WARNING!!! *This Post is Critical of BB/Pioli* - Page 3 - New England Patriots Forums

***mgteich*** · 08-11-2006, 08:30 AM

SOME THOUGHTS

1) The team has a fine job of improving the team if one assumes that our salary cap is about $10M less than it is. For whatever reason, the team has chosen to approach the cap in this manner. There have been major upgrades to the offense in the offseason, primarily through the draft, but not as much as we could have had we brought in three more free agents: at LB, WR and CB.

2) Pioli didn't fool around with a lot of veteran possibilties at WR. Caldwell was brought in replace Givens, and we drafted the best receiver in the draft. Finally, we brought Troy Brown for another year. To the degree we disagree with pioli, we are simply saying that Cadwell, Brown and Jackson are not good enough, and that a veteran should have been chosen instead. The #5 receiver is a developmental position, and we have several competing for the spot. This is not a spot for a veteran. The #6 position is a returner position.

3) You presume that we could have signed Willie if we wanted to, and that he wanted to play here. Crennel made him an offer he couldn't refuse, and he left. That's just part of the game. Willie will be more than adequately replaced by Vrabel, as Vrabel moves back outside, and we have sufficeint additional pass-rushers in Chad Brown, Banta-Cain and Green.

The issue (as it has been for 5 years) is the plan for developing inside linebackers to replace Ted Johnson and Phifer. You presume that Claridge was the answer. Why? Beisel is young, and has one year of learning in the system. Perhaps pioli and bb believe that Alexander is the answer. Perhaps they have more faith than you in Beisel and Gardner.
BRUSCHI-BEISEL
GARDNER-ALEXANDER
DAVIS
We'll be OK at the inside positions, as long as Bruschi is healthy.

4) I am more worried about corner than linebacker or wide receiver (presuming that Branch plays). At corner, we have fine depth and no starters. This is much worse than the problem of lack of depth at LB and WR.

Quote:

Originally Posted by kurtinelson

Looking at the current state of the Patriots roster, I can't help but second guess BB/Pioli on the current state of the team's LB and WR positions.

With respect to linebacker, in the offseason, Willie Mac and Matt Chatam were let go. I think we were all expecting that Claridge would in the fold for this year, but based on his being cut, one would assume that BB/Pioli knew that Claridge was a bust in planning for 06. That left us with a starting LB rotation of Vrabel, Bruschi, Biesel, and Colvin with TBC, Izzo, Don Davis et. al. as back ups. Little can be expected of the converted DE Mincey this season or the UDFAs Woods or Roach. Is it me or is this a recipe for disaster?

Regarding the WRs, I don't blame BB/Pioli for the Branch hold out, but I do blame them for not acquiring more experienced FA depth or drafting an additional WR this year. I have to admit, for all the criticism Branch's agent is getting, he is aware of how heavily the Pat's were relying on Branch this year. I believe that the acquisition of C. Jackson was a contingency for Branch's departure after the '06 season. Unfortunately, I don't think we can expect Jackson to fill Dieon's shoes this season.

The hallmark of the Patriot's SB winning teams has always been their depth. Is it just me or does it seem that the LB and WR depth of this year's team is foolishly thin?

RayClay · 08-11-2006, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RI Pats Fan

No, your post is not even worth considering reading. BB/Pioli are perfect. That's it. End of story. Anybody who disagrees is a commie.

Finally, the voice of reason.

checkedout · 08-11-2006, 08:32 AM

Let's see what the roster looks like in another month or so. I worry about those positions too but then I remember who is running the show so I relax with some more kool-aid.

RayClay · 08-11-2006, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PATSNUTme

Click on that when you need to.

We haven't even played on pre-season game.

By the end of the preseason, the roster will be a little different than it is now. New people will be signed.

I'll be critical of them when I actually see something to be critical about during the regular season.

My advise is to relax and go to a Red Sox board if you need to be critical now. You'll blend in well there.

Instead of posting graphics, why not make a comment on the pool of talent we have to choose from at ILB, for instance?

Barring a last minute signing, this is it, Patsnut.

Are you trying to say that if I'm unhappy with the off season acquisitions I should find a place where people whine, complain and analyze Patriots moves 12 months a year.

Well I will!

Oh wait, I'm already here.

captain stone · 08-11-2006, 08:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flying Fungi

well then it is you too...

but it sure isn't me...or any of my NFL enthusiast amigos...

Then we agree to disagree.

The proof will be in the (regular season) pudding.

Ichiro · 08-11-2006, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

2) Pioli didn't fool around with a lot of veteran possibilties at WR. Caldwell was brought in replace Givens, and we drafted the best receiver in the draft. Finally, we brought Troy Brown for another year. To the degree we disagree with pioli, we are simply saying that Cadwell, Brown and Jackson are not good enough, and that a veteran should have been chosen instead. The #5 receiver is a developmental position, and we have several competing for the spot. This is not a spot for a veteran. The #6 position is a returner position.

I think Pioli/Belichick have done a mediocre job of evaluating the WR position. The biggest mistake had to be drafting Bethel Johnson in the 2nd round. Virtually no team had him rated that highly on their draft board and if you look carefully there was still plenty of very good WR's available (anquan boldin, brandon lloyd).
Bethel has great speed, but couldn't run routes to save his life. Donald Hayes and David Terrell were also physical specimens, but lacked the instincts to play in our system (or anyone's system).
It seems like BB/Pioli, who value football smarts and toughness, have overlooked these qualities when it comes to acquiring WR's.
I know we did well with Givens and Branch. But if we had drafted or signed one or two quality WR's since 2003, Branch would not have the leverage he has now. Also, the loss of Givens would not have hurt as much.

captain stone · 08-11-2006, 08:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ichiro

I think Pioli/Belichick have done a mediocre job of evaluating the WR position. The biggest mistake had to be drafting Bethel Johnson in the 2nd round. Virtually no team had him rated that highly on their draft board and if you look carefully there was still plenty of very good WR's available (anquan boldin, brandon lloyd).
Bethel has great speed, but couldn't run routes to save his life. Donald Hayes and David Terrell were also physical specimens, but lacked the instincts to play in our system (or anyone's system).
It seems like BB/Pioli, who value football smarts and toughness, have overlooked these qualities when it comes to acquiring WR's.
I know we did well with Givens and Branch. But if we had drafted or signed one or two quality WR's since 2003, Branch would not have the leverage he has now. Also, the loss of Givens would not have hurt as much.

Don't forget PK Sam, taken in the (admittedly low) 5th round of the, aside from the 1st round, disasterous 2004 draft.

JackBauer · 08-11-2006, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mgteich

At corner, we have fine depth and no starters. This is much worse than the problem of lack of depth at LB and WR.

Give me a break. That would mean we won a Super Bowl (2004) with all depth and no starters. WR and LB is a MUCH bigger area of concern than CB, and it's not even close.

Jacky Roberts · 08-11-2006, 10:36 AM

With all the cap space, its clear that Bioli is waiting for someone to come loose from a team during the preseason (didn't the Dolts pick up an impact LB last year at this time?). This isn't the Red Sox, this team has a plan and will work out as always in the end.

***mgteich*** · 08-11-2006, 10:49 AM

Corners were indeed a weakness in 2004. Your argument would say that all our starters were great in 2004 since we won the Super Bowl.

Quote:

Originally Posted by JackBauer

Give me a break. That would mean we won a Super Bowl (2004) with all depth and no starters. WR and LB is a MUCH bigger area of concern than CB, and it's not even close.