A make-or-break game for Adalius Thomas - New England Patriots Forums

fillylabinga · 11-04-2007, 09:07 AM

With all the hype of the new WR additions it's easy to forget the Pats biggest offseason acquisition was actually Adalius Thomas.

After the D was exposed in the AFCCG, the verdict seemed to be that the LB crew was too old. It seemed like BB felt that was too. The insertion of Alexander into the lineup in that game smacked a little of desperation. Then the first thing the FO did in the offseason was pick up Thomas, a LB with speed in addition to size.

Although on the one hand I would say that Thomas has been a good addition to the defense, I would also say that he's been a bit of a disappointment.

Arguably the biggest impact AD has made was to allow Vrabel to move back to the outside where he has been a beast. AD has been been solid against the run and fine in pass defense, but with the exception of the one pick he hasn't exactly been swarming around the ball, picking up tackles and sacks, or otherwise been much of a difference-maker.

Part of this might be adjusting to a new scheme, but he's been through a full training camp and now the season is 1/2 over. The time for excuses is over.

So today AD has the chance to prove to the team and the fans why BB signed him to that huge contract. If he is able to keep the Colts TEs covered while shutting down the run then he will have been worth every penny.

What do you guys think? Will AD step it up today? How will BB use him? Will BB put him on Dallas Clark who has been absolutely killing us recently? Will he be the difference-maker in a Pats win today?

(BTW, the Globe has a big article on him
http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...hings_covered/)

PATRIOT64 · 11-04-2007, 09:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fillylabinga

With all the hype of the new WR additions it's easy to forget the Pats biggest offseason acquisition was actually Adalius Thomas.

After the D was exposed in the AFCCG, the verdict seemed to be that the LB crew was too old. It seemed like BB felt that was too. The insertion of Alexander into the lineup in that game smacked a little of desperation. Then the first thing the FO did in the offseason was pick up Thomas, a LB with speed in addition to size.

Although on the one hand I would say that Thomas has been a good addition to the defense, I would also say that he's been a bit of a disappointment.

Arguably the biggest impact AD has made was to allow Vrabel to move back to the outside where he has been a beast. AD has been been solid against the run and fine in pass defense, but with the exception of the one pick he hasn't exactly been swarming around the ball, picking up tackles and sacks, or otherwise been much of a difference-maker.

Part of this might be adjusting to a new scheme, but he's been through a full training camp and now the season is 1/2 over. The time for excuses is over.

So today AD has the chance to prove to the team and the fans why BB signed him to that huge contract. If he is able to keep the Colts TEs covered while shutting down the run then he will have been worth every penny.

What do you guys think? Will AD step it up today? How will BB use him? Will BB put him on Dallas Clark who has been absolutely killing us recently? Will he be the difference-maker in a Pats win today?

(BTW, the Globe has a big article on him
http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...hings_covered/)

I guess you missed his outstanding performance in 2 of our biggest games to date, the San Diego and Dallas games, especially the San Diego game in which he helped boldly to contain Gates and even ran for a score

I think you are underestimating his impact,You don't have to have great stats to show you are contributing to the defense - He is playing fine and I am glad he is here...A.D. being a dissapointment is B.S.

Without A.D. in the lineup Bruschi and Seau would be more showing thier age and Colvin and Vrabel would not be having excellent campaigns either - He is the heart of the LB corps so far although Vrabel does have the better stats.

cblesz · 11-04-2007, 09:12 AM

Wow. Make or break? Are you even watching the games?

PatsFaninAZ · 11-04-2007, 09:15 AM

I think Thomas has been outstanding this year.

robertweathers · 11-04-2007, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fillylabinga

With all the hype of the new WR additions it's easy to forget the Pats biggest offseason acquisition was actually Adalius Thomas.

After the D was exposed in the AFCCG, the verdict seemed to be that the LB crew was too old. It seemed like BB felt that was too. The insertion of Alexander into the lineup in that game smacked a little of desperation. Then the first thing the FO did in the offseason was pick up Thomas, a LB with speed in addition to size.

Although on the one hand I would say that Thomas has been a good addition to the defense, I would also say that he's been a bit of a disappointment.

Arguably the biggest impact AD has made was to allow Vrabel to move back to the outside where he has been a beast. AD has been been solid against the run and fine in pass defense, but with the exception of the one pick he hasn't exactly been swarming around the ball, picking up tackles and sacks, or otherwise been much of a difference-maker.

Part of this might be adjusting to a new scheme, but he's been through a full training camp and now the season is 1/2 over. The time for excuses is over.

So today AD has the chance to prove to the team and the fans why BB signed him to that huge contract. If he is able to keep the Colts TEs covered while shutting down the run then he will have been worth every penny.

What do you guys think? Will AD step it up today? How will BB use him? Will BB put him on Dallas Clark who has been absolutely killing us recently? Will he be the difference-maker in a Pats win today?

(BTW, the Globe has a big article on him
http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal...hings_covered/)

we have no idea if bb thinks hes been a dissapontment. hes freed up vrable to be a monster on the outside this year. colvin has been very good also.

hes playing on the inside. hes 2nd on the team in tackles. hes plugging the middle. he has a pick, he has a sack and hes forced a couple of fumbles. Hes learning a complicated and hes adjusting.We're not talking about a JD Drew situation here. He'll be fine.

If he holds Clark to 3/40 today and perhaps again in the playoffs, but has a ave reg season statistically, will the acq. be worth it in your eyes?

i say yes.

***Jr.*** · 11-04-2007, 09:17 AM

1 star 10 chars

JJDChE · 11-04-2007, 09:18 AM

I'll echo the other posters. This is most certainly not a make-or-break game for Thomas.

Hell, this isn't even a make-or-break SEASON for Thomas. If he had actually been playing poorly (which he definitely is NOT), then maybe you could call next season a make-or-break season for him.

Calling this a make-or-break game for AD is...crazy.

Remix 6 · 11-04-2007, 09:18 AM

wether he stands out in a game or not doesnt matter. He does his job..hes playing sound and has made plays for us. Dont know why we need to expect pro bowl #s or for him to cover someone if the coaches dont assign that to him

CrazyDave · 11-04-2007, 09:19 AM

I have'nt found Thomas dissapointing at all. He's filled our biggest weakness - ILB, and may very well lead the team in tackles.
And while I'm no expert, he seems to have helped to make the LB's around him better. Vrabel is playing at a very high level (see last week), and Colvin's resurgance may have something to do with Thomas as well.

primetime · 11-04-2007, 09:20 AM

Thomas was signed for one reason, I believe. That was to control Dallas Clark. The Patriots knew they could beat any team in the league with last year's team. Except Indianapolis. So they went shopping for players that can beat Indy. Thomas can neutralize Clark, just like he neutralized Witten.