PATRIOT64

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DarrylS

SMY is getting some pretty good stories and not saying the same thing that everyone else is.. not sure if she will ever replace Tom Curran.. but not a bad job.

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Box_O_Rocks

She did replace Tom Curran. We just get to admire the difference in styles and appreciate one more beat writer who doesn't share the dark cloud of negativity with every key stroke.

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Metaphors

I know we haven't seen anything from Kareem so far, but don't be surprised if you see him contribute before too long. Instead of looking at what he doesn't do well yet (2 gap, run discipline), look at the things he did extremely well in college (penetrate, pursue, disengage/stay on feet, hands up to block passes). Those skills makes him an asset, much like Jarvis was his rookie year. Doesn't mean he will see a lot of snaps, but his skill set may put him on the field at some point where a big play could result (sack, pressure/tip interception). He could fill the Jarvis role since Jarvis has to fill the Seymour role for a while.

I suppose you could replace "Kareem" with "LeKevin" and say many of the same things. If one of Kareem/LeKevin can play the pass rush end role, we should be able to survive the loss of Seymour fairly well. If LeKevin can man the middle occasionally, Kareem can become a 3rd down specialist and the rest can get/stay healthy, the Pats DL depth should be fine until Seymour returns. That is a lot of "ifs" but none of it is out of the realm of possibility.

Box_O_Rocks

I can see Kareem on Special Teams this year, his athleticism is excellent. I have no doubt there's roles he can play to help the team, unfortunately it may be gameday inactive learning the system too. It is what it is - as long as he "buys into" the Patriot way.

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mgteich

Brown is LeKevin with one year less experience, or Wright with two years less experience. It will take time to learn the system and become a valuable contributer. That being said, he seems to be on the path to success, ahead of the deevelopment curve set by Hill or Thomas.

Box_O_Rocks

I disagree with the Wright comparison insofar as comprehension and execution of two-gap technique is involved - Mike picked up on the technique very quickly. LeKevin and Kareem both appear to be as talented as he is, but their transition doesn't appear to be close to Mike's pace - perhaps he had prior exposure to it in college. I think a more valid comparison for LeKevin is Vince, his play this preseason is so similar to Vince's impatience in early 2005 before the lightbulb came on. Hopefully Kareem does as well.

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Metaphors

Well said. Gives some perspective and keeps expectations aligned with reality. I'm interested to know who (if anyone) will step up in sub packages. Jarvis, Vince and Ty can't play every snap. I'm less worried about run defense and more concerned about spread offenses (like I'm sure the Pats will see in Week #1). If LeKevin and/or Kareem can get on the field for some meaningful snaps, the big 3 can be fresh late in the game. Some interesting stuff to look for on Sunday.

mgteich

My point is that LeKevin is ready now and Kareem is likely to take a half year or more to be valuable.

Metaphors

Ready for what? He hasn't looked ready to play a 2-gap NT. He has flashed some pash rush and pursuit skills at DE. Is that what you mean?

Valuable at what? I'm not sure if he has been contributing on special teams or not. If he can take some snaps in 2 minute defense where penetration and pressure are key, I would consider that valuable.

I agree with your premise that LeKevin is more likely to see meaningful snaps this year, but "readiness" and "value" are relative to their role. I'm not sure what roles they will be asked to play yet. If Kareem can't convince the coaches that his skills translate to a meaningful role on gameday, I'm sure his role will be "inactive" as I assume you are suggesting above.