BB: Brandon Spikes "looked like he hadn’t practiced in four weeks" - New England Patriots Forums

***Nikolai*** · 01-11-2011, 10:29 AM

Patriots coach Belichick makes non-subtle point on Spikes - The Boston Globe

Quote:

Asked how Spikes looked on the field, Belichick did not offer a positive assessment.

“It looked like he hadn’t practiced in four weeks with the team, so he’s got a ways to go,’’ he said.

Spikes did not appeal his suspension so that he would be able to contribute in the postseason. But he may have work to do to make sure he plays a big role against the Jets Sunday.

“We’ll see. We’ll see,’’ Belichick responded when asked if a few more days of practice would get Spikes back on track. “Hopefully he’ll be better this week than he was last week. He should be with the extra days of practice and just getting back into it, but we’ll see how it goes.’’

We'll have to see what this means for the game, but hopefully he'll get up to speed. It would be nice to have him in there for run defense.

***KontradictioN*** · 01-11-2011, 10:32 AM

That's not a huge indictment on Spikes, IMO. He hadn't practiced in four weeks. I can tell you that when I played football and had to miss a period of time due to either injury or illness that I looked pretty terrible (blew assignments, winded, out of shape) when I first came back to practice. Generally speaking, it takes a week or so to get back up to speed. If I were a betting man, I'd bet that Spikes looks a lot better and more comfortable in practice this week.

***Nikolai*** · 01-11-2011, 10:40 AM

I'm hoping it's not a conditioning issue like one would have after an injury (I've been there too). That would be bad for two reasons: 1) he wasn't hurt and didn't condition himself? and 2) getting up to speed on that would probably take longer than a week (after missing four).

I think it might be his reaction to plays and maybe a bit of vertigo on the football field. That happens and if that's the issue, I think it could be corrected within a couple days.

I just had a thought that BB could be putting this nugget out there for public consumption to place a bit of doubt about Spikes' availability for the game. Now THAT'S how you play the media.

***KontradictioN*** · 01-11-2011, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikolai

I'm hoping it's not a conditioning issue like one would have after an injury (I've been there too). That would be bad for two reasons: 1) he wasn't hurt and didn't condition himself? and 2) getting up to speed on that would probably take longer than a week (after missing four).

I think it might be his reaction to plays and maybe a bit of vertigo on the football field. That happens and if that's the issue, I think it could be corrected within a couple days.

I just had a thought that BB could be putting this nugget out there for public consumption to place a bit of doubt about Spikes' availability for the game. Now THAT'S how you play the media.

Well, generally speaking, you can condition yourself all you want. You can jog five miles a day for four weeks and be in good shape. However, being in good shape and being in football shape are two different things. BB highlighted the differences there before as well (most recently, when talking about Mankins). That's more or less what I was talking about in my first response to your thread.

patman12 · 01-11-2011, 10:50 AM

I think he's not up to game conditions but I also think BB is keeping one of his young guys humble and motivated.

Sicilian · 01-11-2011, 10:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patman12

I think he's not up to game conditions but I also think BB is keeping one of his young guys humble and motivated.

This was my first thought too. When a young player makes a stupid mistake like he did, it's a bad idea to give him any shred of thought that it'll just be ok when he gets back. All the good will and trust he earned with his coach needs to be EARNED back, and I think Spikes has the attitude to feed off that too.

***Gwedd*** · 01-11-2011, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patman12

I think he's not up to game conditions but I also think BB is keeping one of his young guys humble and motivated.

I agree. I can't imagine Spikes just sitting around and not working out, etc. Yes... his reactions will be slowed, but I firmly believe that this message was being sent to the OTHER players on the team about how to straighten up and fly right.

If it causes some other concerns with future opponents, then all the better.

Hoodie · 01-11-2011, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patman12

I think he's not up to game conditions but I also think BB is keeping one of his young guys humble and motivated.

Agreed, If BB had said, "He looked great, like he'd never been away." Wouldn't we be wondering if our coach had been replaced by a Pete Caroll robot?

drew4008 · 01-11-2011, 11:16 AM

Leave in Fletcher then. I think he could be better suited to this game anyway. Sanchez is only successful when he utilizes play action well and hits his underneath targets consistently when they're fairly wide open. Meaning we'll need to cover LT out of the backfield a lot and watch Keller. Fletcher has shown he's pretty good at covering backs, and between him, Guyton, and the safeties, we should be able to cover Keller.

Holy Diver · 01-11-2011, 11:26 AM

BB knows how to light a fire.....

LOVE it.