Crable is only capable of being a third-down rusher - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

FirstAndGoal · 03-01-2009, 09:05 AM

Personally, I'd rather see him play than make decisions based on the size of his legs but I guess we all have our interests

condon84 · 03-01-2009, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MetalBleachers

You mentioned Matthews and Cushing. Think about English, Barwin, and Kruger, too. I agree that if Woods is the starter they've gone downhill, but I figure there's a plan that involves an OLB draft pick and an ILB free agent (Barton, Seward). Not time to panic yet, even though my finger is hovering over the red button.

No way we go into the season with a rookie OLB. Mayo is special and ILB is a little different than OLB. OLB is a tougher position to learn, especially in this Patriot 3-4 system. And I doubt Bill trades one of his starting OLB because he's got his eye on someone in the draft. Too risky. I am sure he has someone in the roster already that he feels can step in and start. Based on this trade, we know that he is comfortable going into the season with the LBs we have and have 4 starters out of the group. I'm going to assume it's Mayo and Guyton as ILBs and Woods and Thomas as OLBs. With Bruschi as the main backup ILB and also AD as emergency backup. And Crable, Banta-Cain, and Redd as backups at OLB. I'm gonna assume we pick up a LB with on of our earlier picks, probably a ILB based on our depth chart that can contribute in sub packages.

***tanked_as_usual*** · 03-01-2009, 09:46 AM

right now, I feel a hell of alot better about crable than woods, but in light of a total lack of data, the pats need to find a replacement for vrabel

spacecrime · 03-01-2009, 10:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by borg

If Crable ever makes the game day roster, the only game time sniff he'll get will be 3rd and longs. I base this on 3 plays I saw him in action in preseason.

Let me get this straight: You are basing a players career based on three plays he made in preseason as a rookie?

It you based judging his entire future career based on ALL his preseason plays it would be ridiculous. But to cherry pick the three worst plays of a rookie's first prseason and base his entire future career on that ....

Mariotti? Is that you?

***DaBruinz*** · 03-01-2009, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

If Woods is the starter, WE'RE SCREWED!! He's horrible, he looks clueless out there, he gets blown off the line of scrimmage. I can't see the fascination with Woods, what has he ever done (right that is)?

Woods had done plenty right on the field in rotation and as one of the best special teamers the Pats have. Sorry, FTW, but you are way over-reacting.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

Thomas needs to be inside, he has shwon that he is much better in there. He and Mayo would be an outstanding pair of ILB. The problem now is that the Pats have ABSOLUTELY No One to play OLB!! The BB Patriots have always had a great collection of LBs. Today they have Mayo and Thomas and tha tha tha tha tha thats all folks!!!

Thomas was better at OLB last year than he was in 2007/2008 at ILB. Not to mention that 2007/2008 was his first year on the team.

Now, please tell me when you became clairvoyant and could see the future. Because there can't be any other reason for you to claim the Pats have no one else at OLB or at LB in general. You seem to be writing off Crable, Redd, Guyton, Craig, and Robertson. You probably would have written Adalius Thomas off in his first year with the Ravens by the way you are talking.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

At the very least I was expecting Vrabel to move to the inside this year and have Thomas and 1st round pick playing OLB. Then I got really excited when I thought that BB had traded Vrabel, Cassel, & #23 for #3, which would have meant Curry.

TODAY they need a starting ILB and a starting OLB. I have no idea what it would take to get Peppers from Carolina, I don't see anyone else in Free Agency that would fill that void. I guess you could throw yor conscience out the window and sign Ray Lewis.

If that was your expectation, then maybe its your thought processes that need to be re-vamped and expanded. None of the OLB or DE to OLB converts are going to make a difference on regular plays until the 6th to 8th game of the season. And that is if we are lucky.

Now, as for free agents. What about Andra Davis for ILB? He's got experience in the 3-4. And would actually go pretty good next to Mayo.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

Crable is an unknown, Alexander and Woods have been taking up roster spots for a few years and are the epitome of JAGs.

Adalus Thomas was an unknown going into his 2nd season. Alexander hasn't been taking up a roster spot because he's been on the IR. Woods, besides playing on special teams, has been getting his baptism at OLB. Its been a slow progression, but really no slower than Thomas' was for Baltimore.

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

Of course the Pats could draft Cushing and Matthews, Jr. and they would be fine, but that is a big gamble that they will be around when the Pats pick.

Plus if he haven't noticed the Pats lack a starting Safety (both harrison and Sanders are gone). The holes they are a plenty, I can only hope that BB somehow reverses his putrid 2nd round drafting history and comes up with 3 gems.

Yes, BB's history of 2nd round picks is so putrid. With the likes of Matt Light and Deion Branch there. And trading for Corey Dillon and Wes Welker. People want to point to Chad Chackson and Bethel Johnson and forget about the other moves because that's the only way they can make their case. But when they do that, its clear that they do so while ignoring facts. Like you did.

mld277 · 03-01-2009, 11:42 AM

What I remember seeing in Training Camp and the exhibition games is that Crable was in the camera shot just about every play. He is almost the exact same size as Willie McGinest with the same giant wingspan.

My theory is that he was essentially red-shirted last year with a phantom "shin injury" and he will be starting this year.

You heard it here first!

Mark

jefmblrd · 03-01-2009, 11:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FreeTedWilliams

He has also had 1 year of NFL nutrition and workouts, lets not throw him away until we at least see him on the field.

I agree. It's far too early in his career to make that kind of assumption. I'm sure the Patriots have him on a strict program to build his body up and be ready to play in the NFL. I'm looking forward to seeing him in training camp this year.

VJCPatriot · 03-01-2009, 11:56 AM

Physically, Crable reminds me of Michael Johnson in this year's draft. Both players are tall and long. Yeah Johnson is rated higher and Crable has skinny legs, but so what. Crable will have worked on his game and his body for a year. He should contribute more in 2009 but it's way too early to say that he can only be a one trick pony based on one game you saw in preseason LAST year.

JoeShmoe · 03-01-2009, 12:25 PM

Lets see how he goes in camp and pre-season .. I dont suppose he's been sitting on his hands for a year

Michigan Dave · 03-01-2009, 12:37 PM

I disagree. Watching Crable develop in college, he has a nose for the ball, and is definitely a playmaker. He has the potential to be a Willie McGinest type player. He's as physically gifted a player as you could ask for, but has struggled in pass coverage from time to time and had maturity issues. I wouldn't be surprised if he started this year. It would mean that he got his act together and learned the defense inside out, and if he is able to do that...a lot of people will get a pleasant surprise.