Patriots have multiple players exceeding expectations

[mayoclinic]

There are certainly a large number who have exceeded our expectations, but do you think BB knew what he had all along, or at least a pretty good idea? I do. He surely didn't plan on Mayo being hurt and Guyton having to step up in such a big way, but he more than likely knew Guyton was a lot better than most fans were giving him credit for.

I'll agree BB probably had more confidence in Guyton than most of us. But he obviously didn't know what he had in Guyton originally, or he would have drafted him. And he obviously didn't realize what McGowan could do for us, or he likely wouldn't have drafted Pat Chung at #34. And if he had known how good Leigh Bodden would be he probably would have signed him to a multi year deal at the outset. And he probably wouldn't have traded for Derrick Burgess if he could do it over, though it's still too early to be sure.

But I'll readily admit that BB is much smarter than any of us, except possibly Patchick.

 

[Bostonian1962]

Theres no denying that this team is having a ton of players exceed what anyone thought they could do or to be honest what they have ever done.

Mike Wright, Jarvis Green, Gary Guyton, Tully Banta-Cain, Brandon McGowan, Leigh Bodden, Shawn Springs, Marlon Pryor and Darious Butler on defense.

Julian Edelmen and Vollmer on offense.

Thats not to mention the consistency of high play from several of our aged starting vets. Wilfork, Mariweather and Sanders (why some feel he is a liability boggles me)

What has me concerned is what becomes of this team? Do these players continue to trend upwards and have shockingly amazing to career years or does this team start to come back to normalcy.

We have seen in seasons past that teams that come out strong on one side of the ball tend to lose that momentum later in the season.


Edelmen for a rookie WR has been more than good at not only learning becomming a wideout but being an asset to the offense so quickly at times. Vollmer does not see consistent time on the field but is activated as an elligible reciever so he can be used as an extra blocker and has seemed to shine in that spot so far.

Pryor, Wright and Green have been really consistent at holding the line and creating pressure. This coming from a group where no one thought they would contribute as much or more than Seymour could. Now we have several players rotating these spots keeping them fresh and ready. All at a fraction of the price.

Gary Guyton had went from UDRFA to Mike in less than a year. Granted this position was thrown onto him in the middle of game 1 but his speed, agility and ability to shed blocks has been second to only the man he's been replacing.

Same goes for McGowan Butler, Bodden, Springs and Sanders. These guys, along with Meriweather, have been better than what we've had in years. McGowan is one of thjose players Belichick finds and plugs into his system and allows him to be a hard hitting safety but hes also been given some pretty tough assignments and flourished at them. Covering Heap and AG these last two weeks. No easy feet for a defender. Butler has also been a very reliable nickle back and the rotation of Wilhite and Springs has seem to make their WR's less effective.

My only hope is that this team continues to exceed expectations with the soon returing Mayo and verteran leadership of Seau

I think this case sets up as the team getting even better, for this reason: The players mentioned are new playing with each other, and are still getting to know each other. McGowan is new to the team. Butler is a rookie. Bodden is new. Springs is new. Even Guyton is just a second year player. If they look this good 4 games in, I would think that bodes well as the merge as teammates, and play more and more together.

Also, the best defensive player on the team will be coming back soon.

 

[Reckedtrek]

I'll agree BB probably had more confidence in Guyton than most of us. But he obviously didn't know what he had in Guyton originally, or he would have drafted him. And he obviously didn't realize what McGowan could do for us, or he likely wouldn't have drafted Pat Chung at #34. And if he had known how good Leigh Bodden would be he probably would have signed him to a multi year deal at the outset. And he probably wouldn't have traded for Derrick Burgess if he could do it over, though it's still too early to be sure.

But I'll readily admit that BB is much smarter than any of us, except possibly Patchick.

As far as what you said about Guyton, I agree. But I think BB had a pretty good idea of what he had coming along by the end of last year. Of course, he may have felt similarly in Crable, so that blows my theory out of the water.
I think McGowan has surprised everybody except himself. I was under the impression they tried to get Bodden for a 2 or 3 year deal? As far as Burgess, he's certainly had a very slow start. Maybe we'll see more (and better) from him as the season moves along. We can only hope.

