PatsFan37

I started this as a reply in the Deltha O'Neal thread, but it didn't seem appropriate there. The question is: who is the replacement for James Sanders at safety? Spann or Lewis Sanders (or even Ray Ventrone)? The obvious answer seems to be Lewis Sanders, if for no other reason than it will help the announcers, who need all the help they can get.

I think Lewis Sanders has played well this year. Covers well in the short zone, hits hard, good against the run, good against tight ends. Doesn't seem to have the range to play deep against a fast receiver, but he fills the Chad Scott position nicely. I expect they extend this guy for a couple years.

Spann might have better speed but doesn't have the heft to play Lewis Sanders run-stopping role. At 210, Sanders is 25 pounds heavier than Spann and the stoutest DB available this Sunday. Alternatively, they could put Spann at FS and Meriweather at SS and leave O'Neal off the field altogether. But I don't think they'll do that. For all that O'Neal has been juked out of his shoes, I'm not sure Sanders would do any better against top receivers in man coverage.

Looking back: of the three veteran corners competing to make the team, Bryant was cut before the season, Webster was on and off the team and finally placed on injured reserve (is he still there? did he get an injury settlement?). Lewis Sanders is the only one to stick and he looks like a keeper.

Edited to add: according to the Globe, it is Sanders:

JSn

This will be interesting to watch, especially since the TE position isn't one of the real bad spots on the Raiders team (so I'm told). Could be an excellent match-up.

I sometimes wonder if, as pieces get moved around, there's a chance Bill and Dean stumble on some kind of solid-very good combination in the defense before it's too late.

Perhaps the new play at safety will add a dimension of pressure and success to the D. Here's hoping...

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BelichickFan

Solely in terms of coverage Meriweather and a below average but playable CB in L. Sanders should be a decent pair. Unless they blow coverages due to inexperience I can't see how they don't have the physical ability to be solid coverage safeties. Of course our #2 and #3 CB are dreadful but that's another issue.

JoeSixPat

Given where the Patriots are in their defensive depth chart this season it wouldn't surprise me to see them dig up Colonel Sanders and suit him up to start.

unoriginal

Coverage and pursuit shouldn't be an issue, but run angles probably will be.

Fencer

There's probably a regulation against that sort of thing -- a reinstatement process for the dead that's a lot harder than (for example) voter registration in Chicago.

On the other hand, New England icon Bernie Sanders might have some game ...

Pats726

I like LSanders although I feel he has missed a lot of tackles recently...I do think he's the best for now...Spann is shorter..by an inch...but closer to 15 pounds lighter...NOT 25....Sanders is closer to 200 not 210 and Spann is 185...but LSanders has played moe safety so that in itself is helpful. They will try a number of combos this week..they REALLY need run support...so I agree LSanders is the best shot.

Deus Irae

This brings a question to mind:

With the possible (likely?) retirement of Harrison, this team really could use a big safety. Are there any decent safety prospects in the college ranks that would fit the bill?

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JSn

Was it LSanders that was taking bad angles earlier in the year and letting guys escape?

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Pats726

I am not sure..but the last few games..he's had some tackling issues...as has a few others...Wilhite was watching at times...NOT going after runners...and others have had issues...sloppy tackling bad..