PATRIOT64

BB has made up his decision and announced that Wheately,the rookie second round draft pick will start and play opposite Hobbs on Sunday and the fact that O'Neal a veteran recent CB signing did not change his decision.

While Wheately has more knowledge of the Patriots complicated defensive schemes since learning them in camp and preseason,O'Neal has veteran presence and have seen the likes of KC and their receivers several times before in his years in the NFL and in the regular season where it counts now.

With that being said,If you were head coach would you go with the young unproven rookie and take your chances he will handle the likes of Gonzalez and Bowe that will come by his way sunday or do you go with the veteran who has not played with this defense yet but knows KC better and played in many meaningful games.

What would be your choice?

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fnordcircle

It's hard to say. I can't gauge either one's football aptitude. I'm sure there's a million subtleties in the Pats' defense, but what's equally important is how each of the two players transitions through the various phases of coverage. How quick they can move up to the line on a short pass, how properly they turn their hips depending on the route, how well they can gauge which type of route is being run, etc.

Going up against the Chiefs I'd also want to give extra consideration to the better tackler of the two since we'll undoubtedly be seeing a healthy dose of Larry Johnson.

Probably O'Neal, despite how excited I am to see Wheatley play when it counts.

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mavfan2390

Wheatley. Our offense can carry us against KC, it's important to get Wheatley lot of reps when it matters now, we can rely on him in the playoffs.

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PATRIOT64

Hopefuly the front 7 can keep Johnson from getting beyond them much of the game,If the CBs and Safeties have to be in on too many tackles involving Larry Johnson then it could be a tough going for the Patriots defense against the run

Simply said,Stop Larry Johnson and KC really is in trouble,IMO Gonzalez is still very good but is not the huge threat he used to be and Bowe is a very promising youngster but still is a little bit raw

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PATRIOT64

Unless you plan on being a Raiders or Bengals fan shortly then that signature picture gotta go

But I have to admit,it was a nice picture of that one pass Jackson actually CAUGHT from Brady - so rare it should be on ebay

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ginachen

I think i will choose O'Neal, because he has been to 2 pro bowls and has more experience.

Deus Irae

This would have been a much closer call for me if it was the Jets in week 1.

Wheatley is currently the team's #2 CB. I definitely start him against a Chiefs team that has only 1 WR threat when the alternative player (O'Neal) doesn't yet know the system. The Patriots can do for Wheatley what they did for Samuel and just roll the coverage to his side and leave Hobbs singled up as needed, if they are concerned about Wheatley getting abused.

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Patjew

Good thread topic.


I agree with that.

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italian pat patriot

for game 1 i should go with Wheatley-then we see...probably Deltha O'Neal has to adapt a little bit too here in Foxboro

Box_O_Rocks

Wheatley. O'Neal or Wilhite will get to spell him when the coaches want to walk him through the game photos and coach him on route recognition, technique, etc.

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