Welcome to the Donkey Show.
Do you realize that NFL Training camps open in Less than 2 weeks?
Patriots QB Tom Brady, left, and much of last year's receiving corps. (Jim Davis / Globe Staff)
STRENGTH
The top of the depth chart. A 1-2 punch of Randy Moss and Wes Welker is tough to stop on many levels, and also opens opportunities for the third receiver in three-wide packages.
WEAKNESS
After Moss, Welker and Jabar Gaffney, there is some uncertainty.
TOP QUESTIONS
Can Chad Jackson step into the role vacated by Donte' Stallworth? Can Randy Moss (98 catches, 23 TDs) and Wes Welker (112 catches) duplicate their remarkable 2007 seasons? Will Kelley Washington emerge as more than a special teamer?
INSTANT ANALYSIS
The Patriots were in three-wide or four-wide packages on 67 percent of their offensive snaps in 2007, a reflection of how they wanted their playmaking receivers on the field. Donte' Stallworth played in 60 percent of the team's offensive snaps last season -- most often as the Z receiver on the tight-end side -- and that role is up for grabs. Chad Jackson, a second-round draft choice in 2006, has a golden chance to assume those responsibilities, with Jabar Gaffney and Kelley Washington also options. Gaffney is valuable in that he plays all the receiver spots. Although his official position is receiver, Sam Aiken was signed as a free agent more for his special teams skills, so he could be a sixth addition to the roster (the team kept five receivers out of camp last year). Fifth-round pick Matthew Slater, who is a return man with the ability to play safety and receiver, could also factor into the mix. C.J. Jones and Robert Ortiz are longer shots.
FUTURE
After re-signing with the Patriots for one year this offseason, Jabar Gaffney is lone player atop the depth chart with a contract that expires after the 2008 season. Chad Jackson (2009), Kelley Washington (2009), Randy Moss (2010), Wes Welker (2011) all have multiple years left.
Here is a List Copied from NFL.com with every teams Opening Date.
Opening dates
Baltimore Ravens
Westminster, Md.
July 21 (rookies), July 23 (veterans) More information
Buffalo Bills
Pittsford, N.Y.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
Cincinnati Bengals
Georgetown, Ky.
July 27 (rookies and veterans) More information
Cleveland Browns
Berea, Ohio
July 22 (rookies and veterans)
Denver Broncos
Englewood, Colo.
July 24 (rookies and veterans)
Houston Texans
Houston
July 25 (rookies and veterans) More information
Indianapolis Colts
Terre Haute, Ind.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville
July 25 (rookies and veterans) More information
Kansas City Chiefs
River Falls, Wis.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
Miami Dolphins
Davie, Fla.
July 25 (rookies and veterans) More information
New England Patriots
Foxboro, Mass.
July 21 (rookies), July 23 (veterans) Full schedule
New York Jets
Hempstead, N.Y.
July 16 (rookies), July 23 (veterans) More information
Oakland Raiders
Napa Valley, Calif.
July 24 (rookies and veterans)
Pittsburgh Steelers
Latrobe, Pa.
July 27 (rookies and veterans) More information
San Diego Chargers
San Diego
July 20 (rookies), July 24 (veterans) More information
Tennessee Titans
Nashville, Tenn.
July 25 (rookies and veterans)
NFC
Team
Location
Opening dates
Arizona Cardinals
Flagstaff, Ariz.
July 23 (rookies and veterans) More information
Atlanta Falcons
Flowery Branch, Ga.
July 25 (rookies and veterans) More information
Carolina Panthers
Spartanburg, S.C.
July 25 (rookies and veterans) More information
Chicago Bears
Bourbonnais, Ill.
July 22 (rookies and veterans) More information
Dallas Cowboys
Oxnard, Calif.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
Detroit Lions
Allen Park, Mich.
July 23 (rookies and veterans)
Green Bay Packers
Green Bay, Wis.
July 27 (rookies and veterans) More information
Minnesota Vikings
Mankato, Minn.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
New Orleans Saints
Jackson, Miss./Metairie, La.
July 23 (rookies and veterans) More information
New York Giants
Albany, N.Y.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
Philadelphia Eagles
Bethlehem, Pa.
July 21 (rookies), July 24 (veterans) More information
San Francisco 49ers
Santa Clara, Calif.
July 24 (rookies and veterans) More information
Seattle Seahawks
Kirkland, Wash.
July 22 (rookies), July 24 (veterans)
St. Louis Rams
Mequon, Wis.
July 24 (rookies and veterans)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Lake Buena Vista, Fla.
July 25 (rookies and veterans)
Washington Redskins
Ashburn, Va.
July 19 (rookies and veterans) More information
