Pats re-sign Izzo - Page 5 - New England Patriots Forums

***pats1*** · 03-06-2007, 06:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustWinBrady

Izzo is listed as a backup LB, Brady isn't. Thats a stretch comparing Brady at QB to Izzo on STs. Izzo is not one of the best at what he does, above average yes, best no. Izzo has been and always be a career special teamer, he is not even a good backup at anything. BB certainly values what Izzo brings to the team though.

Izzo's listing as a backup LB is completely meaningless. Sure, he'll fill in at LB in an emergency situation, but he is a starter...on special teams.

Above average players don't make 2 Pro Bowls in their careers.

Sean Pa Patriot · 03-06-2007, 06:32 PM

Im glad Izzo is back, good solid signing...

AzPatsFan · 03-06-2007, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pats1

Are we seriously discussing Larry Izzo in his goal line play?

I don't think that was what he was re-signed for. I don't think that is why he has been on the Patriots 6 years running. I don't think that is why is a 2-time Pro Bowler. I don't think that is why he is a team captain. I don't think that is why he is a locker room leader. I don't think that is why he is one of the best special team players in the NFL.

All those are "used to be" s. Several ST had jsut as good a year including Andrews and Spann; TBC had 1 less St tackle than Izzo and didn't play ST after he became a regular in game 12.

But the poster has the right idea, Mitchell, Gardner, Kendrell Bell or Donnie Edwards would certainly add some depth,as would SEau. if he were to return. But he may not, and the Bolts may want him for their ILB problems at home. Even with high draftees they aren't ready to step in an an injury emergency...

***pats1*** · 03-06-2007, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AzPatsFan

All those are "used to be" s. Several ST had jsut as good a year including Andrews and Spann; TBC had 1 less St tackle than Izzo and didn't play ST after he became a regular in game 12.

But the poster has the right idea, Mitchell, Gardner, Kendrell Bell or Donnie Edwards would certainly add some depth,as would SEau. if he were to return. But he may not, and the Bolts may want him for their ILB problems at home. Even with high draftees they aren't ready to step in an an injury emergency...

He "used to be on the Patriots?"

He "used to be a captain?"

He "used to be a locker room leader?"

He "used to be one of the best special team coverage guys in the NFL?"

Banta-Cain still played on special teams because he had to. Seau's replacement was Gene Mruczkowski.

(By the way, where do you find stats for special teams tackles?)

JustWinBrady · 03-06-2007, 08:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pats1

Izzo's listing as a backup LB is completely meaningless. Sure, he'll fill in at LB in an emergency situation, but he is a starter...on special teams.

Above average players don't make 2 Pro Bowls in their careers.

Did he make the pro bowl this year? I'm talking about his contributions lately. Yes, what have you done for me lately. He played OK. IMO, his play has has been declining in the last couple of years. Izzo's listing as a backup is completely meaningless because his contributions as a LB have been completely meaningless. BB likes to use starters on STs such as bruschi, vrabel, harrison, etc. These players contribute to other phases of the game besides STs. Izzo & Paxton (besides the kickers) sole purpose on this team is STs only. While everyone else that plays STs is expected to be contribute in other phases of the game when called upon. Paxton is one of the best long snappers in the league while IMO, Izzo is just an above average ST player.

***pats1*** · 03-06-2007, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JustWinBrady

Did he make the pro bowl this year? I'm talking about his contributions lately. Yes, what have you done for me lately. He played OK. IMO, his play has has been declining in the last couple of years. Izzo's listing as a backup is completely meaningless because his contributions as a LB have been completely meaningless. BB likes to use starters on STs such as bruschi, vrabel, harrison, etc. These players contribute to other phases of the game besides STs. Izzo & Paxton (besides the kickers) sole purpose on this team is STs only. While everyone else that plays STs is expected to be contribute in other phases of the game when called upon. Paxton is one of the best long snappers in the league while IMO, Izzo is just an above average ST player.

I haven't seem the same decline as you have, but the rest I can agree with.

The 12th Man · 03-06-2007, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maverick4

I agree. Aside from Izzo's crappy linebacker skills, I don't even think he's that good at special teams anymore. I would rather completely revamp the unit with some younger guys. Izzo is old, one-dimensional, and not even that good at his specialty anymore.

I disagree. Izzo is still a solid special teams player (tied for most tackles for us last year). Also, I don't think he's that bad of a backup LB as everyone says. Remember the Bills game a couple years back when we got them back 31-0. The last drive Bills had the ball and we had mostly backups in by then. Izzo ended the drive, in the red zone with a pick. I'm not saying he's a good LB, but he is still a very good ST player and a smart veteran. We tried to bring in younger guys like Mel Mitchell and Tebucky last year for ST play, but both got hurt. When is the last time Izzo was out due to injury? Anyway, just don't disrespect the guy please.

Pats726 · 03-07-2007, 02:50 PM

he is a solid ST guy...and it was a one year deal....and he mentioned it wasn't a 2 year because of salary cap concerns and he was OK with that...so I have a feeling as LONG as he is a good ST player..he will be here...and THAT is FINE!!