Patriots Look To Young LBs

[Box_O_Rocks]

A much better effort by the anonymous Scout.com committee.

Scout.com: Patriots Look To Young LBs

Patriots Look To Young LBs
By scout.com
Posted Jul 25, 2009

Replacing Mike Vrabel is no easy task, and not one which was expected at the end of last season. Yet that's exactly the position the Patriots find themselves in. With nothing but young players to fill in the gap, them team shows little concern over the perceived weakness.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

As much as Vrabel has made some great plays for the Pats, he hit rock bottom in 2008. In fact, it was time for him to go. I honestly believe that it won't be difficult in replacing Mike Vrabel of 2008. However, replacing Mike Vrabel of 2001-2007 is a different story.

As far as who wins the job, it seems as though it's Woods job to lose. On the other hand, most people are rooting for the other Michigan guy in Shawn Crable. Tully Banta-Cain will see time rushing the passer but I highly doubt this guy will see much time on early downs because he has a hard time setting the edge. While Vince Redd has the size, he seems to be a long shot to win the starting position.

In the end, I see the last OLB spot to come down to either Woods or Crable.

 

[RobertWeathers]

As much as Vrabel has made some great plays for the Pats, he hit rock bottom in 2008. In fact, it was time for him to go. I honestly believe that it won't be difficult in replacing Mike Vrabel of 2008. However, replacing Mike Vrabel of 2001-2007 is a different story.

As far as who wins the job, it seems as though it's Woods job to lose. On the other hand, most people are rooting for the other Michigan guy in Shawn Crable. Tully Banta-Cain will see time rushing the passer but I highly doubt this guy will see much time on early downs because he has a hard time setting the edge. While Vince Redd has the size, he seems to be a long shot to win the starting position.

In the end, I see the last OLB spot to come down to either Woods or Crable.

You nailed it. Pats should be able to find 4 sacks from Woods/Crable/TBC/ Redd and be producive in the running & passing games. However, I do think Vrable brought toughness, leadership and experience to the defense that may take a bit more time to replace at the position. The other slight concern is from what I understand, he had the headset which means he took the defensive calls from the sidelines and made pre-snap adjustments accordingly. Who does that now when Bru is not on the field. Mayo? Thomas?

 

[unoriginal]

The other slight concern is from what I understand, he had the headset which means he took the defensive calls from the sidelines and made pre-snap adjustments accordingly. Who does that now when Bru is not on the field. Mayo? Thomas?

Probably Mayo, as he was actually on the field for 32 more snaps than Vrabel last year.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Thanks for posting. The article really didn't add much that we haven't read this offseason, though. I'm excited about the young guys, personally.

 

[pats63]

Crable had a good preseason last year.I think Woods got the upper hand.I think there is going to be alot of subbing this year.Can you feel it?FOOTBALL!!!

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Crable had a good preseason last year.I think Woods got the upper hand.I think there is going to be alot of subbing this year.Can you feel it?FOOTBALL!!!

I watched The Crab in Training Camp last year. He had flashes of brilliance and looked like he belonged out there although he did show weakness (so did Woods in camp) seting the edge on runs. This season, The Crab needs to step up in the run game and keep showing capability on the pass rush and he'll be an asset.

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

Big Willie comin to town seems to make the most sense

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Big Willie comin to town seems to make the most sense

I watched him play for Romeo in Cleveland S...L...O...W!!!

Let Willie come back for 1 day to retire a Patriot.

 

[bbell31]

boys we r goin to b fine on defense...we shoulda went to the playoffs with an injured dline, no pass rush, weak ace secondary....with beat the heck outa the superbowl contenders and we can dang sure beat the steelers....our pass rush cannot b anyworse and same with secondary.

revamped secondary
better pass rush
healthy dline
speed linebackers with more experience
we should expect nothin less than a deep run in the playoffs
im honestly not worried at all for our defense...

oline of last years is what scares me if ne thing...but i think we will be okay there as well

 

[Tyler.Durden]

I'm actually interested in seeing what Redd can do, i'm optimistic that he can be a game changer.

 

[JoeShmoe]

How many sacks did Vrabel have last year?

He was slowing down and isnt the guy. I suspect (and hope) that one of these guys (Woods, Crable or Redd) is really going to step up this year