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?

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pats1

Is it just me or did Michael Felger try to make the same point in a heavily-scrutinized article last week?

Murphys95

Legit concerns - I'll reply with a quote from Bill Belichick:

"Depth is what you have in October, November, and December. That's what depth is."

Pats726

Didn't felger mess that one up as well???

patchick

Reasonable criticisms. I have to say, I don't get all the focus on Vinatieri around here. To me, the one truly baffling move of the offseason was letting Willie go. The whole roster would look different to me if he were still around.

MrBigglesWorth

The collective bargaining agreement shafted the Pats. Had the cap not been expanded there would not likely have been as many teams with as much money to spend.

Everybody is up in arms because of 3 players lost. Obviously the Pats drafted mostl offense to give their best player more weapons. Keep in mind the injuries they were battling last year and the change in coordinators, pus the tough schedule. They were one victory from the conference championship game. Plus Brady had his intestines poking through his abs.

They reloaded and got faster.

The only way I think you can get angry at the patriots is if they don't use the extra money all season and it goes to waste. They've always spent to the cap.

And I think they have enough quality bodies on defense. I wouldn't be worried if the middle lb's have some issues stopping the run. Remember Rudi Johnson runnign all over them in the preseason?

You can be concerned if they can't stop the run in game 1. It's a work in progress.

I think they've done a solid job of putting together a competitive group.

and I'm predicting eventually Branch fires his agent to save face and signs the contract and the fiens are not assessed.

Flying Fungi

it is you...

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Kdo5

Another thread, another thread on the exact same thing.

captain stone

No, it's not...

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HAMMERMILL

While I may agree with you in regard to both of your concerns in regard to lb,and wr depth,In the Patriots system they are tough positions to learn.
1st year players at either of those positions take longer here than in other programs.
While the pats do have some "thin spots" So does every team!
Not trying to play "glass half empty vs half full" I do share your concerns but
preseason will be a better barometer