the end zone. Cassel could only muster 2 field goals the entire preseason. The surprises didn't stop there. With Kevin Faulk suspended for the first game of the season due to having marijuana in his possession earlier in the year, the Patriots were able to hold onto one extra player, as Faulk does not count against the 53-man roster. Now, of course, the roster can change in a heart beat as the personnel department looks at who they could possibly pick up to bolster the roster. Players could also be brought back due to injuries/suspensions. Here are some cuts that came as a surprise to me: * QB Matt Gutierrez * CB Fernando Bryant - Bryant put in a lot of time in preseason games, and he didn't really impress. Despite starting each preseason game, his coverage was notably soft and his tackling was pure. Recall that in the first preseason game, he was yanked early for poor coverage and then in the finale against the Giants, he was driven into the end zone by the Giants' back-up TE Darcy Johnson on the Giants' opening scoring drive. * C Mike Flynn - This cut actually came yesterday, but surprised me nonetheless. I thought he played well in the preseason finale and had the experience and position flexibility to be a valuable back-up. I put Flynn near the top of emergency call-backs. * LB Vince Redd - I thought Redd, an undrafted rookie, showed enough solid play on defense and special teams to make the roster. If he clears waivers (a big 'if' in my opinion), I would expect him to land on the Patriots' practice squad. For a full list of cuts and players placed on IR, click here. The following are the keepers that surprised me: * QB Matt Cassel * WR/S Ray Ventrone - I was really pulling for him to make the team. He reminds me of a poor man's Wes Welker, and his retention might actually reflect the severity of Welker's injury suffered in the 3rd preseason game. Let's hope not. * WR/KR C.J. Jones - Here's another player I was pulling for to make the cut. He has shown terrific ability to return kicks, but I'm surprised he made the roster because he has had his bouts with fumblitis. * C/G Dan Connolly - Connolly had some QB exchange problems, including a memorable shotgun snap that sailed over Cassel and was returned for a TD by Tampa Bay. He has also been injured, so I figured he was a PUP/IR candidate. I figured Flynn was going to take Connolly's place for at least this year. * S/KR Matthew Slater - Slater showed flashes of ability returning kicks, but I figured it would be either CJ Jones or Matthew Slater to stick, not both. One of these guys could be candidates to be cut when Kevin Faulk returns after his suspension. Here's the 2008/2009 New England Patriots' 53-man roster, as it stands now, position by position: Quarterback: Tom Brady, Matt Cassel, Kevin O'Connell Runningback:Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Heath Evans Wide Receiver: Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson, Sam Aiken, Ray Ventrone, CJ Jones, Kelley Washington Tight End:Benjamin Watson, David Thomas, Stephen Spach Offensive Line:Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins, Matt Light, Wesley Britt, Dan Connolly, Russ Hochstein, Nick Kaczur, Billy Yates Defensive Line: Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Vince Wilfork, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Le Kevin Smith Linebackers:Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, Mike Vrabel, Adalius Thomas, Gary Guyton, Larry Izzo, Eric Alexander, Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable Cornerbacks: Ellis Hobbs, Lewis Sanders, Terrence Wheatley, Jonathon Wilhite Safeties: Rodney Harrison, James Sanders, Brandon Meriweather, John Lynch, Matthew Slater Special Teams:Kicker Stephen Gostkowski, Punter Chris Hanson, Long Snapper Lonie Paxton One thing that stands out to me is the fact that the Pats kept only 4 corners, two of which are rookies. Now there is flexibility with safeties, most notably Meriweather, who can play nickel corner. It could also be a reflection of the team's first opponent, Kansas City. The Pats have more to worry about in terms of the running game than getting beat by K.C.'s air attack. The signing of Ty Law is also a possibility. It will be interesting to see how things shake up once the Pats scour the cuts from other teams and also who will get released when Kevin Faulk returns. The following are more well-known players cut by other teams that I feel could be picked up by the Patriots: * QB Chris Simms - the Pats would instantly have a legitimate back-up QB who has led a team to the playoffs * Offensive tackle Willie Anderson - the former Pro Bowler could play right tackle or serve as a veteran back-up who could help solidify what has been a suspect offensive line * CB Deltha O'Neal * CB Tyrone Poole - knows the system and could return if the Pats were in a real pinch Sun, 31 Aug 2008 04:46:20 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316046 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316046 I've already said that I'd ink Billy McMullen, Chris Simms, Ryan Moats and Victor Hobson if I were running the Chiefs. Who would you bring in if you were running the show? A lot of pretty good football players got the axe today, so it's a tough call. Which recently released ... Sun, 31 Aug 2008 00:46:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316021 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/316021 The AFC Champion Pats made moves today to get their roster to 53.  Gone are the following players: DL Titus Adams, CB Fernando Bryant, TE Tyson DeVree, S Mark Dillard, C Mark Flynn, RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis, QB Matt Gutierrez, LB Victor Hobson, LB Vince Redd, CB Mike Richardson, T Stephen Sene, DB Antwain Spann, DL Santonio Thomas, and G John Welbourn.  