shmessy

That is the conclusion that one must come to at this point.

I remember in 2005 when Rodney got hurt for the year in Pittsburgh - - it was such a terrible moment. The next day he held a "goodbye for this year" press conference back in Foxboro. In an otherwise bittersweet, but predictable presser, someone asked him about the remaining Safeties. Expecting him to say things about Geno,Chad Scott, Dexter Reid, Guss Scott, etc. he bypassed that list and started raving about rookie James Sanders. Now, at that point, Sanders had barely showed up in a game, but Harrison spoke about him that day as if he was Head Coach material. It was almost shocking.

Today, in Reiss' Pieces, http://www.boston.com/sports/footbal.../reiss_pieces/
Tom Dimitroff, new Atlanta GM-former Pats Dir. of College Scouting was interviewed about his last thoughts upon leaving Foxboro:
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One leftover nugget:

In his scouting work for the Patriots, Dimitroff always felt strongly about one player, in particular.

“Of all the people that I really felt could do it, and could grow into the position, it is probably James Sanders," he said. "I think he should be very proud of what he’s achieved. Coming in as an underclassman, at 218 or 219 [pounds] and looking at how he was moving then vs. how he is moving now – and his understanding of the game – it’s taken himself to another level.”
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James Sanders is a PATRIOT. I can see this guy becoming the next Rodney , Troy or Tedy.

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"They (Patriots) may be the greatest team ever" - Chris Mortenson, January 18, 2005 on espn.com

sebman2112

Yea, Rodney said he believed James could be a "special player", and interestingly enough he's actually developed into a starting Safety for NE.

Now, I wouldn't say he looks "special" as yet, and still have room to improve before he'd ever be considered a top level Safety. Maybe he'll continue to improve with experience, and turn into that special player Rodney was talking about. In any case we'll see, and it's worth mentioning his current contract runs out after the 2008 season.

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Remix 6

i didnt buy into what Rodney was saying early on. He was making this kid seem like a future pro bowl starter and i was like ..no he cant be. Hes a 5"11 210 pound safety who ran a 4.68..little ball skills, yet Rodney kept talking about this kid and i started to see it kick in last season. I love Sanders..hes nothing special but he does his job and he is a very reliable guy. He tackles very well with an occasional bit hit and hes usually in position to prevent a play

tedylb

Coach loves him too. #36 has come a long way, with lots of upside. Kick some Bolt ***** today, James.

brdmaverick

he is not a pro bowler by any means, but the great part is that we don't need him to be.

Sanders has been everything that we need out of him, a blue collar guy who does his job and finishes tackles.

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MrBigglesWorth

I think earlier this year I think it was a Jet fan was bashing Sanders and say he was no Kerri Rhodes. Although Rhodes is a good player Sanders has become one of my favorites. He's always dependable, in the right spot 98% of the time and he keeps his mouth shut and does his job.

You really got to like the guy.

Great Post!!

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"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

patsox23

Sanders may not yet be a Pro Bowler, but the "nothing special" comment is a bit much. He's far more than merely solid.

Remix 6

nothing special in terms of individual skills. as in..hes not very fast. hes not very big. he doesnt make unbelievable plays. in other words..he wont stand out in the crowd such as Ed Reed, Bob Sanders or guys like Samuel/Cromartie do with their playmaking abilities.

MrBigglesWorth

Ed Reed and Asante gamble alot which leaves their teamouts out to dry if they don't gamble right.

Sanders has the freedom to roam around the field and he plays closer to the line of scrimmage. Rodney does that for us.

Cromartie is more of a one on one coverage corner.

Sanders stabalized the secondary last year and he's legit this year.

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"There are two categories of superbowl participants that nobody remembers:

The team that lost the game and the team that only won one." Dwight White- Steelers

Remix 6

he is legit but hes not a flashy player. thats all im saying. hes very good.. i like him a lot. not flashy but very sound