More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thomas?

[PATRIOT64]

Say for example that you lose one of these players out of the lineup due to IR or an injury that lasts for more than a few weeks.

Which ones absence would hurt the defense more?

Adalius Thomas or Vince Wilfork?

 

[slash83]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Vince Wilfork

 

[jmt57]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Adalius Thomas is more important in my opinion, based on who would most likely be the new starter and new backup for Thomas and Wilfork. Throughout the NFL Wilfork may rank more highly at DT than Thomas does at OLB, but I think there would be a bigger dropoff in performance for the Pats based on the players on the roster that would be expected to take their place.

 

[Phoenix111]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

If Brace can show himself to be halfway decent‚ then I would say AD. Plus‚ in a pinch who says Mike Wright couldn't play a servicable NT.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Thomas. Without him, say goodnight to any pass rush the Pats had. Also, NT's are overrated. There are a few teams that have no-name NT's and had a better run defense than the Pats in '08.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Wilfork. Then again, maybe Wilfork. Or, possibly, Wilfork.





Although, it could be Wilfork.

 

[PATRIOT64]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Wilfork. Then again, maybe Wilfork. Or, possibly, Wilfork.





Although, it could be Wilfork.

Well,People that say Wilfork obviously think that Brace or Wright will not be able to get the job done

People that say Adalius Thomas figure that there are not two capable players in the lineup to start every game at OLB between Woods,Crable,Banta-Cain and Redd


If Adalius got hurt we would certainly see the return of McGinest to NE,maybe Colvin at desperation
If Wilfork got hurt I would expect the replacement to come from within the roster which would be a bit easier

In that regards I say Thomas would be the tougher guy to replace,The other 4 OLBs are green at best with only Banta-Cain as a proven commodity at this point - While Wright has starting experience on several parts of the front line.

 

[Deus Irae]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Well,People that say Wilfork obviously think that Brace or Wright will not be able to get the job done

People that say Adalius Thomas figure that there are not two capable players in the lineup to start every game at OLB between Woods,Crable,Banta-Cain and Redd


If Adalius got hurt we would certainly see the return of McGinest to NE,maybe Colvin at desperation
If Wilfork got hurt I would expect the replacement to come from within the roster which would be a bit easier

In that regards I say Thomas would be the tougher guy to replace,The other 4 OLBs are green at best with only Banta-Cain as a proven commodity at this point - While Wright has starting experience on several parts of the front line.

This team has been replacing OLBs for years. A 3-4 NT problem was pretty obvious before Mr. Washington showed up.

As for Brace, you're right. I don't think he can get the job done on a level near Wilfork's, particularly since this is his rookie season and he's used to having Raji by his side.

 

[PatsfanGlo]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

If offense can be antyhing comparable to 2007 offense, I say Adalius Thomas. If Patriots are ahead by couple touchdown like they used to be back in 2007, it means pass defense and pass rush are important more than anything. I think that was one reason Vrable's number was bit inflated that season.

 

[eagle eye]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Wilfork. Then again, maybe Wilfork. Or, possibly, Wilfork.





Although, it could be Wilfork.

You sig applies to this thread imo. You couldn't possibly compare them, the positions are so different. The thought of losing one or other is not a nice one. Both are tremendous and critical to our defense.

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Vince Wilfork

what he said

 

[Phoenix111]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

As somewhat of an aside‚ if you take a look at some of the best 3-4 teams‚ you'll see that they have great if not elite players at OLB AND NT. Examples: Pitt- Harrison/Woodley & Hampton‚ Balt: Suggs & Greg/Ngata‚ SD: Merriman/Phillips & Jamal Williams. I wouldn't say AD is elite‚ but he's certainly good.

 

[RayClay]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

The answer should be Wilfork.

Unfortunately, in a pinch Warren could play the nose and bring along Brace. Wright, LeKevin and Jarvis are all experienced backups at end.

We would have Woods Crabel or Redd as starters. As starters! I'm not sure i can even name any backups. I guess Waiver Wire, from parts unknown would be available.

 

[RayClay]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

The answer should be Wilfork.

Unfortunately, in a pinch Warren could play the nose and bring along Brace. Wright, LeKevin and Jarvis are all experienced backups at end.

We would have Woods Crabel or Redd as starters. As starters! I'm not sure i can even name any backups. I guess Waiver Wire, from parts unknown would be available.

Sorry, forgot TBC (the new one, I mean, not the one my conscious mind blocked out for my protection). Coming in off the ledge now.

 

[bbell31]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

wilfork, adalius wasnt impressive last year

 

[Phoenix111]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

wilfork, adalius wasnt impressive last year

Well AD was....kind of....injured last year. Up until the injury he was the only pass rushing threat on the team‚ save for Meriweather blitzing up the middle now and again.

 

[bbell31]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

very true but from what i saw adalius struggled in man coverage and his supposed good speed didnt show to me

 

[Pat_the_Patriot]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

VW... unlike the car, this guy kicks ass.

 

[WhiZa]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

very true but from what i saw adalius struggled in man coverage and his supposed good speed didnt show to me

Did you see the sack he had on Brett Favre last year? If he lead the team in sacks would you change your opinion? I would say he earned his pay check, and if by struggled you mean injured then I agree with you.

 

[LeonPowe]

Re: More important to this defense at their position - Vince Wilfork or Adalius Thoma

Thomas.

Wilpork is overrated, just plug in any tubby in the middle and you're good. Adalius has a terrific skill set.