Rob0729

Ok, Todd McShay over at ESPN redid the 2007 draft based on the first half of the season and here is what he wrote:

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/column...odd&id=3098817

What injuries is Meriweather dealing with? I don't remember him ever being on the injury report or even any rumors of injuries. I hope McShay is right in that it will explain his disapointing start of his NFL career.

bbabin

If people think his play has been disappointing, I question their expectations. Was he supposed to beat out Wilson Sanders or Harrison as a starting safety? He has been playing on many special teams squads and gotten reps in garbage time defense. Easing rookies into their roles is a luxury that the Patriots' depth usually allows.

stevepratt

I dont think people expected him to beat out Sanders, Wilson or Harrison but I dont think its unreasonable to think that he would be ahead of Rashard Baker on the depth chart...as far as the injures go I cant think of a time when he has been on the injury report.. not like the Patriots injury report is reliable either way (who is on or off). I dont think they would be throwing him out there to play special teams if he was injuired. As far as I can tell he doesnt seem to be making a big impact on the special teams either so i dont think they would risk an injury for the little value he is adding

Oswlek

With regard to Meriweather, I point to Troy Polomalu. He was so bad in his rookie year that people midway through the year were wondering if he was going to be a bust. The light went on in that offseason and he has been a monster since then. Obviously there is no way to know whether Brandon is on that path, but, other than 2003, BB has historically been slower to incorporate rookies if there is another option.

__________________
"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

Rob0729

He is first round pick and he played 1 play on Sunday. I am not expecting him to start, but as a first round pick I expect him to beat out Rasad Baker on the depth chart. If you are ok with him being the 3rd or fourth FS on the depth chart behind a fourth year journeyman safety, more power to you. I expect a first round draft pick to make a contribution beyond special teams and mop up duty.

Sorry, but barring injuries, calling Meriweather's season so far anything but disapointing is being very generous. He should be at least rotating in more on nickel and dime packages, but he is seeing less and less of playing time in those packages.

Rob0729

Polumalu had 38 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 4 pass defenses in his rookie year. He had only one game where he didn't have at least two tackles. Meriweather has 15 tackles, no sacks, no forced fumbles, and no pass defenses. Meriweather has had two tackles in the last five games combined.

It is fair to compare Meriweather to Polumalu. But by comparing their rookie seasons alone so far, the only conclusion you can come from that limited information is that Meriweather will never be a top safety in this league. Polumalu was the DROY compared to what Meriweather has done. Yes, Polumalu had a slow start to his career, but no where this bad of a start.

Meriweather could turn it around and turn into a great safety, but he has been a disapointment so far and has had a far worse rookie season than Polumalu had his rookie year up to this point.

Oswlek

You are making a giant mistake in your logic. Troy was on the field for nearly every play while Meriweather has not been. While one could easily say that his lack of playing time is a negative it is indisputible that Meriweather's stats would look more impressive with more playing time.

__________________
"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

Remix 6

scrub safeties in Pittsburgh when Troy got there. Meriweather comes with 3 good ones

Oswlek

That is my point. I was just countering the "playing time" issue before it was raised.

__________________
"They have one objective," said Washington cornerback Shawn Springs. "They whoop people's [backsides]. If you understand that, it answers all your questions. They might not lose [this year]."

jays52

So, because he's not in the starting lineup and not putting up gaudy stats, people assume he's not that great?

Sir, have you met a friend of mine? Ty Warren?