Why the love affair with Julius Peppers?

[bunzoburns]

The guy is a great pass rusher but what else can he do? Where will he play in the Pat's system?

If he plays DE, will we move Seymour or Warren? Will he be satisfied playing a 3-4 defensive end position where his primary responsibility is to stop the run and then rush the passer? His sack totals will certainly diminish and I doubt he would be happy about that.

Okay, maybe he plays OLB in our system. We know he rushes the passer but do you think he can make the transition after playing his whole career on the D-line? At 6-7 285+ lbs, can he play in space, diagnose a play from beyond the line of scrimmage, play in coverage?

What are his salary demands?

 

[makoute]

I don't think he can do worse than Vrabel and Willie Mc did in coverage, I think you'd get the same and even more. And I think he would be much better in Rushing the Passer.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Unless our secondary becomes good anytime soon,we need a SERIOUS talent as a pass rusher to alleviate some of the pressure on the backfield - If Peppers can give us that then he is worth every dime

 

[AzPatsFan]

I agree it makes no sense other than to Fantasy Football players. Unless the Pats convert to a 4-3.

 

[bunzoburns]

One more point...

There's a big difference in terms of rushing the passer from an OLB position than a DE position. Jason Taylor made the transition but I he is also 20 lbs less and in my opinion, more athletic.

 

[mmasterkillah]

I'm not going to get into it, but I think it is fairly easy to see that he would easily have a role here.

 

[tombonneau]

I agree it makes no sense other than to Fantasy Football players. Unless the Pats convert to a 4-3.

I kind of agree. The only reason it's even come up is Peppers said he wouldn't mind going to a 3-4 team, which frankly I only think he did to up his market value. I'm not sure how natural the transition would be for an athlete of his frame & build. Ultimately, he is a unique player with rare physical skills, so if anyone could do it, it's him.

I just think it's a big roll of the dice on the behalf of the Pats (or any 3-4 team). You can afford the opportunity cost of a rookie taking 2-3 years to convert from DE to OLB, but not so much with a costly veteran whose production/abilities will decline each subsequent season.

 

[Mogamedogz]

One more point...

There's a big difference in terms of rushing the passer from an OLB position than a DE position. Jason Taylor made the transition but I he is also 20 lbs less and in my opinion, more athletic.

You do realize that peppers was a star BB player for the Tarheels right?

 

[AzPatsFan]

You do realize that peppers was a star BB player for the Tarheels right?

So What? I don't care if he was an Olympic tiddly-winker either. OTOH The Redskins were shopping Jason Taylor for a 4th and his salary is about $2 million. Now he CAN play OLB in a 3-4. He might be a better all around guy too,bu tnot as good a pass rusher, but with a mere cap savings of around $14 million a year. Just what you need to pay frto a good backup QB ... Cassel.

 

[yopats]

I def.. think we need to look at things from a versatility standpoint.. this move gives the pats allot of options.. base 4-3 w/ AD / Mayo / ? or 3 - 4 w/ AD and him on each edge.. tons of matchup issues I am sure could be exploited w/ Peppers and Seymour on that side!

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

i honestly dont think Peppers will come to New England, why?? Peppers is asking for to much and if we sign him to a huge contract then wilfork will want a bigger contract!!

 

[thewaylifeshouldbe]

I think the love affair is over the name and the mans level of play.

I think the odds that Peppers is on his way here are super slim to none though. If we blow that kind of money on a conversion project, instead of spreading it around on needs elsewhere, I will be very concerned about the loss of Pioli.

 

[JackBauer]

I think the odds that Peppers is on his way here are super slim to none though. If we blow that kind of money on a conversion project, instead of spreading it around on needs elsewhere, I will be very concerned about the loss of Pioli.

Really, what are our major needs? I'll tell you what our biggest need is: getting a pass rush. That's not to say Peppers is likely to come here, but it's not like we have gaping holes elsewhere that need to be filled.

 

[yopats]

Really, what are our major needs? I'll tell you what our biggest need is: getting a pass rush. That's not to say Peppers is likely to come here, but it's not like we have gaping holes elsewhere that need to be filled.

Amen Brotha!

 

[supafly]

I just can't see JP coming here either, but I wouldn't really complain!!

The money would be insane, I personally would rather see Ray Lewis play another few yrs at peak performance here for less money--but once again you'd have the conversion factor to deal with. Although I'm sure he could fit in just as easy. Not comparing JP to Lewis by any means, just saying if we wanted to pick up a veteran LB at a cheaper price, Lewis still has a few good yrs left. Obviously I guess he'd go inside, and I'm sure we'd put him to use somehow. Plus you certainly can't #@$% with his leadership ability. JP is probably a much better athlete with a longer future playing span, and he could play on the line too obviously, but as a pure LB Lewis still has a lot left in the tank. Sorry if i took it a little off topic

 

[RoughingthePasser]

I def.. think we need to look at things from a versatility standpoint.. this move gives the pats allot of options.. base 4-3 w/ AD / Mayo / ? or 3 - 4 w/ AD and him on each edge.. tons of matchup issues I am sure could be exploited w/ Peppers and Seymour on that side!

That's the best post on this thread.



Regardless if we do acquire JP- I'm anxious to see our new defensive looks

 

[yopats]

That's the best post on this thread.



Regardless if we do acquire JP- I'm anxious to see our new defensive looks

Thanks and if you look at it from a historical standpoint w/ BB you can see that he has targeted guys like AD / Colvin / and now Peppers to fill that role Lawerence Taylor played for the Giants allowing them to use multiple fronts etc..

 

[DocE]

I like Peppers the player a ton. He's been very productive throughout his career and is the type of player teams game plan around. As a 3-4 OLB, it would be tougher for a team to double team him that it was as a 4-3 end. Peppers has great athletic ability and I don't think he'd have an issue with the coverage responsibilities as a 3-4 OLB.

I do question whether or not Peppers coming to the Patriots as the 2nd highest paid player on the team (and no.1 on defense) would be good for the locker room. There's a lot of guy in that locker room that have accomplished a ton and many (Brady, Moss, Bruschi, Harrison) have taken less money to play in New England.

I also question giving a huge deal to a guy who's going to play LB for the first time in a Belichick defense that is know for it's complex schemes.

If BB makes a move for Peppers, I am sure he's considered the above factors and decided his talent is well worth the risk.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

That's the best post on this thread.



Regardless if we do acquire JP- I'm anxious to see our new defensive looks

J.P. Losman on defense? Novel idea....

 

[supafly]

J.P. Losman on defense? Novel idea....

yeah, you didn't hear? he's taking over Delta's spot