mgteich

The reality is that only FOUR defensive linemen played more than 30% of the defensive reps. We therefore need four and two backups, as we have usually had. And no, I am not counting the linebackers who are situational defensive ends like Banta-Cain and Burgess.
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We have the four "W"'s, Lewis and Brace. All are experienced veterans except for our designated backup nose tackle. Obviously, others can play nose tackle if Wilfork is out and Brace is not able (Wright comes to mind).

I am reasonally satisfied with Lewis and G. Warren replacing Green and Pryor. Obviously, we need to see them play. As others have pointed out recently, Lewis and Warren are usefull in nickel situations.
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Yes, I do understand that we might/shoiuld keep a developmental defensive lineman on the 53 man roster (Pryor or Deaderick or Richard). I also understand that Lewis or G. Warren could flop in camp and be replaced. But the BOTTOM LINE is that I am fine with the top six for 2010.

Deus Irae

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KontradictioN

Based on what I've seen of G. Warren and haven't seen of Lewis at 3-4 DE, I sincerely hope that one of them steps up their game exponentially.

EDIT: On top of that, haven't you posted this same thread more than a few times this offseason?

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CREDIT - Sicilian

Sicilian

It is the dead season, and I very much appreciate your efforts to create threads out of the lack of news we have.

But it is WAY too early for me to say I'm satisfied with anything other than our QB and K situations. These guys haven't even hit each other yet, and every other unit has seen significant turnover.

mgteich

It is a long offseason. Imprtant topics tend to be repeated. Our DE/LB/passrush situation is the most critical situation on the teams. I expect to see many more posts on this subject, by me and by others.

mgteich

Your point is well taken. Satisfaction is relative to the point in the season. In some sense, no one will be satisfied with any unit until they perform well for the entire 2010 season.

Perhaps I should have said that I am satisfied that Belichick has addressed the issue at DL by bringing in Lewis and Warren. These two should make up for the loss of Green.

This situation might compared to the OLB situation where there was almost no change other than replacing Thomas with Cunningham.

robertweathers

Depth is fine. Playmaking capability and commanding double-teams to free up the play-makers is a different story.

John Henderson would have made me a little more excited TBH

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HEY BRO! WHAT UP?

Depth - when backup players are good enough to be starters. The Pats don't have that at DE. Even analysts don't know what depth means. Just because you have quantity at a position doesn't mean you have "depth".

Wright/Warren/Lewis are the weak link at DE and Brace/Pryor haven't shown they can play full time.

This will be the Pats #1 or #2 priority in 2011's draft.