mgteich

We dominated JAX. We stopped their run game. How can this be possible without Bruschi in there? Is it possible that Beisel and Chad Brown are a bit better than most here would allow?

Richter

Well, Brown was playing outside too, and it was mostly Beisel next to Vrabel. Still, Beisel had a very strong game. The truth is, it all starts with the line. There's a reason the Pats keep drafting defensive linemen. If the line plays well, and Wilfork commands a combination block at least, the linebackers are free to make plays, and Vrabel and Beisel both have the speed to make them inside. Beisel is still a ****ty tackler, and I'd rather have Bruschi in there, but he's good enough to make the plays if the line is playing up to snuff.

BelichickFan

I love Bruschi as much as everyone else but his impact was a little overstated IMO.

Seymour returned.
Wilfork kicked it up a few notches.
Vrabel moved inside and got better each week.
Colvin played better than we could have hoped, including vs. the run.
Hobbs was a significant upgrade over Starks, including vs. the run.
Hawkins seems like by far the best of the Safety tryout camp.

I desperately hope we get Tedy back this week but a lot of other things have improved too.

Flying Fungi

rumors of the defenses' demise was greatly overstated

it starts with Sey and ends with Hawk and is augmented by Tedy and Ellis

but mostly it comes from the confidence that Mangini and Belichick have in the ability of the players to make plays--ergo--the play-calling

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bigdgp

I would like to say that Monty had not a great but a pretty good game and I hope that he continues to improve.

AzPatsFan

Sherlock Holmes solved a case by observing something that DID NOT happen. The NE Patriot coaches dressed and were prepared to play Bru if necessary. They did not.

While all you are moaning and reading tea leaves about Mr. Bruschii, something unnoticed occurred.

The coaches, they handed a compliment to certain ILBs we have all felt free to dump on.

One Mr. Besiel, and one Mr. Brown. They have improved enough to play well; and is that all? No... Each was on the field with another.

A guy sometimes described as "...another coach on the field...", one Mr. Vrabel.

With him to call the coverages and position people, all these newcomers had to do was play; relieving them of this concern. And they both did play with apparent effectiveness.

It now appears the Patriots have two play callers in the middle, and four adequate ILBs!!! Bruschii is no longer the irreplaceable man...

primetime

And no one ever gives Ty Warren enough credit. He's just solid, week in and week out.

AzPatsFan

Amen, Brother!!

Flying Fungi

I almost started a thread about him after the Phins game--how he was back in there during the 4th (presumably) after Wright was injured--and how he is simply workmanlike--quietly does his job, rarely to never misses snaps, and improves with each season. Definitely a solid draft pick and excellent value.

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patsox23

Nope. But it IS possible they've improved as the year's gone on and people aren't quite willing to give them the benefit of the doubt just yet.