The Weakest Player on the Defense

[mgteich]

As of now, I think the weakest player on the defense is Crable. Certainly an argument can be made for Smith or Green, since we are looking at signing Carter.

Crable is not really needed for much this year. Thomas/Burgess/Woods should be an OK OLB rotation, with Banta-Cain there in case of injury (and justifying his salary playing special teams).

DEFENSE (24)
DL (7) - Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wright, Brace
OLB (4) - Thomas, Burgess, Woods, Crable
ILB (4) - Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) - Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan/Williams

I have guys like Ventrone, Slater, Banta-Cain, Jones and Ciurciu competing for special team roster spots. I think 24 roster spots is enough for the defense.

 

[slash83]

Crable is a 3rd or 4th stringer so I don't see him much as a weakness. If were going with potential starters Im gonna have to say bruschi. As much respect I have for him, looking through the defense he's probably the biggest libility.

 

[BionicPatriot]

Br far it's Bruschi. Not quick enough, and not as strong these days means he's a vunerability.

 

[DarrylS]

Do not know how we can assess Crable at this point, has not been in TC and was out for a lot of last year???...

If his absence was the sole barometer he would be cut..

 

[JSn]

Bruschi is here for the brains. If he decides to "retire" before the season, that would be fine, I think Guyton will be starting in his place by mid-season anyway. Let's enjoy what is likely his last year in the NFL. And may he go out with a ring.

 

[flyonthewall]

Definitely Smith. Crable has yet to show anything, but only because of injuries. He could be great or he very well could suck, but I don't think that we can label him the weakest until he has had the opportunity to show his stuff. Smith has had that opportunity for 3 years now and has shown nothing. I would not be surprised if he doesn't make the final 53.

 

[BTTA]

My guess would be Wilhite or Butler. Wilhite's been in the program longer so has an edge here. Both are roughly the same height and weight.

DEFENSE (24)
DL (7) - Seymour, Wilfork, Warren, Green, Smith, Wright, Brace
OLB (4) - Thomas, Burgess, Woods, Crable
ILB (4) - Mayo, Bruschi, Guyton, Lenon
CB (5) - Bodden, Springs, Wilhite, Wheatley, Butler
S (4) Meriweather, Sanders, Chung, McGowan/Williams

I have guys like Ventrone, Slater, Banta-Cain, Jones and Ciurciu competing for special team roster spots. I think 24 roster spots is enough for the defense.[/QUOTE]

 

[JackBauer]

Paris Lenon.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

The next player

 

[The_Riddler]

Tedy Brushci should have been replaced by a drafted Rey Maualuga, that didn't happen, so we move on. Tedy is on the 18th hole lining up his final putt, after Tedy, I look at Smith on the D-line.

With that said, I think people have to be patient with Crable. He'll prove to be the player we think he can be based on what he did in pre-season last year. Let the kid get healthy.

 

[loosebearing]

It's obvious

He's been here since 2004 - and no one mentions him on their roster

ERIC ALEXANDER

 

[DaBruinz]

Tedy Brushci should have been replaced by a drafted Rey Maualuga, that didn't happen, so we move on. Tedy is on the 18th hole lining up his final putt, after Tedy, I look at Smith on the D-line.

With that said, I think people have to be patient with Crable. He'll prove to be the player we think he can be based on what he did in pre-season last year. Let the kid get healthy.

Even if Maualuga doesn't fit what the Patriots look for in terms of an ILB? Like being able to play within the system and know other player's assignments so you better understand yours or being able to drop back into coverage because you've read the offense properly?

 

[DynastyDriven]

Am I the only one not sold on Springs at CB? I think Bodden is going to be a stud with this defense and Butler will be strong by seasons end but I have the sinking feeling that Springs is going to be this years Deltha O'Neal...

Also think that Lenon is a goner and Ninkovich makes the cut

 

[DaBruinz]

Am I the only one not sold on Springs at CB? I think Bodden is going to be a stud with this defense and Butler will be strong by seasons end but I have the sinking feeling that Springs is going to be this years Deltha O'Neal...

Also think that Lenon is a goner and Ninkovich makes the cut

Why do you think that Lenon is a goner, but Ninkovich makes the cut?

 

[signbabybrady]

Bruschi is here for the brains. If he decides to "retire" before the season, that would be fine, I think Guyton will be starting in his place by mid-season anyway. Let's enjoy what is likely his last year in the NFL. And may he go out with a ring.

Bruschi's passion for the game and the way he has gone about his retirement thoughts make think it is very unlikely he would retire during camp/preseason.

In the past he has used the time after the Superbowl to contemplate if he wanted to retire and has tried to make the decision quick so he could get back to his training.

Injury aside I would bet money that he will be in uni come the regular season.

 

[Bartmac36]

The next player

That was good, but what if the next player was Peppers?

 

[Bartmac36]

It's obvious

He's been here since 2004 - and no one mentions him on their roster

ERIC ALEXANDER

I agree with this one...has never been healthy or productive but still sticks around...maybe he could have a breakout year this year...

 

[DW Toys]

I agree with this one...has never been healthy or productive but still sticks around...maybe he could have a breakout year this year...

#36. Hot air about him, hence why are there four new safeties in camp. He is...."solid(?)"...I'll puke if I hear that praise anymore. He is just not that good. Great intensity. Great work habits. Just slow and timid. Cannot cover period! No talent but makes the best at hanging in. Mediocre at best.
But Alexander has to have dirty pictures on somebody.
DW Toys

 

[signbabybrady]

#36. Hot air about him, hence why are there four new safeties in camp. He is...."solid(?)"...I'll puke if I hear that praise anymore. He is just not that good. Great intensity. Great work habits. Just slow and timid. Cannot cover period! No talent but makes the best at hanging in. Mediocre at best.
But Alexander has to have dirty pictures on somebody.
DW Toys

Chung and Mcgowan...who are the other new Safeties????

I agree that I dont see some of the praise that Rodney and BB have given him but I cant say he is our weakest player on defense.

 

[JFK]

Weakest starter is Bru. I'll have to say Sanders is the next. I believe he was resigned because he is young and has potential. Getting Chung shows Sanders isn't good yet. He might be bright and a leader but not the best athlete/football player