crowell33

Patspsycho

By far the sensible analysis. As it says, there isn't a real dropoff from Bodden to Butler. I think McCourty can handle his own on the other side.

However, everyone seems to have forgotten about Arrington.

I really don't think BB is going to trade for a vet or scrounge around for castoffs.

TimU

That's good stuff. It makes all the sense in the world to evaluate corners based on their "passer rating against" .

JackBauer

Well, the rub of the whole situation is that we really can't afford an injury to Butler or McCourty, or else then we're really screwed.

bigcountry75

I really don't see a point in going out to get another DB....They can all look like all pro players if we have a pass rush....I would rather bring in someone that can rush the passer and cut time off of the young guys covering than bring in another DB....

MoLewisrocks

Interesting analysis except for the point that it's totally off the mark as to who played what position last season. Springs and Butler split the LCB position which unless you are switching based on matchups is generally the #1 CB position unless you're facing someone who struggles in that area like Sanchize. Bodden was the RCB, and generally in that matchup he gets more opportunities if the lcb is doing what he's supposed to. Generally speaking we don't switch up our corners to matchup with individual receivers. Even when Ty Law lobbied for it... I hope some of Butler's pre season appearance to have taken a slight step back isn't side related (Asanti always whined that he was uncomfortable on the right side, which I assume was related to future financials...). Could also be related to Butler feeling somewhat marginalized in anticipation of slot duties once Bodden returned (which some felt he was better suited to anyway). The two were close this off season and until McCourty landed on scene I think assumptions were being made about positional locks...

This may also impact ST as it would be hard to potentially sacrifice your LCB to kicking duties, although KO tends to be a little less hairy than PR and as Welker underscored Bill historically tends to utilize his best football players not named Brady wherever he needs them...

The real impact here would appear to be depth. Both Butler and McCourty have the talent and athleticism to start. What they lack is experience. Behind them are largely nickle backs unless the health stars align and the light finally goes on for Wheatley.

Pats726

I think it's quite optimistic to say that Bodden to Butler will not be all that bad. It MIGHT be in time,,but I would be quite happy if what he predicted would happen. I really think a vet is needed to stabilize that unit and while that might be more intangibles, not having that I think will make it a long season. I just think having a vet who has seen 4-5 or more years of play would help rather than hurt and its absence will see receivers torching this team a lot. Yes, a pass rusher would also help, no question but in that case BOTH would really help and I do think it possible. No question that depth is really hurt here..so a vet would help with that as well.

MoLewisrocks

A vet for vet sake is a waste of time. You can't lead young talent from the bench or the tub, and if you can outplay them you're not just a vet for vet sake and you cost a lot more than a day two pick. Sometimes it's better if youngsters are forced to rely on staff coaching and don't have someone with no familiarity with this system in their ear or fluffing their skirts or teaching them bad habits. Duane Starks was brought in to be that vet presence back in 2006 and all he did was destabilize an entire secondary...

capetide

While my eyes told me that Wilhite was bad last year, I didn't realize how horrible he actually was. His numbers suggest that his presence on the field had little impact on the opposiing offense. Almost like noone was there.

Pats726

Glad you KNOW it all..But lets see what happens...Guess we should close the thread..NO NEED to continue it....