Season Feels So Far Away...
I know that the season is actually rapidly approaching, but the steady stream of mediocre news surrounding the Patriots is innocuous. To sum up the NFL news (minus Seau and Saints):
*Lets start with the signing of Gerard Warren. Good solid journeyman DL to bolster any front. Certainly not an enormous pass rush threat, but produced better at DT in 2011 than he had in 2010 at DE. Projects to play around 15-20% of defensive snaps.
*The Comments by John Harbaugh, widely misunderstood, and he apologizes. See article here.
*Former Illinois Coach Ron Zook praises Tavon Wilson for his commitment to winning and his versatility. Zook says that he can relate to Belichick in thinking that Wilson is the third best safety in the draft behind Barron and Smith. Wilson is, by all accounts, a real Belichick type guy. Also his measureables are not far off the more heralded competition
*Todd McShay lauds the Patriots draft haul, describing Chandler Jones as a "perfect fit" for Belichick's scheme. Also he insisted that Dont'a Hightower has "a chance to be a star." He acknowledges Alfonzo Dennard as a steal, and his sentiments were backed up by former teammate Prince Amukamara.
*Jabar Gaffney returns, which prompts Tiquan Underwood to promptly vacate the receiving corps in search of greener pastures. At his his level of play, he is better off trying to make it with a team during a full camp rather than look for a spot after final cuts. The depth at the position is intriguing, but so much relies upon the performance of aging veterans that it is impossible to know how each player will be used (or not used...Chad Ochocinco). I hope the Ocho thing works out, but it is only hope that we have to go on.
*Vince Wilfork registers at #81 in an NFL players poll, garnering much praise for his ability to take on multiple blockers and still make plays. Big Vince actually fell in the polls from last year, despite registering more sacks, INTs, and snaps. Wilfork's importance to the team cannot be understated.
*Trevor Scott finally speaks to reporters and makes himself known to be part of the 90-man roster. There is intense competition at the DE position, and Scott claims to be here to "start over." He is returning for his first full season since a 2010 knee injury.
*Matt Light will hold a press conference to officially announce his retirement on Monday. Light was a truly great Patriot, and his should be honored with a place in the Patriots Hall of Fame. Nate Solder showed more than enough talent as a rookie to convince me that Brady's blindside is in good hands.
*The Pats add another DE in Justin Francis (6'2" 268) for good measure. There truly is an embarrassment of riches at WR, DE, DB, and LB. There figures to be healthy competition, and considerable quality depth before and after final roster cut downs.
*Lets start with the signing of Gerard Warren. Good solid journeyman DL to bolster any front. Certainly not an enormous pass rush threat, but produced better at DT in 2011 than he had in 2010 at DE. Projects to play around 15-20% of defensive snaps.
*The Comments by John Harbaugh, widely misunderstood, and he apologizes. See article here.
*Former Illinois Coach Ron Zook praises Tavon Wilson for his commitment to winning and his versatility. Zook says that he can relate to Belichick in thinking that Wilson is the third best safety in the draft behind Barron and Smith. Wilson is, by all accounts, a real Belichick type guy. Also his measureables are not far off the more heralded competition
*Todd McShay lauds the Patriots draft haul, describing Chandler Jones as a "perfect fit" for Belichick's scheme. Also he insisted that Dont'a Hightower has "a chance to be a star." He acknowledges Alfonzo Dennard as a steal, and his sentiments were backed up by former teammate Prince Amukamara.
*Jabar Gaffney returns, which prompts Tiquan Underwood to promptly vacate the receiving corps in search of greener pastures. At his his level of play, he is better off trying to make it with a team during a full camp rather than look for a spot after final cuts. The depth at the position is intriguing, but so much relies upon the performance of aging veterans that it is impossible to know how each player will be used (or not used...Chad Ochocinco). I hope the Ocho thing works out, but it is only hope that we have to go on.
*Vince Wilfork registers at #81 in an NFL players poll, garnering much praise for his ability to take on multiple blockers and still make plays. Big Vince actually fell in the polls from last year, despite registering more sacks, INTs, and snaps. Wilfork's importance to the team cannot be understated.
*Trevor Scott finally speaks to reporters and makes himself known to be part of the 90-man roster. There is intense competition at the DE position, and Scott claims to be here to "start over." He is returning for his first full season since a 2010 knee injury.
*Matt Light will hold a press conference to officially announce his retirement on Monday. Light was a truly great Patriot, and his should be honored with a place in the Patriots Hall of Fame. Nate Solder showed more than enough talent as a rookie to convince me that Brady's blindside is in good hands.
*The Pats add another DE in Justin Francis (6'2" 268) for good measure. There truly is an embarrassment of riches at WR, DE, DB, and LB. There figures to be healthy competition, and considerable quality depth before and after final roster cut downs.
The link to the article in the Harbaugh slugline goes to the "Sinking In...Return Of The Belichick Defense" article you wrote.
ReplyDeleteAlso, I was waiting for the dust to settle on the WR situation before commenting on your tentative roster: Ocho, Stallworth make the cut. Gaffney, Gonzalez, Branch don't. I hate to say that about Deion Branch, but unlike Stallworth he can't still separate from the press. Gonzalez might work, but he's too fragile to play in the slot, and unless he can out-YAC Brandon Lloyd he's probably not going to be that useful (especially if Chad learns the playbook and returns to form). Gaffney has the best chance of getting a roster spot because of his Branch-like rhythm with Tom Brady, but the last time the gang was rounded up--2007--he was then far and away the #4 receiver behind Stallworth. I say he doesn't make it.
Also: I think it's possible that Julian Edelman either has his playing time/coaching gets switched to grooming him as a slot corner or just gets cut outright. The former because he's valuable as insurance in a depth crisis, but the latter because with all the signings he might not be necessary as he isn't that good at either.
The real issue is going to be the depth at safety. Wilson, Gregory, et al. are good, (and I'm hoping this means that McCourty will go back to being a corner), but without Patrick Chung the Patriots don't have a have a proper Strong Safety. As I mentioned before, with such a strong and mobile front 7 this isn't necessarily a problem, it's just that the tight end's utility is likely going to be revised/re-emphasized this season after the breakout TE performances last season.
I think that that Tavon Wilson will be the go-to TE cover guy. He has good size, strength, and awareness. If they are facing a dominant TE, he will be chipped by Ninkovich or another LB.
ReplyDeletegood looks on the link. probably wont change it though..oh well
As for your speculations at WR... idk if I agree. I think that Britt Davis, Jeremy Ebert, Gonzalez, and Branch face the toughest challenges to make the roster. Edelman will continue to be Welker's back-up and punt returner.
Ocho needs to be a mid-long range threat in the seam to stick around. I think he will, but if he struggles, he will be traded for a 6th rounder or cut.