Waters and Light
Retirement? After playing 23 games (preseason included) and coming up short by a play or two must be an excruciating way to end a career. When Brian Waters and Matt Light walked off the field at Lucas Oil in Indy, I don't doubt that an, "I'm gettin' too old for this shit" feeling may have crept in for a moment. I just hope that the feeling did not stick with them as the offseason progresses.
I think that Matt Light may have had his most consistent year at LT, and he most certainly passed the eyeball test in almost every game this year. His performance in the Superbowl was positive, and the Giants' pressure was less of a factor than in Light's most infamous SB XLII. Indeed, we have drafted a capable replacement in Nate Solder. Sebastian Vollmer's various injury troubles give me cause for concern moving forward. Tackle is an important position, and it cannot hurt to have depth at the position. Likewise, Light still has good football left in him. I hope that he does not retire because I want him to be a part of the next championship. The business end of the game may get in the way of keeping Light, the two sides may not be on the same page concerning Matt's role with the team.
Brian Waters has been the best free agent signing the Patriots have made in many years. His versatility, dependability, and propensity for perfection in protection were a constant strength for the Patriots in 2011. He understood the offense immediately, and continued to get better as the year progressed. He did this all while playing out of position, after being thrust into a starting role. The pressure numbers indicate that Waters was outstanding in protection. I don't see how anyone could think that this guy is done simply because he is a year older. I think that his replacement has yet to be found, and having him back for one more year could ease the transition greatly. His return would also give us flexibility with the Koppen/Connolly free agent situation.
Overall, these guys are not washed up. Younger players must be drafted immediately to fill the holes in the line, but I would like to have the veteran leaders extend their careers for another Superbowl run. This 2012 Patriots team will be a contender, and I would love to see Brian Waters win a ring after being hidden in KC for his whole career.
I think that Matt Light may have had his most consistent year at LT, and he most certainly passed the eyeball test in almost every game this year. His performance in the Superbowl was positive, and the Giants' pressure was less of a factor than in Light's most infamous SB XLII. Indeed, we have drafted a capable replacement in Nate Solder. Sebastian Vollmer's various injury troubles give me cause for concern moving forward. Tackle is an important position, and it cannot hurt to have depth at the position. Likewise, Light still has good football left in him. I hope that he does not retire because I want him to be a part of the next championship. The business end of the game may get in the way of keeping Light, the two sides may not be on the same page concerning Matt's role with the team.
Brian Waters has been the best free agent signing the Patriots have made in many years. His versatility, dependability, and propensity for perfection in protection were a constant strength for the Patriots in 2011. He understood the offense immediately, and continued to get better as the year progressed. He did this all while playing out of position, after being thrust into a starting role. The pressure numbers indicate that Waters was outstanding in protection. I don't see how anyone could think that this guy is done simply because he is a year older. I think that his replacement has yet to be found, and having him back for one more year could ease the transition greatly. His return would also give us flexibility with the Koppen/Connolly free agent situation.
Overall, these guys are not washed up. Younger players must be drafted immediately to fill the holes in the line, but I would like to have the veteran leaders extend their careers for another Superbowl run. This 2012 Patriots team will be a contender, and I would love to see Brian Waters win a ring after being hidden in KC for his whole career.
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