Jim Miller expects Wilhite to get the nod over Springs at corner - New England Patriots Forums

PATRIOTSFANINPA · 07-21-2009, 04:57 PM

On Sirius NFL radio today with Ross Tucker and Jim Miller they were discussing who they think will be the starters on opening day roster and while there were not many surprises in what we expect,I thought Miller's prediction that Wilhite would get the nod over Springs as starter at corner seemed surprising,Butler was not mentioned as I think they don't see much action from the rookie barring injury to the other corners and they look at Wheately as another STer early on.

They also discussed Safety and that Chung for most of the season would retain a role on STs and as a situational Safety and be behind Williams on the depth chart.

They also predict that Pierre Woods will most likely win the starting OLB spot opposite Thomas with Crable and Cain vying for backup depth.

Does anyone think BB goes to youth over experience if both have equal to similar camp production? - BTW, They both LOVE the pickup of Leigh Bodden who they say will be a difference maker the Patriots have not had since Law and Samuel left.

I respect anything that Jim Miller says,Not only is he an intelligent sports personality analyst but he was a member of this team years ago and knows the Patriots way,Wilhite will be a surprise though,I thought Springs would be a lock unless his preseason was horrendous.

***BradyFTW!*** · 07-21-2009, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATRIOTSFANINPA

On Sirius NFL radio today with Ross Tucker and Jim Miller they were discussing who they think will be the starters on opening day roster and while there were not many surprises in what we expect,I thought Miller's prediction that Wilhite would get the nod over Springs as starter at corner seemed surprising,Butler was not mentioned as I think they don't see much action from the rookie barring injury to the other corners and they look at Wheately as another STer early on.

They also discussed Safety and that Chung for most of the season would retain a role on STs and as a situational Safety and be behind Williams on the depth chart.

They also predict that Pierre Woods will most likely win the starting OLB spot opposite Thomas with Crable and Cain vying for backup depth.

Does anyone think BB goes to youth over experience if both have equal to similar camp production? - BTW, They both LOVE the pickup of Leigh Bodden who they say will be a difference maker the Patriots have not had since Law and Samuel left.

I respect anything that Jim Miller says,Not only is he an intelligent sports personality analyst but he was a member of this team years ago and knows the Patriots way,Wilhite will be a surprise though,I thought Springs would be a lock unless his preseason was horrendous.

I wouldn't be at all surprised to see Springs not starting, but I don't think we can entirely rule out Wheatley, either. He was performing very well before he got hurt, and I'm anxious to see how he's progressed.

unoriginal · 07-21-2009, 05:05 PM

Springs at least has an obvious role if he isn't a starting corner: he is the Chad Scott "tall corner" replacement.

***BradyFTW!*** · 07-21-2009, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by unoriginal

Springs at least has an obvious role if he isn't a starting corner: he is the Chad Scott "tall corner" replacement.

Yeah- given his long history of shutting down Terrell Owens, in particular, I look forward to seeing him match up against the physical WRs that have been hell for us the last couple of years.

***Deus Irae*** · 07-21-2009, 05:12 PM

They are paying Springs a lot of money. I expect him to start.

patriot lifer · 07-21-2009, 05:15 PM

oh how i can't wait for the darn season to just start already. so many questions. How will Bodden play? Will Woods be effective? Is wrestling fixed?

***jmt57*** · 07-21-2009, 05:20 PM

From what I recall Wilhite was used primarily on slot receivers; I would expect Springs to be on the outside lined up against bigger receivers like Owens. In other words, it's not like either one is starting over the other. I would expect Wheatley and Bodden to be Springs' biggest competitors for playing time, not Wilhite.

robertweathers · 07-21-2009, 05:30 PM

I also believe that Springs will get the starting nod, but I do respect Miller's opinion. Willhite has shown promise.

Even though I like Bodden, I'm of the opinion that anointing him as the starter opposite Springs is not a sure thing.

farn · 07-21-2009, 06:04 PM

It would be really, really interesting to see Wilhite over Springs, Wheatley, and Butler. I'd not be surprised, but it would be quite interesting. Hopefully it'd be because he's so hot in TC and not because they others fail...

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 07-21-2009, 06:12 PM

At the moment, I expect Wilhite to be penciled in as starter to start camp. Being no football expert, but having had some experience training people, I'd look to see Wilhite paired with one of Springs/Bodden and Wheatley paired with the other initially, Butler will probably be third string working with Richardson (if he's not cut or in the training room) or Love. As for seasonal roles, Wilhite/Wheatley and Bodden would seem to be the regular starters, with Springs playing a nickel/situational role. Springs is making a lot of money, but he's also more injury prone and I expect BB to target and manage his time carefully. Week one against Terrell Owens, Springs starts.