Reloading mid-season at LB - New England Patriots Forums

Fencer · 11-10-2008, 05:11 AM

The Adalius Thomas thread is badly polluted with "I broke the news first"/"No you didn't" BS. I don't want to wade through it, so I'm starting over.

Here's how I see it:

Mayo and Guyton are rookies. Expecting them to play elsewhere than ILB is unrealistic. That's hard enough to learn.
Vrabel and Woods are the obvious starters at OLB.
Bruschi IS still a starter at ILB, and probably will get most of his reps there.
Bringing in a guy who doesn't know the system to be a pure pass rusher is not crazy. But if they liked that idea, would they ever have red-shirted Crable?
Bringing in a guy who doesn't know the system to do much more than pass rush is unrealistic.
So yes, it's Colvin/Seau/Redd time.

***DarrylS*** · 11-10-2008, 05:32 AM

Prior to knowing about Thomas this AM, had wondered what happened to Colvin.. not sure he is the answer, we let him go and did not even make the Texan's roster... suspect that his injuries have caught up with him.. not sure the alternative, but as always this team adapts..

***reflexblue*** · 11-10-2008, 05:35 AM

Houston signed Colvein but hes sitting at home from what I've read. He would be my choice.

BritPat · 11-10-2008, 05:37 AM

I'd forget Junior, he's not going to help our pass rush.

Rosie for me too, although I'm intrigued to see what Redd could do. God knows how much he's learned though, it can't be much on the PS surely?

Mack Herron · 11-10-2008, 05:54 AM

He will be missed. Among his many skills, the pass rush has been weak and AD was our best with 5 sacks. Vrabel in particular seems to have lost a step. But pass rushers are a rare commodity so they will have to figure out another way.

Schmo · 11-10-2008, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarrylS

Prior to knowing about Thomas this AM, had wondered what happened to Colvin.. not sure he is the answer, we let him go and did not even make the Texan's roster... suspect that his injuries have caught up with him.. not sure the alternative, but as always this team adapts..

I think the Pats have proven that they can integrate certain players much better than other teams. i.e. Lamont Jordan and Randy Moss cast off from the Raiders.

IMO Colvin getting released by the Texans is a sure sign that he is ready to be a pro-bowler as a Patriot.

Wretch · 11-10-2008, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fencer

The Adalius Thomas thread is badly polluted with "I broke the news first"/"No you didn't" BS. I don't want to wade through it, so I'm starting over.

Here's how I see it:

Mayo and Guyton are rookies. Expecting them to play elsewhere than ILB is unrealistic. That's hard enough to learn.
Vrabel and Woods are the obvious starters at OLB.
Bruschi IS still a starter at ILB, and probably will get most of his reps there.
Bringing in a guy who doesn't know the system to be a pure pass rusher is not crazy. But if they liked that idea, would they ever have red-shirted Crable?
Bringing in a guy who doesn't know the system to do much more than pass rush is unrealistic.
So yes, it's Colvin/Seau/Redd time.

OK going WAY out on a limb, but do they start playing more 4-3 with Mike Wright?

MetalBleachers · 11-10-2008, 07:02 AM

If Seau was looking for an opportunity to come back, he's got it. He's in the rotation at OLB with Vrabel and Woods, and could provide some pressure off the edge. Seau is stronger vs. the run than Colvin.

Brady, Maroney, Harrison, Thomas. Someone please tell the football gods: that's enough for 2008, okay?

MetalBleachers · 11-10-2008, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wretch

OK going WAY out on a limb, but do they start playing more 4-3 with Mike Wright?

I don't think that's out on a limb at all. They might use more of it; It's just that they never want to project a game plan, and the 3-4 allows them the most flexibility.

Didn't they start the Buffalo game in a 4-3 alignment, bringing Thomas down in a DE position? hard to tell.

JSn · 11-10-2008, 07:30 AM

I think we'll see more DT heavy alignments for sure, but if AD is headed for IR you can pretty much bank on the activation of Vince Redd.