Originally Posted by ALP

1. our cap space this year is limited, where last yr we had plenty, and did not sign asante to a long term deal
I agree, and this one is tied to #4

2. b/c our defensive scheme right now focuses more on average cb's that can do an effective job, we do not need outstanding cb's in our defensive schemes
I think it's more a matter of, they cannot afford outstanding cb's based on how they've spent their money

3. b/c our cb's do not switch sides, our scheme allows for them to be considered pretty much equal in value...(this is due to the fact that opposing offenses can line up their number one guy agasint hobbs instead of asante all game long)
I assume it helps BB gameplan as to where the holes in the defense are going to be based on where his own team's weaknesses are, and what the other teams 'should' do to exploit them.

4. b/c asante is really not worth that much money, and the pats dont spend money like crazy...
Tied to #1, and I agree

5. b/c i think pretty much any new cb can do asante's job right away, with little value being lost at the position
I won't go that far, but Asante does have weaknesses that stick out, despite having good ball skills

6. b/c our scheme depends on QB pressure, not wr coverage, and hence our defense has lacked b/c of poor qb pressure
I felt that the only reason our team was #2 in the league in sacks was in large part due to the coverage. The Pats rarely overpowered lines with speed rushes. It seemed mainly to be blitzes, and coverage sacks.

well, those are the reasons, what do you guys think?