BB on James Sanders - New England Patriots Forums

***ctpatsfan77*** · 03-31-2009, 12:14 PM

Yeah, it's Karen Guregian and the Herald, but it's not the Hack, so I figure we should give them credit when it's warranted.

James Sanders glad to be back - BostonHerald.com

Quote:

While Sanders did not want to reveal the entire extent or nature of his conversations with Belichick, he did say he was really moved when the coach told him he was the type of player his teammates could depend on, especially during the pivotal moments of games.

“On the sideline, it can get crazy. He told me, and told my representative, that he sees me as one of those guys that when things get rough, (I was someone) the team could look to,” Sanders said. “I really admired that and appreciated him saying that. That was just one of many things he said . . . that really stuck.”

The 25-year-old spoke with a couple of other teams, and reportedly turned down more money elsewhere to return to the Patriots. His relationship with Belichick was largely responsible for that, as well as his comfort level in the system.

***shmessy*** · 03-31-2009, 12:21 PM

I remember in his rookie season, #37 had a season ending injury and the next day held a "goodbye for now" press conference. He spent half the conference praising young Mr. Sanders as someone who "gets it" - - he praised no one else. Harrison is not one to throw around verbal bouquets to rookies. That was a big deal.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 03-31-2009, 12:39 PM

If harrison decides to hang it up (which I think he certainly will think about it)
than Sanders might very well be a huge extension signing for the Pats

He may be far from an elite safety but he knows the system well and that does matter in Foxboro

PatsBoy12 · 03-31-2009, 01:21 PM

I have always liked Sanders. It's good to see he has BB's confidence.

***T-ShirtDynasty*** · 03-31-2009, 02:05 PM

I've liked Sanders, and Rodney's glowing praise of him was a real eye-opener... but he STILL seems to take bad angles from time to time leaving me with big WTF once in a while.

BradfordPatsFan · 03-31-2009, 02:11 PM

Upon their leaving the team, a former member of the scouting or personell department was quoted as saying that James Sanders was the player he was most proud of. JS had come so far from his rookie year to that point. It may have been Dimitrov but I'm not sure.

***mayoclinic*** · 03-31-2009, 02:19 PM

Nice quotes. Sanders is a nice team player and a leader. I don't see him as an ideal starting safety, but as a rotational guy who can play both SS and FS he has terrific value. He seems to have nice leadership qualities, too.

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 03-31-2009, 02:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mayoclinic

Nice quotes. Sanders is a nice team player and a leader. I don't see him as an ideal starting safety, but as a rotational guy who can play both SS and FS he has terrific value. He seems to have nice leadership qualities, too.

More leadership than Eugene Wilson ever had

Wilson was a glorified puss on the field once Harrison went down with injuries

KY Pats Fan · 03-31-2009, 02:43 PM

I know he gets a lot of hits here on the board, but I think Sanders has played well in his first years with the Pats. Sure he has made a few errors, but everyone does. He has consistently improved his game and leadership on D. I feel that this will be a breakout year for him.

Mack Herron · 03-31-2009, 03:24 PM

I hope he steps up, because he does not seem to make many big plays and disappears for long stretches in ways that Rodney and Lawyer never did. Nevertheless, it seems clear from the FA signings that BB places far more blame for last year's big plays on the CBs than the safeties. In BB We Trust.