Front Seven Weak Link - New England Patriots Forums

***mgteich*** · 01-12-2009, 11:00 AM

OUR CURRENT 15 FRONT SEVEN PLAYERS AND BACKUPS
starters: Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Vrabel, Mayo, Guyton, Thomas
situational players: Green, Colvin, Woods, Bruschi
backups: Smith, Adams, Crable, Redd/Robertson/Craig
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Where is the weak link? I would submit that their isn't one, except for Adams who is our current replacement for Wright. Guyton is learning, but that's fine.
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This is where we are. There is certainly room for upgrades, but this is not a bad start. This is a very strong front seven. And I understand that some poster think that anyone who is 30 over over should be cut, or at best be an inactive backup playing for minimum wages. Thankfully belichick disagrees with this approach.

I would do what we need to in order to re-sign Wright (to replace Adams) and to extend who we can.

SeymourTrophies · 01-12-2009, 11:03 AM

We have struggled with our pass rush since Willie left. I would say Vrabel is the weakest link, but we don't necessarily have a weak link.

signbabybrady · 01-12-2009, 11:05 AM

If our front seven returns as is next year I think we are fine. I think the unit could use a better pass rusher (whether that be a situational dlinemen or OLB) and a better back up for the Nose.

I really think other than the secodary there is no real need for this team....thats no to say various positions couldn't be upgraded but if they weren't it wont kill us.

***DarrylS*** · 01-12-2009, 11:06 AM

This is going to be unpopular, but right now Mayo and Guyton are pretty good and will be excellent.. but both seemed to have difficulty in pass coverage, particularly against some of the TE's going over the middle.

Mayo will be an all pro, Guyton will be very good.. but right now there is a terrific learning curve going on.

Do not see Colvin here next year.. he often looked lost out there.

billdog3484 · 01-12-2009, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DarrylS

This is going to be unpopular, but right now Mayo and Guyton are pretty good and will be excellent.. but both seemed to have difficulty in pass coverage, particularly against some of the TE's going over the middle.

it may be unpopular but its definitely true. i dont think anyone can disagree with the statement you made

PatsFan2 · 01-12-2009, 11:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

OUR CURRENT 15 FRONT SEVEN PLAYERS AND BACKUPS
starters: Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Vrabel, Mayo, Guyton, Thomas
situational players: Green, Colvin, Woods, Bruschi
backups: Smith, Adams, Crable, Redd/Robertson/Craig
============================================
Where is the weak link? I would submit that their isn't one, except for Adams who is our current replacement for Wright. Guyton is learning, but that's fine.
=============================================
This is where we are. There is certainly room for upgrades, but this is not a bad start. This is a very strong front seven. And I understand that some poster think that anyone who is 30 over over should be cut, or at best be an inactive backup playing for minimum wages. Thankfully belichick disagrees with this approach.

I would do what we need to in order to re-sign Wright (to replace Adams) and to extend who we can.

I know that many would dissagree that your buddy Mike Vrabel based on his play last year was a Weakest Link.

MetalBleachers · 01-12-2009, 11:15 AM

The lack of a pass rush bothers me, esp. because it was apparent even with AD and a healthy Seymour out there. Should they draft a pass-rushing OLB, or bulk up the DBs and hope the coverage gives the front 7 more time?

Chicken or egg?

patsfaninpa · 01-12-2009, 11:16 AM

I would argue ILB starter opposite Mayo is a weak link. Baltimore has B.Scott
there. Pitt has L.Timmons a former 1st rounder. Bruschi was a warrior. But, we
have to move on. We did it with Willie,Ty, Lawyer, etc. Same with Bruschi and
Vrabel. We need a pass-rush out of that position. If Mike can't do it any more.
That position requires it. He didn't get to the qb in 08. What makes anyone think
he can in 09?

I love what our corps of vets did for this franchise. And, if you want to keep
them around as backups fine. But, that will hurt your special teams. We need to
thank them, put them in Pats Hall of Fame and move on. I don't get the Pierre
Woods love. Nice special teamer. Hardly a play-marker. Occasional pass-rusher
off bench a la Banta-Cain. Not a starter on a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
I still can't get over that fumble he didn't recover in Super Bowl against Giants.
Ball dropped at this feet. Still couldn't come up with it.

***Rob0729*** · 01-12-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by haventrinity12

We have struggled with our pass rush since Willie left. I would say Vrabel is the weakest link, but we don't necessarily have a weak link.

In fairness, the Pats were second in the league in sacks in 2007 with 47 with Vrabel being the first Patriot since McGinest in the 90s to have a double digit sack total. They were 5th in 2006 with 44. Let's not exggerate the lack of pass rush.

***mayoclinic*** · 01-12-2009, 11:24 AM

I would agree it's a fairly strong group, but with plenty of room for improvement. Right now Vrabel and Guyton are the weakest links among the starters - one slowing down, the other still raw and unproven. I think we lack for depth, speed, and pass rushers. Need to bring Wright back or find an equivalent replacement. Need a true NT backup for Vince. Need DE depth or extension plan to cover Seymour/Green/Wright all FAs by end of 2009.

The Giants had a strong DL with Stahan and Osi but that didn't stop them from drafting Tuck and Kiwi. It seemed to work out well for them. I would like to see us similarly stockpile talent up front, especially in the LBs who are the key to BB's defense.