The Return of Leigh Bodden - New England Patriots Forums

PatsBoy12 · 07-31-2011, 06:19 PM

I know it has only been a few days of practices and one can hardly glean anything truly groundbreaking (positive or negative) about anything at this point. However, anything positive that one hears/reads about is still cause for optimism, and it puts a smile on my face. I can't help but feel very good about some of the things that are being said about individual players.

Specifically, I read two very interesting little tidbits about Leigh Bodden that make me feel that, barring anything catastrophic, the Patriots should have one of the best CB tandems in the league.

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Two guys who have stood out over two days are CB Leigh Bodden and WR Taylor Price. Bodden has covered extremely well, out-fighting Rob Gronkowski for one pick and looking very solid.

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Cornerback Leigh Bodden looks like he's bounced back strong after missing the 2010 season with a torn rotator cuff. Playing opposite Devin McCourty, he's consistently been around the ball the last few days and had an interception today in which he had good coverage on tight end Rob Gronkowski. When Gronkowski tried to catch the ball over him, Bodden had textbook position and made the catch. When the two hit the ground, they wrestled for the ball and Bodden came away from it after some help from safety Patrick Chung, who made like Ed Hochuli to pull Gronkowski away from him. That drew a big cheer from the crowd.

He seems to be rebounding very well and the reports earlier in the offseason seem to have been very accurate in regards to how well his rehab went. Bodden/McCourty is what we were all excited about before losing Bodden to injury. Our secondary looks like it could be really good this year as a whole. I'm very excited thus far.

***ausbacker*** · 07-31-2011, 06:43 PM

I've been on it for a while, Bodden with McCourty, assuming Bodden can return to his best and McCourty's improvement trajectory continues on the upward trend is exciting. Very exciting.

patriot lifer · 07-31-2011, 06:44 PM

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Originally Posted by PatsBoy12

I know it has only been a few days of practices and one can hardly glean anything truly groundbreaking (positive or negative) about anything at this point. However, anything positive that one hears/reads about is still cause for optimism, and it puts a smile on my face. I can't help but feel very good about some of the things that are being said about individual players.

Specifically, I read two very interesting little tidbits about Leigh Bodden that make me feel that, barring anything catastrophic, the Patriots should have one of the best CB tandems in the league.

He seems to be rebounding very well and the reports earlier in the offseason seem to have been very accurate in regards to how well his rehab went. Bodden/McCourty is what we were all excited about before losing Bodden to injury. Our secondary looks like it could be really good this year as a whole. I'm very excited thus far.

I remember that play where Bodden got the pick over Gronkowski. I think it was Brady who threw the pass. It was probably a bad idea to throw it in the first place. Gronk had poor position to make the catch and Bodden was a little farther down the field. After catching it, Gronk proceeded to jump on Bodden to try to pry the ball from him. Then Chung swooped in to the rescue to subdue big 'ole Gronk.

ay-yo · 07-31-2011, 06:45 PM

Hopefully this combo gives Bill the faith to send more pass rushers and leave these guys on an island. If we don't have an elite pass rusher we'll send more than you can block. While this isn't a great idea to do every play it can be very effective when called at the right time. Combine that with the improved interior pass rush and things could be a lot better on third downs next year.

PATSYLICIOUS · 07-31-2011, 06:56 PM

This makes me very excited. Our CB set is scary good, if AH impacts our pass rush the way I think he will could be our best defense in a while.

PatsBoy12 · 07-31-2011, 07:03 PM

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Originally Posted by PATSYLICIOUS

This makes me very excited. Our CB set is scary good, if AH impacts our pass rush the way I think he will could be our best defense in a while.

Although I have not allowed myself to think such things, I must say that the excitement in me is building exponentially at this point. We've had some very very very good defenses around these parts in past years. I know I don't need to lecture you or anyone about that. This year's iteration has a ways to go, but it really is starting to look good, even if it was only the 7th practice.

I really think that if Bodden returns to self and McCourty continues trending upward, this could be a scary secondary to play against. Like you said, a good interior pass rush will help this defense tremendously. I can't wait for the first preseason game to see some of the boys in action.

s3antana5757 · 07-31-2011, 07:15 PM

Bodden really got a bad rap because of one year in Detroit where they for whatever reason, thought he could play zone 95% of the time. He should be back and better than ever this year. He's a really solid player.

warx · 07-31-2011, 08:14 PM

I'm pumped to see Bodden and McCourty line up for us this season, hopefully we get a good look at (and see good things from) Ras-I as well.

PatsBoy12 · 07-31-2011, 08:19 PM

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Originally Posted by warx

I'm pumped to see Bodden and McCourty line up for us this season, hopefully we get a good look at (and see good things from) Ras-I as well.

I must admit that I don't know anything about the rookie. I had never even heard of him prior to the draft.

ZoisKing · 08-01-2011, 01:23 AM

Ras I was touted as possibly the best CB in the class before he got injured. That was early predictions, but it spoke volumes about his ability to cover. I'm sure there is some decent stuff on youtube that doesn't just highlight his picks.