With all of that, this was the Pats first draft without Pioli, and appears *at this point* to be the best they've had in quite some time. we've had some great picks during the Pioli era, but if we do this well again next year, especially on so many picks- is it possible Pioli was having a negative effect on our recent drafts?

 

[SeanBruschi54]

You would include Jarvis Green in the list? I don't think he has exceeded expectations at all. In fact, I think he has been pretty invisible so far.

I disagree for the pure fact that he has been consistent with his play. He hasnt applied pressure enough for fans to notice. But he has been a big factor as to why TBC has been flying around corners.

When you label someone invisible that means you see them getting beat or not doing their job or assignment. I find Green to accomplish his tasks very well. Would i like to see him get more sacks and tackles? Sure, but thats how every fan feels about every player.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I completely agree with this. The Sanders apologists boggles my mind. I was just watching the replay tonight and they broke down the play when Mason beat Sanders deep and Merriweather had to run ACROSS the field to break it up. Sanders looked like he had cement for feet and just looked awful. I'm glad Belichick is finally reducing his snaps and giving them to McGowan.

Pity, BB had a different interpretation of the Mason play in his Radio interview on WEEI, but I'm sure the Sanders haters know BB has been slipping these years.

 

[condon84]

Pity, BB had a different interpretation of the Mason play in his Radio interview on WEEI, but I'm sure the Sanders haters know BB has been slipping these years.

Bill's not going to throw anyone under the bus. When was the last time he did that? Did you watch the replay? Or is this an automatic Kool-aid response?

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Bill's not going to throw anyone under the bus. When was the last time he did that? Did you watch the replay? Or is this an automatic Kool-aid response?

Yep, I watched the replay, and like BB said, Sanders was playing a zone. I'm not sure who to "blame," but I'll take BB's word over your analysis - it's mighty convenient to believe BB is just playing nice in the media, how odd is it that he's always covering for players people dislike.

 

[Pat the Pats Fan]

Im looking forward to seeing Guyton and Mayo playing at the same time.

I can't wait. They are going to be a force to reckon with for a while to come.

 

[mayoclinic]

I can't wait. They are going to be a force to reckon with for a while to come.

At the beginning of the year I thought Guyton would be a James Sanders kind of guy - a solid player who's capable of starting but who would be best suited as a rotational guy. Now he's emerging as a legitimate prime time player in his own right.

The rate at which he's improved this season has been astounding. In game 1 he had to sub for Mayo unexpectedly, and did a valiant if somewhat mixed job. In game 2 he took over the defensive signal calling responsibility, and did a solid if unspectacular job. In game 3 he was noticeably more comfortable as the MLB and the defensive communication was excellent. In game 4 he flew all over the place, his speed and reaction times were outstanding, he blitzed, he covered, he tackled and he looked almost Willisesque at time If he continues to improve at this rate, he and Mayo will really be a top LB tandem.

 

[condon84]

Yep, I watched the replay, and like BB said, Sanders was playing a zone. I'm not sure who to "blame," but I'll take BB's word over your analysis - it's mighty convenient to believe BB is just playing nice in the media, how odd is it that he's always covering for players people dislike.

Of course you would. BB can convince a lot of people here that Hobbs was a good player even though video evidence suggest otherwise...

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Of course you would. BB can convince a lot of people here that Hobbs was a good player even though video evidence suggest otherwise...

Yep, the video evidence of his suckitude was so compelling Philly was willing to trade for him when their starter situation was up in the air - I may not like the Eagles, but that's a competitive organization that knows what they're doing. Hobbs would have fit in well with this secondary, the issue with him was his future contract.

 

[Aerobahn]

At the beginning of the year I thought Guyton would be a James Sanders kind of guy - a solid player who's capable of starting but who would be best suited as a rotational guy. Now he's emerging as a legitimate prime time player in his own right.

The rate at which he's improved this season has been astounding. In game 1 he had to sub for Mayo unexpectedly, and did a valiant if somewhat mixed job. In game 2 he took over the defensive signal calling responsibility, and did a solid if unspectacular job. In game 3 he was noticeably more comfortable as the MLB and the defensive communication was excellent. In game 4 he flew all over the place, his speed and reaction times were outstanding, he blitzed, he covered, he tackled and he looked almost Willisesque at time If he continues to improve at this rate, he and Mayo will really be a top LB tandem.

