Leadership: Vince's impact this season - New England Patriots Forums

JoeSixPat · 03-21-2010, 10:16 AM

It's exceptionally clear that Wilfork has embraced the mantle of locker room leader. It wouldn't surprise me if this were even an unspoken stipulation in his contract.

Regardless from outward appearances he's doing a great job in this regard.

Having long ago felt that the team has lost the "eye of the tiger" it's nice to see Vince doing his part to be a major rolemodel and call the troops to action.

For all of you quibbling about the lack of UFAs signed (and a great many teams in the NFL are following suit if you haven't noticed) my prediction is that Vince's signing - and subsequent locker room ability to insprie average players to collectively be great - will be the most piviotal off season move for the Pats.

Here's a few quotes from Vince and others who are clearly drinking the Kool Aid that led to our last 3 Super Bowl victories.

Quote:

Loud offseason
Nose tackle Vince Wilfork [stats] made a lot of noise before the offseason conditioning program began, insisting teammates must work harder than before.

“Everybody is going to have to be accountable,” Wilfork said.

According to special teamer Matthew Slater, the emphasis has been clear during the workout sessions, and the disappointing end to last season has been a hot topic.

“We know we’re a better team than that, but we have to go out and earn that this year,” said Slater, during the Best Buddies event. “A lot of veterans have been very vocal about last year. How our season ended up is not acceptable, and we have a lot to work on. Every day, work as if it’s our last and I think that was evident this week. It’s good to see that.”

Buddy system - BostonHerald.com

***IcyPatriot*** · 03-21-2010, 10:18 AM

So you need to be the highest paid player at your position to become a better leader?

Just asking ???

Tedy Bruschi & Bobby Hamilton did that without huge contracts.

JoeSixPat · 03-21-2010, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IcyPatriot

So you need to be the highest paid player at your position to become a better leader?

Just asking ???

Tedy Bruschi & Bobby Hamilton did that without huge contracts.

... all of the above players were getting paid fair market value, just like Vince is now...

Wilfork's always been a locker room leader and good role model - now that he has the security of a contract he's taking it to a new level. I have no doubt that Belichick strongly "encouraged" just this type of enhanced level of leadership during contract negotiations... but Vince is still just the sort of guy to carry this out and to get the team back to where it needs to be OFF the field before they can excell ON the field.

JMarr · 03-21-2010, 12:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JoeSixPat

It's exceptionally clear that Wilfork has embraced the mantle of locker room leader. It wouldn't surprise me if this were even an unspoken stipulation in his contract.

Regardless from outward appearances he's doing a great job in this regard.

Having long ago felt that the team has lost the "eye of the tiger" it's nice to see Vince doing his part to be a major rolemodel and call the troops to action.

For all of you quibbling about the lack of UFAs signed (and a great many teams in the NFL are following suit if you haven't noticed) my prediction is that Vince's signing - and subsequent locker room ability to insprie average players to collectively be great - will be the most piviotal off season move for the Pats.

Here's a few quotes from Vince and others who are clearly drinking the Kool Aid that led to our last 3 Super Bowl victories.

Vince's signing was huge--probably more important than any moves made by any teams so far. It remains to be seen if what Vince brings to the table will be enough to bring toughness back to this team. Mayo is clearly becoming a leader; after that.........? Even Bruschi never could have been able to go it alone. And Wilfork is a 2 (sometimes 1) down player.

Man I wish Slater had named names of the other guys who have been vocal about last year. Probably Brady and Mayo, who else?

Fencer · 03-21-2010, 06:15 PM

Vince was disappointed in his contract situation last year. He missed some voluntary workouts as a result, IIRC. Probably he also skipped doing some voluntary leadership things he might have.

I have no problem with that. These guys have very few ways to exercise negotiating leverage vs. their employers, so nobody should blame them for using some of the ones they do have.