Random observation by some writer - New England Patriots Forums

SVN · 08-15-2007, 10:25 AM

http://www.startribune.com/craig/story/1362904.html

FWIW

Quote:

The really bad:

• Man, what happened to inside linebacker Adalius Thomas? One of the NFL's prized free-agent acquisitions this past offseason, the former Raven looked horrible in practice on Tuesday. The 6-2, 270-pounder looked like an ill-conditioned man hobbling on steak knives.

He was a step behind and/or out of position against short passes, and missed filling his gap on running plays. And that was against the second-team offense!

At one point, Thomas made such a glaring gaffe that coach Bill Belichick stopped practice and made the defense run a lap. He pulled Thomas and was talking to him as rookie Oscar Lua took his place with the first team.

***Bobs My Uncle*** · 08-15-2007, 10:29 AM

I suppose anyone can have a bad day here and there.

Quite frankly, the intriguing part of this article is that Lua apparently took first string reps in Thomas absence.

patriot lifer · 08-15-2007, 10:32 AM

he is still learning the inside linebacker position afterall. I'd cut him a break if he found himself out of position. I think it has less to do with ability and is more of a mental error.

JackBauer · 08-15-2007, 10:37 AM

Contrary to everything I've heard so far about Thomas. I'd take that with a heaping grain of salt.

JackBauer · 08-15-2007, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobs My Uncle

Quite frankly, the intriguing part of this article is that Lua apparently took first string reps in Thomas absence.

Isn't Alexander injured? Who else would? Izzo?

patsox23 · 08-15-2007, 10:38 AM

He may have had a bad day, he's still learning the system, and to a man his work and aptitude have been praised ceaselessly. There is, IMO, no reason for worry whatsoever.

robertweathers · 08-15-2007, 10:44 AM

This writer is an idiot.

He is not over the hill. He is not hurt. He has a track record of having the ability to learn schemes, multple positions, etc.

He has been tasked with learning the MIKE which is the position for making all the line calls for the defense. He did not have that responsibility in Balt. so this is all new to him. His mind is going in 980 different directions right now. He has new teammates, schemes, nuances, etc. to pick up. I have no doubt that he is making mistakes out there. It's training camp for god sakes. Thomas is a smart guy, he'll be fine.

I also have no doubt that BB will put Thomas in a position to succeed one way or the other.

RayClay · 08-15-2007, 11:02 AM

None of the ILBs (Mays, Lua, A.D.) looked like they had a clue IMO. I think we'll see a heavy diet of Bru Seau and Vrable during the season and some situational addition while people learn.

I imagine A.D. is getting tons of information to cram and will end up playing left wingnut flying at you from all angles.