The team also put tackle Oliver Ross (shoulder) on the reserve/non-football injury list, while linebacker Bo Ruud (ankle) and defensive lineman Kenny Smith (arm) were placed on the reserve/injured list. Sat, 30 Aug 2008 18:46:39 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/315846 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/315846 Defensive tackle is wearing his usual number 75 and although so far has not been dominating in the preseason, he is expected to push the opposing offensive line back and add some pressure to the quarterback and break off a block to tackle the QB or running back trying to sneak by him. Newly signed veteran guard/center Mike Flynn from Massachusetts is also wearing the number 75 in cam. After 10 season playing for the Baltimore Ravens, Flynn is looking to catch on with the Patriots. Considering the health issue the Patriots have had along the offensive line so far this offseason, one would hope someone of Flynn's experience and versatility will stays healthy to make the team. The Patriots as a team are also now down to 75 players as roster moves have been made today at 4pm in line with NFL rules. To comply the Patriots have sent offensive guard Neal Stephens to PuP. Which means he does not take up a roster spot, but also that is he not eligible to play for the Patriots during the first six weeks of the season. The Patriots also place Tackle Ryan O'Callaghan on IR due to his shoulder injury. The players released from the team includes last years fan favorite - in the preseason - running back Kyle Ekle. Eckle was released as well in 2006 and picked up off waivers before the Patriots signed him again in 2007. I expect Eckle to hook on with another club. The unfortunate thing for him has been the addition of RB Lamont Jordan. Jordan bring more versatility and experience then Eckle, but if the Patriots do not keep five Jordan or another RB may hit the road this weekend when then the roster must be trimmed gain from 75 to 53. That is right 22 more cuts to happen after this Thursday's game. In the meantime, veteran cornerback Jason Webster and rookie guard/center Ryan Wendell were released from the team. So it looks like Flynn's number 75 isn't up just yet and he has a great chance of making the team now that two OL players from 2007 will not be on the active roster as of the start of the first game of the season. Thursday will be an interesting game to watch as for 22 players it will be their last time on an active roster for the Patriot before the season begins. Likely veteran cuts - QB Matt Cassel, ILB Victor Hobson or ILB Eric Alexander, DT LeKevin Smith, Unexpected veterans and would be a big surprise - RB Kevin Faulk or RB Sammy Morris, S John Lynch Tue, 26 Aug 2008 17:01:09 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313248 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313248 Despite all the coverage this preseason about injuries along the offensive line, injuries in the secondary, poor back-up QB play, and Tom Brady's foot (again), the Patriots have had a couple of bright spots, one being rookie inside linebacker Jerod Mayo, and the other being kicker Stephen Gostkowski. Both players have been able to distinguish themselves through solid play to give Patriot fans some hope moving towards the regular season. Mayo, despite being a rookie, has lined up with the first team defense every preseason game and just about every training camp practice after the first week. He has played well enough to keep newcomer veteran Victor Hobson and Patriots veteran Eric Alexander on the sidelines, despite being in a defense that favors proven veterans, especially at linebacker. Mayo is listed in Sports Illustrated's "NFL Preseason Stars" list, noting that he has averaged "nearly 8 tackles a game." He's also averaging about 5 solo tackles per game, an indication that he can handle stopping opposing players on his own, an overlooked but very important statistic. Poor tackling is a rampant disease in today's NFL, and we have certainly seen plenty of that so far in Pats preseason games. Luckily, the future at inside linebacker doesn't suffer from such a disease. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski came into the preseason with some question marks surrounding him. Recall in the Super Bowl that Belichick passed up the chance to kick about a 45-yard field goal and went for it on 4th down, only to come up short. Belichick's faith in Gostkowski has been questioned numerous times this offseason. However, Gostkowski has answered his critics so far this preseason. In three preseason games, he is a perfect 5-for-5 in field goals, with a long of 53 yards. He also has been stellar on kick-offs, with 3 touchbacks out of 11 kick-offs. Mike Reiss of the Boston Globe comments on Gostkowski's performance this preseason in a video which you can view by clicking here. The returns of Tom Brady and Matt Light in time for the regular season will be a big boost for the offense. In the meantime, remember that it's preseason and try and look at the positives heading into Week One. Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:58:23 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313247 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/313247 OK, I know it's the preseason and having a "Keys to Victory" story is kind of pointless since a victory doesn't really matter. After all, the Colts have lost 13 of their last 15 preseason games and they've done just fine (if you don't count the postseason, of course).So, instead, here are five things to keep an eye on Thursday night when the 2008 Pats kick off their preseason schedule versus the Ravens. 