Pats Linebacker Situation

One of the major concerns for many Patriots fans entering camp was a lack of depth at linebacker. Just more than a week into practice, those fears may have been realized.

With Tedy Bruschi and Chad Brown both on the shelf, reportedly with wrist injuries, the Patriots already thin corps has taken on an Ally McBeal look lately. As a result, there may be some changes in store for Bill Belichick’s defense.

Tuesday afternoon’s practice featured a 4-3 base set with veteran free agent acquisition Barry Gardner manning the middle linebacker spot. Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin manned the outside positions behind a front that included Ty Warren and Mike Wright outside and Le Kevin Smith and Vince Wilfork inside. The team also worked plenty of four-man fronts during the morning session.

Obviously the alignment doesn’t necessarily mean the end of the 3-4. Belichick spends plenty of time every year working on a variety of fronts and looks and this camp has been no different. But perhaps with such a paucity of depth at linebacker he believes he’ll need more 4-3 work – at least early in the season if Bruschi is out for any extended period.

That wasn’t the only change to the daily routine for the defense. Eugene Wilson, who has spent most his time working at corner during camp, continues to work back at safety, lining up with Artrell Hawkins along with corners Ellis Hobbs and Asante Samuel.

Who’s hot: Patrick Cobbs – The little-known running back has made the most of his limited opportunities during camp. While the likes of Corey Dillon, Laurence Maroney and Kevin Faulk getting the bulk of the attention, Cobbs has shown a nice burst through the middle and good hands coming out of the backfield. On Tuesday he played the role of Atlanta’s Warrick Dunn and he certainly did the Pro Bowler justice with several nifty cuts and runs. Cobbs seems like an ideal practice squad candidate.

Who’s not: Troy Brown – The normally reliable receiver had a case of the dropsies during the afternoon practice. On consecutive reps during a seven-on-seven drill, he dropped well-thrown passes from Tom Brady, the latter of which bounced high in the air after he failed to hold it. Roughly 30 minutes later, Brown spent some extra time catching passes from Brady on the side.

Play of the practice: Josh Miller unleashed a titanic punt during a drill midway through the practice. Faulk was lined up around the 15-yard line and had to run back into the end zone but never got a chance to catch it because the ball bounced off the crossbar.

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