Marques Murrell: Does he make the team? - New England Patriots Forums

BadMoFo · 08-20-2010, 12:37 AM

I know it's only preseason, but so far he has been as active as any OLB we have. I figure TBC and Burgess are the only locks to make the team as OLB. Ninkovich is probably making the team and Murrell can easily replace Woods on special teams. Thoughts?

***BradyFTW!*** · 08-20-2010, 01:14 AM

Based on what we've seen so far, and our lack of depth at OLB, I can't see how he doesn't. I don't even think he's on the bubble: I think he's pretty well played himself onto the team. I'd say that Cunningham is also a lock too, though. They're not going to cut a rookie second rounder.

BadMoFo · 08-20-2010, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BradyFTW!

Based on what we've seen so far, and our lack of depth at OLB, I can't see how he doesn't. I don't even think he's on the bubble: I think he's pretty well played himself onto the team. I'd say that Cunningham is also a lock too, though. They're not going to cut a rookie second rounder.

My bad, forgot all about Cunningham. So essentially it's Murrell, Woods and Ninko for the last spot.

***Deus Irae*** · 08-20-2010, 01:25 AM

I've got 2 locks at OLB (Cunningham,TBC), and one near-lock (Burgess). I haven't seen anyone else lock themselves into a spot.

AzPatsFan · 08-20-2010, 02:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BadMoFo

I know it's only preseason, but so far he has been as active as any OLB we have. I figure TBC and Burgess are the only locks to make the team as OLB. Ninkovich is probably making the team and Murrell can easily replace Woods on special teams. Thoughts?

You have it backwards.

No one has more ST tackles over the past four years than Pierre Woods, or is more valuable on ST. Woods was in the game in the 2nd period. Ninkovitch didn't show until the 4th Q. Murrell seems to be taking Ninkos job.

lillestroom · 08-20-2010, 04:12 AM

Hope not.

His special teams contribution isnt all that.

stinkypete · 08-20-2010, 06:51 AM

Murrell has been given a long look in practice and in preseason as an OLB, not just a special teamer. My interpretation, Murrell can win a job if his play with the regular defense is significantly better than Woods or Ninkovich.

I agree that, if the 3 are equal OLBs, Woods has the upper hand for his special teams production.

bucky · 08-20-2010, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Deus Irae

I've got 2 locks at OLB (Cunningham,TBC), and one near-lock (Burgess). I haven't seen anyone else lock themselves into a spot.

I'd agree that TBC and Cunningham are the only locks. However, Cunningham is pretty far from a lock to see the field on anything except 3rd down.

So Murrell isn't just making the team, he's your starter right now and is closer to a lock that Burgess. Burgess didn't do a darn thing yesterday and is actually more of a liability in coverage or against the run than Murrell.

QB12 · 08-20-2010, 07:31 AM

Agree that Murell and TBC are starters right now.

ac0608 · 08-20-2010, 08:09 AM

I'm going to put Murrell on the final 53. A few observations from last night and the Saints game:

- So far, he looks like he can get after the QB. Seems to do a nice job of exploding round the tackle and closing in on the QB.

- On the plays I focused closely on Murrell, he held his own against the run. He was rarely getting pushed back and did a good job of sealing the edge.

- Didn't see a lot of him in coverage, but he seemed comfortable covering the RB coming out of the backfield.

I know it's only preseason, but Murrell has been one of my pleasant surprises so far. He's shown that the potential is there and if he can keep building off his preseason performances, he has a good shot of making the final 53.

Also, to anyone who has watched him on special teams, how does he look? If he can perform on special teams then that will go a long way towards him making the team.