Leave No Doubt

though I think they'll job-share depending on the situation/opponent. We know one game we'll see Springs as numero uno

But I agree, that's why Springs makes the big bucks; he's not here to be a fill-in or veteran back-up, he's here to play. Plus our secondary needs to come out smoking and make those big plays.

Springs gets the nod but I think Wilhite's going to be good. I don't see Wilhite starting unless the situation calls for it.

JMHO

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edit...2012 BABY!

robertweathers

Either way they are gonna have one helluva dime defense.

Springs
Bodden
Willhite
Wheatley
Merriwether
Butler/Chung

Guyton- coverage for the TE/RB
Mayo

Thomas
Sey
Wilfork/Crable

Thats some serious speed on the field

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

farn

I hear you... but anyone else think it's kinda funny he mentions Big Vince a few words before "serious speed" ?

robertweathers

For a 325lber, he moves with great agility.

That's why I put Crable in there too.

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick

AndyJohnson

Here is what I expect, by position
DE- Seymour and Warren play all the snaps they can. Wright and Green fill in.
DT- Wilfork plays every snap he can.
OLB- Thomas is on the field all the time. Woods starts opposite him, Crable is the backup to both.
ILB- Mayo 100%er. Bruschi and Guyton pretty equally share the rest of the load.
CB- Bodden and Springs are the starters. Wheatley and Wilhite compete for the nickel, with Wheatley surpassing Wilhite somewhere from camp through week 4. I fully expect all 4 to play a lot, and expect injuries among the group to dictate a lot of who plays how much. Butler will be on the outside looking in for pt unless he takes advantage of the chance he gets due to injuries. Butlers eta as a big contributor goes from week 10 to week 4 of 2010, IMO.
S- Merithwether and Sanders play full time, Chung is getting 1/3 to 1/2 of the snaps by the 2nd half of the season as their backup.

Crabel, TBC, Woods, all work in as 3rd down DEs across from AD.

Leave No Doubt

Gives ya chills doesn't it

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edit...2012 BABY!

AndyJohnson

Going into last season my somewhat broken-record mantra was that we desperately needed better athletes on the field on defense on 3rd down. I traced the disappointing ends to both 06 and 07 to the lack of speed and coverage ability on the field in obvious passing situations. In the SB Eli Manning literally watched receivers run away from Gay and Harrison all day long.
I think it would seem that this area has now gone from biggest weakness to an actual strength. Our speed in the secondary may have been 32nd of 32 on 2007, and it is defintely above average now.

tombonneau

Hopefully one of them can cover Dustin Keller on 3rd & long ....

miDeuce

Unfortunately that one was on Mayo.

robertweathers

You just hit on my #1-b (besides a pass-rush) concern for this defense.

In his prime, #37 brought a presence to that backfield. Receivers cut off routes and experienced a sudden case of the alligator arms when he was in their vicinity. As of right now, this backfield does not have that sledgehammer. I am covinced that they have speed, 2nd & 3rd year players and new veterans that will learn the schemes and coverages and be functional in either a zone or man-to-man coverage defense. Going back to my origional point, Chung seems to have the skills and the attitude to be that kind of player. But to expect the same level of physical play that Rodney brought to the field in Chung's rookie year is not reasonable to expect from a rookie.

IMO Sanders is serviceable, but it not a lumber-layer and Merriweather needs more meat on the bones and play with more leverage (as we saw with Keller) to be that type of hitter. IMO whatever they get out of Tank will be a bonus.

It will be interesting to see how physically and mentally tough this secondary will be in December. Specifically an "attitude" that disrupts opposing passing games. Clearly BB values physical play in the secondary and wants to see it come to fruition. I'm excited to see how it all develops.

__________________
“I'm not really concerned about the other 31 teams,” - Bill Belichick

"If a player has talent and doesn't succeed, that means that they either don't want to be successful or I have failed as a coach." - Bill Belichick