1. Nobody Get Hurt! Seriously, the Pats could lose 70-0 and I really wouldn't care as long as no one got injured. Okay, maybe I'd be a little concerned if they lost that bad, but nothing can derail a team faster than a preseason season-ending injury to someone important. We have no choice but to leave this one in the hands of the Football Gods, so I'm going to stop writing about it for fear of bringing on any kind of curse or jinx. Just pray someone upstairs isn't looking to punish us for last year. 2. Battle of the Back-UpsSo far, neither Matt Cassell, Matt Gutierrez, nor rookie Kevin O'Connell have been exactly lighting it up in camp, but Thursday night will be a chance for one of them to pull away from the pack (I hope). Early indications are that Tom Brady, as well as many other vets, will have the night off. In a perfect world, Cassell would lead a couple touchdown drives with zero instances of tucking the ball and running because he doesn't want to risk throwing an interception. Stuff like that is fine if you're Vince Young; if you haven't started a game since high school and want to prove you're a viable NFL backup, not so much. I wouldn't complain if Kevin O'Connell flashed some kind of brilliance, either.3. Bring the Pain, RooksThis could be the first time in a long time that rookies see significant minutes on defense once the regular season rolls around. But first they've got to prove they've got what it takes to play in an NFL game. By all accounts Jerod Mayo has been living up to expectations in practice. He's fast, physical, and seems to be grasping Bill Belichick's complicated defense. Meanwhile, Terrence Wheatley has also impressed despite getting lit up from time to time by Randy Moss (show me an NFL corner who doesn't).As for the rest of the rookies, like Shawn Crable, Jonathan Wilhite (who probably won't play after pulling up lame Monday night), Gary Guyton and Vince Redd, among others, this will be a chance to see who the "gamers" are. All will surely get significant playing time. And don't call any of them Shirley.4. We Need an O-line Depth ChargeAs I've touched on constantly the last week, my biggest concern for the 2008 Patriots is the offensive line. Matt Light, Stephen Neal and Ryan O'Callaghan are all probably out. The extent of each of their injuries in unknown, but the Pats have been scrambling to sign journeymen tackles so that can't be a good sign. Especially when every opponent this year will try to their best to get pressure on Brady the way the Giants did, though none of them have the talent of the G-men's defensive line.So the play of the current makeshift line, especially in the early offensive series, will be something to watch. Billy Yates and Wesley Britt need to show they are capable starters or at the very least could fill in until everyone gets healthy…if everyone gets healthy, Belichick willing.5. Free Agents Fitting In?Fernando Bryant has thus far looked capable of taking Asante Samuel's place at cornerback, now we'll see if that translates into the game. Linebacker Victor Hobson has been fairly quiet, and has been passed by Mayo on the depth chart according to some observers. But he's an NFL vet and we know he can play at this level. It will be interesting to see his play compared to Mayo once the action is live.Other Individuals to Keep an Eye On:Matthew Slater – universally described as an "explosive" kick returner, he'll need to show that explosion Thursday night if he's going to make the team.Chad Jackson – of course "The Chad" makes this list; Patriots fans are going to watching him like a hawk all preseason. He'll take some punt returns, but it will hard to judge his performance at receiver with the backup quarterbacks throwing him the ball. Still, he needs to do something to show he's ready to contribute this year.Sammy Morris & Lamont Jordan – these two could be fighting for a job, though I tend to believe both will make the roster. Regardless, both will need good games to ensure that.Antwan Spann – he's been having a great camp; that must translate into the game if he's got a shot at making the roster.Tank Williams – Belichick will most likely keep the newly installed defensive wrinkles under wraps for the preseason, but it will be interesting to see if Tank takes any reps at linebacker like he has been doing in practice.We'll be back this weekend with a full analysis of how all this mess plays out Thursday night. Until then, Go Pats! PatriotsPropaganda@gmail.com   Wed, 06 Aug 2008 21:11:28 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302195 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/302195 When the Patriots employ their nickel defense with the "frisco", or three down-linemen, front, Rodney Harrison moves to linebacker. Expect Victor Hobson, who is better in a short zone than Bruschi, to join Rodney inside. Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel will rush from the edge. Wed, 09 Apr 2008 19:26:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233784 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/233784 David Garrard gets the big contract, Hobson chooses the Patriots, Saints add Aaron Glenn and much more local hometown NFL news for Tuesday, April 08, 2008. Tue, 08 Apr 2008 12:29:38 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/232271 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/232271 There are still around two dozen quality players from the defensive side of the ball that remain on the free agent market. Defensive Tackle Albert Haynesworth (franchise player) Rod Coleman Darwin Walker Larry Tripplett Anthony McFarland Grady Jackson Bryan Robinson Ellis Wyms Keith Traylor James Reed William Joseph Ethan Kelley Ian Scott Antonio Garay Kimo von Oelhoffen Ted Washington Russell Davis Nick Eason Defensive End Jared Allen (franchise player) Terrell Suggs (OLB) (franchise player) James Hall Kevin Carter (DT) Mike Rucker Greg Spires Josh Thomas Orpheus Roye ND Kalu Darrion Scott Renaldo Wynn Al Wallace Inside Linebacker Karlos Dansby (franchise player) Lemar Marshall Jeremiah Trotter Brian Simmons Rob Morris (SLB) Caleb Miller Outside Linebacker Takeo Spikes Ian Gold Rosevelt Colvin Victor Hobson Clark Haggans Brandon Chillar Kendrell Bell Keith Adams Rocky Boiman Shawn Barber Donnie Spragan Matt Stewart Safety Ken Hamlin (franchise player) Kenoy Kennedy Chris Crocker Terrence Holt Sun, 16 Mar 2008 08:58:21 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/203017 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/203017