Schefter: Asante Samuel will report next week - Page 2 - New England Patriots Forums

***patchick*** · 08-23-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Oswlek

I was thinking something similar, but a lot depends on just what shape he is in. It isn't as if Samuel is unfamiliar with the scheme. I would say that he is a starter by game three at worst. And he will almost certainly be a contributor on day one as long as he shows up at the beginning of the week.

I tend to agree. If Darelle Revis can play week 1 after 2 weeks in the Jets' system, Asante should certainly be able to see some snaps soon.

patriot lifer · 08-23-2007, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patfanken

I don't understand it. If he is coming in next week, why on get in this week, or last week, so he can be at full speed for the season. He IS NOT going to be at full speed for the season opener. So to my way of thinking he is getting a $500,000 game check under false pretenses. In fact it will be unlikely that Samuel will be ready to step into the starting lineup until the 4th of 5th game.

Its unlikely to effect whether the Pats win or lose, but it dimishes Samuel in my eyes. I had no problem with his holdout, even if it went to 10 games. He is a FA and has that right. However by coming in now he takes the money, but without providing the services. He's a fraud in my eyes now. It will be hard to root for him in the same way again.

As long as he's a Patriot, I will shamelessly root for him...if it means a superbowl.

sarge · 08-23-2007, 06:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patchick

I think you just answered your own question. It's only natural for him to try to extract a small pound of flesh rather than just slink back with his tail between his legs. He was not under contract, he was under no obligation to return sooner.

This is EXACTLY when I expected him back. I get where you're coming from, but it truly doesn't bother me.

Exactly.

And to Samuels credit, he minimized the risk (injury) without losing a single sent of reward (his franchise payout).

PatsFaninAZ · 08-23-2007, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patfanken

I don't understand it. If he is coming in next week, why on get in this week, or last week, so he can be at full speed for the season. He IS NOT going to be at full speed for the season opener. So to my way of thinking he is getting a $500,000 game check under false pretenses. In fact it will be unlikely that Samuel will be ready to step into the starting lineup until the 4th of 5th game.

Its unlikely to effect whether the Pats win or lose, but it dimishes Samuel in my eyes. I had no problem with his holdout, even if it went to 10 games. He is a FA and has that right. However by coming in now he takes the money, but without providing the services. He's a fraud in my eyes now. It will be hard to root for him in the same way again.

While I respect your view, this is an overreaction in my view. The rules are the rules. Both sides use them as best they can to their advantage and leverage. The team uses the franchise power when it's in its interest to do so. The player uses the power he has when it's in his interest to do so. If the NFL could get the union to agree that players have to show up at a certain time to get money, they'd surely have to give something up.

I don't begrudge Samuel for doing anything that he has the right to do under his deal. It would be hypocritical for me to say otherwise, because I also don't have a problem with the Patriots doing whatever they need to do to ensure their interest. It's a system where each side looks out after itself, and that's fair and reasonable to me.

robertweathers · 08-23-2007, 06:49 PM

A$ante will be fine. He'll be in great shape and have enough practices and a preseason game to get a good portion of his timing down. He knows the defense cold so that will not be a problem

***mgteich*** · 08-23-2007, 06:52 PM

He skipped the two a days just like many, many others in the past, including some on the present roster. But thanks for laugh. I expect that Samuel will be in the starting lineup for San Diego, perhaps even the jets.

Quote:

Originally Posted by patfanken

I don't understand it. If he is coming in next week, why on get in this week, or last week, so he can be at full speed for the season. He IS NOT going to be at full speed for the season opener. So to my way of thinking he is getting a $500,000 game check under false pretenses. In fact it will be unlikely that Samuel will be ready to step into the starting lineup until the 4th of 5th game.

Its unlikely to effect whether the Pats win or lose, but it dimishes Samuel in my eyes. I had no problem with his holdout, even if it went to 10 games. He is a FA and has that right. However by coming in now he takes the money, but without providing the services. He's a fraud in my eyes now. It will be hard to root for him in the same way again.

***Bobs My Uncle*** · 08-23-2007, 06:56 PM

Samuel will start whenever the staff feels he's the best man for the job. Not a second sooner.

SWelker · 08-23-2007, 06:57 PM

Good news, welcome back Asante! Lets win games..

***mgteich*** · 08-23-2007, 06:59 PM

That would be today. I just think that the staff might choose not to have him start in the opener. He'll still get plenty of reps.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobs My Uncle

Samuel will start whenever the staff feels he's the best man for the job. Not a second sooner.

signbabybrady · 08-23-2007, 07:01 PM

Don't forget he can start earning checks before he is in full shape as long as he reports, in his mind he is thinking like someone just said least amount of work for full pay by coming in so late. and by least amount of work I am in no way questioning how he worked in the offseason and or how he'll work when he gets here.

I can't wait for it to be official but I have no reason to believe the report is false it makes sense zant didnt have many options. Yey he is baaaahck