I agree in game 4 he showed me the is is really coming along nicely, when mayo returns I wonder how or what changes BB may employ in terms of positions now that Guyton is more developed and still improving.

 

[condon84]

Yep, the video evidence of his suckitude was so compelling Philly was willing to trade for him when their starter situation was up in the air - I may not like the Eagles, but that's a competitive organization that knows what they're doing. Hobbs would have fit in well with this secondary, the issue with him was his future contract.

Bad players get traded all the time. Once upon a time, we traded for Doug Grabriel, a guy name Starks, and some other bums. Believe or not, Belichick, as great as he is, makes mistakes. I know, shocking.

BTW, Hobbs was part of "this" secondary last year. Look at how much better our secondary has looked with Hobbs not being here and McGowan taking some of Sander's plays.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Bad players get traded all the time. Once upon a time, we traded for Doug Grabriel, a guy name Starks, and some other bums. Believe or not, Belichick, as great as he is, makes mistakes. I know, shocking.

BTW, Hobbs was part of "this" secondary last year. Look at how much better our secondary has looked with Hobbs not being here and McGowan taking some of Sander's plays.

Yeh, trading for that bust Welker and that bust Moss...

You can find plenty of examples to justify your dislike of any player, but I'll still place my trust in BB over you. :snob:

 

[condon84]

Yeh, trading for that bust Welker and that bust Moss...

You can find plenty of examples to justify your dislike of any player, but I'll still place my trust in BB over you. :snob:

*sees my post go over your head, lands behind you. Exits conversation

 

[5 Rings for Brady!!]

I agree about a lot of individual players so let me narrow it down to positions.

This year has seen solid DL play without Seymour. Pryor as the new guy. Wright the surprise upside and everybody else very solid. Even Sands seems on the verge of resurrecting his long forgotten career.

Linebacking seemed thin depthwise initially but this is the year of Guyton. The guy really showed that while he may or may not be as strong or quick thinking as Mayo, his hustle/motor is just as good. That is saying something.

Secondary: Much improved compared to what we may have feared in the offseason... A lot of fresh young players who are good contributors. Nice to see that Meriweather is who BB thought he was. McGowan is making a serious bid at more playing time.

Edelman on offense is the type discovery coaches love. Edelman on the field looks like the same guy at the combine who set the fastest ever time for the three cone drill....

I consider us the best team in football (based on our roster) right now, just need to get everybody healthy at the same time and playing well towards the playoffs. Moss and Welker need to stay healthy, it would be nice to get Taylor back, Mayo would improve our D that much more, Galloway can find a way to contribute hopefully.

 

[DW Toys]

I completely agree with this. The Sanders apologists boggles my mind. I was just watching the replay tonight and they broke down the play when Mason beat Sanders deep and Merriweather had to run ACROSS the field to break it up. Sanders looked like he had cement for feet and just looked awful. I'm glad Belichick is finally reducing his snaps and giving them to McGowan.

Well I guess I agree.
DW Toys

 

[SidelineSid]

Well I guess I agree.
DW Toys

I'm with you. Anything that this team can do to get Brandon McGowan on the field and James Sanders off is a good thing. No offense to him as a person. I know that he tries, but this league isn't for everyone.

 

[italia44]

I'm with you. Anything that this team can do to get Brandon McGowan on the field and James Sanders off is a good thing. No offense to him as a person. I know that he tries, but this league isn't for everyone.

I liked Sanders at SS,where he can square-up to make a tackle..........however,in the cover 2 alignment,he's a disaster waiting to happen.He has little fluidity in the hips(is that too gay?).......never mind............he just can't turn to face the ball and doesn't have the speed to play cover 2.Meriweather saved his bacon on that play.....aided by a good rush on Flacco.

 

[mgteich]

Do you?

I thought that you have been consistent in thinking that Sanders is a solid BACKUP safety and role player (special teamer in this case).

Well I guess I agree.
DW Toys