Terrence Wheately & Deltha O'Neal - As HC who would you start opposite Hobbs?

[PATRIOT64]

BB has made up his decision and announced that Wheately,the rookie second round draft pick will start and play opposite Hobbs on Sunday and the fact that O'Neal a veteran recent CB signing did not change his decision.

While Wheately has more knowledge of the Patriots complicated defensive schemes since learning them in camp and preseason,O'Neal has veteran presence and have seen the likes of KC and their receivers several times before in his years in the NFL and in the regular season where it counts now.

With that being said,If you were head coach would you go with the young unproven rookie and take your chances he will handle the likes of Gonzalez and Bowe that will come by his way sunday or do you go with the veteran who has not played with this defense yet but knows KC better and played in many meaningful games.

What would be your choice?

 

[fnordcircle]

It's hard to say. I can't gauge either one's football aptitude. I'm sure there's a million subtleties in the Pats' defense, but what's equally important is how each of the two players transitions through the various phases of coverage. How quick they can move up to the line on a short pass, how properly they turn their hips depending on the route, how well they can gauge which type of route is being run, etc.

Going up against the Chiefs I'd also want to give extra consideration to the better tackler of the two since we'll undoubtedly be seeing a healthy dose of Larry Johnson.

Probably O'Neal, despite how excited I am to see Wheatley play when it counts.

 

[mavfan2390]

Wheatley. Our offense can carry us against KC, it's important to get Wheatley lot of reps when it matters now, we can rely on him in the playoffs.

 

[PATRIOT64]

It's hard to say. I can't gauge either one's football aptitude. I'm sure there's a million subtleties in the Pats' defense, but what's equally important is how each of the two players transitions through the various phases of coverage. How quick they can move up to the line on a short pass, how properly they turn their hips depending on the route, how well they can gauge which type of route is being run, etc.

Going up against the Chiefs I'd also want to give extra consideration to the better tackler of the two since we'll undoubtedly be seeing a healthy dose of Larry Johnson.

Probably O'Neal, despite how excited I am to see Wheatley play when it counts.

Hopefuly the front 7 can keep Johnson from getting beyond them much of the game,If the CBs and Safeties have to be in on too many tackles involving Larry Johnson then it could be a tough going for the Patriots defense against the run

Simply said,Stop Larry Johnson and KC really is in trouble,IMO Gonzalez is still very good but is not the huge threat he used to be and Bowe is a very promising youngster but still is a little bit raw

 

[PATRIOT64]

Wheatley. Our offense can carry us against KC, it's important to get Wheatley lot of reps when it matters now, we can rely on him in the playoffs.

Unless you plan on being a Raiders or Bengals fan shortly then that signature picture gotta go

But I have to admit,it was a nice picture of that one pass Jackson actually CAUGHT from Brady - so rare it should be on ebay

 

[ginachen]

I think i will choose O'Neal, because he has been to 2 pro bowls and has more experience.

 

[Deus Irae]

This would have been a much closer call for me if it was the Jets in week 1.

Wheatley is currently the team's #2 CB. I definitely start him against a Chiefs team that has only 1 WR threat when the alternative player (O'Neal) doesn't yet know the system. The Patriots can do for Wheatley what they did for Samuel and just roll the coverage to his side and leave Hobbs singled up as needed, if they are concerned about Wheatley getting abused.

 

[Patjew]

Good thread topic.

Wheatley. Our offense can carry us against KC, it's important to get Wheatley lot of reps when it matters now, we can rely on him in the playoffs.

I agree with that.

 

[italian pat patriot]

for game 1 i should go with Wheatley-then we see...probably Deltha O'Neal has to adapt a little bit too here in Foxboro

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Wheatley. O'Neal or Wilhite will get to spell him when the coaches want to walk him through the game photos and coach him on route recognition, technique, etc.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

Wheatley for now. Then depending on O'Neils speed, and how quickly he picks things up, I'd rather have the vet. Chances are, if Wheatley looks ok, might as well stay with him, and get him the experience. He'll be needing it for the playoffs.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

I think we can rotate for this game, and let O neil get his feet wet against Brodie Croyle, and it will give him another week to get ready for Farve Mania

 

[PatsFan24]

I think i will choose O'Neal, because he has been to 2 pro bowls and has more experience.

that is what i would say and i would want wheatley to get some reps in there as well. i think he will do some kick returns this season. i like this guy a lot and think he might have been a steal for the pats

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

that is what i would say and i would want wheatley to get some reps in there as well. i think he will do some kick returns this season. i like this guy a lot and think he might have been a steal for the pats

I hear what you're saying, but I get nervous everytime Hobbs does a return. Same would go for Wheatley if he started doing returns. We're thin enough at that position, I'd have to jump on the 'nervous bandwagon' if they got injured doing returns. Then again, they could get injured backpedaling.lol.
I think with his speed, Slater could be a good return man. I just think he needs to work on his vision a little, but what do I know. I'm not Seely.

 

[DarrylS]

Wheatly needs to get his feet wet in the NFL.. nothing against O'Neal, but this d is pretty complicated and even though he is a proven vet.. he has not been all that immersed in the D schemes this team uses.

 

[Julius]

I'm seeing Deltha O'neal as this years version of Terrel Buckley. He has great ball skills so you bring him in as a nickel back on obvious passing downs and let him collect picks.

 

[patsox23]

Wheatley. He's been through an entire off-season in the system. Deltha O'Neal will be, and remain, the nickel AT BEST and a returner on S/T's. Why on Earth would they throw him in as a starter with precisely ZERO game-reps in the system?

Do people SERIOUSLY think BB will START Deltha O'Neal???? Sanders will start over him.

 

[Rob0729]

No question I start Wheatley for Sunday. Just because he is a rookie doesn't mean he is going to suck at the position. Wheatley was our most impressive and consistent CB of the preseason. If he struggles, then replace him with O'Neal.

 

[JR4]

Wheately. O'Neal just hasn't had the practice reps to know the
system that well. But I expect to see him in certain situations.
His playbook has probably been reduced considerably for this
week. my guess

 

[BelichickFan]

I think it's clear that Hobbs and Wheatley will be the starters Week 1 - the bigger question to me is when we play against 3 WR, who comes in this week - O'Neal, Sanders, Wilhite are the options. Probably O'Neal and I'm thinking he would play the outside WR - and I'm thinking the faster, quicker, smaller Wheatley would take the inside slot guy.