mayoclinic

I'm not going to do a major update on my "blueprint" until the end of the regular season or close to it, but a couple of thoughts based on what's elapsed over the past 4 weeks:

1. The secondary. It's already a world better than 4 weeks ago. Talib/Dennard looks like a keeper outside, McCourty at FS is getting better game by game, and the hemorrhaging has stopped. Dowling will be back next year, and he could be a good #3 CB without as much pressure to step in and immediately contribute. Gregory looked good yesterday, and Gregory/Wilson seems like a reasonable "downhill" safety tandem with McCourty playing more of a deep/cover role. Chung barely saw the field. Arrington had probably his best game of the season, and perhaps being used in a different role will help him as well. Assuming Aqib Talib can be extended, the secondary seems to be in muich better long term shape than it looked 4 weeks ago. There's at least a clear plan and a solid nucleus to build around.

2. The OL. Marcus Cannon stepped up nicely yesterday, and Donald Thomas filled in reasonably well for Logan Mankins. Meanwhile the Pats have added to young linemen to the roster in Mitch Petrus and Markus Zukevics, both of whom have a lot of potential to flourish under Scar's tutelage. It will be interesting to see how this group continues to develop. They've already vastly exceeded expectations given the losses coming into the season (Light, Waters, Gallery).

3. The offensive "skill players". Shane Vereen is starting to hit his stride as a major offense weapon. I obviously screwed the pooch in the OP by suggesting that Julian Edelman should be relegated to the scrap heap. He has the potential to be a Randall Cobb kind of all-purpose offense weapon, and the combination of Edelman and Vereen could really be electric. He needs to be extended. Boy, did I screw that one up big time. I'm less inclined than ever to spend a high pick on a WR if Edelman and/or Welker is kept for 2013. I still love Tavon Austin, but not at the price it would take. A guy like Markus Wheaton or Steadman Bailey would fit in nicely.

4. The defensive line. The run defense has suffered more than the pass rush with Chandler Jones out. Cunningham has played nicely. But I still see an opportunity to elevate this area, which I think would elevate the defense to top unit.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi

BradyMoss812

I do like your idea in your previous post of signing Rogers-Cromartie; him & Talib in the backfield would be something.

Marqui

There's no way they can afford both.

mayoclinic

I agree. Re-signing Talib should be a priority assuming he keeps his nose clean the rest of the season. He's clearly a good fit with solid skills, and the re-assignment of roles is helping to sort out the confusion in the secondary tremendously. Dowling will hopefully be able to come back and add something for next year.

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"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi

patsfaninpa

Hate to say this about one of our guys. But, Edelman looks bigger, quicker, faster and stronger than I remember him....cough cough

ctpatsfan77

If you're suggesting what I think you're suggesting. . . .

No, he really isn't any of those things.

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"Momentum was quickly snatched away by New England, who once again proved that any Patriot, at any moment, can make a play." —Inside the NFL, Packers v. Patriots

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Sciz

This was noticed by the media early in training camp. He says he's not any faster, just running better routes so he looks faster.

Don't know what his excuse for looking bigger is, though

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DocHoliday

Grandma Edelmans nutritious cooking I hope

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manxman2601

I really don't think we should read too much in to the last four games. I have enjoyed the more aggressive style of the defense (last 2 games) but our last four opponents have been last years joint worst teams, a Bills team that gave up 40+ to the Mark Sanchez and the most dysfunctional team in the NFL right now. Sure you can only beat what's put in front of you and on a couple off occasions they've done it very well but I don't think we can deduce anything about this team until after Texans/49'ers.

mayoclinic

I agree - that's why I started with "I'm not going to do a major update until the end of the regular season, or close to it." I think things are moving in the right general direction, and I thought it was worth outlining some of those main areas (secondary, OL, WR/TE, DL). But I'm not reading much into things are formulating any judgments until we see how this team does in the playoffs.

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To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
"OVER Loading at ANY position can create a Fatal Advantage. THAT is what interests ME. Attacking With Concentrated Force. THAT is what WINS. In the words ~ more or less ~ of General Patton: 'I'm fighting a WAR, here. Let the B*****ES worry about their FLANKS.' " - Off the Grid

"The key to any successful organization is to anticipate things, not react to them." - Michael Lombardi