Brace getting significant reps at DE

[Kontradiction]

Patriots' OTA Storylines: 6/10/10 - Pats Pulpit

Defensive lineman Ron Brace appears to be a significant part of the team's plans moving forward. At practice, Brace lined up at starting left defensive end with Warren out (although finally back in town after finishing his college degree). This is a positive sign for Brace, who seemed to be stuck in Bill Belichick's "rookie doghouse" most of last season. I wouldn't be surprised to see him become a big part of the Patriots' defensive line rotation, playing some nose and end in the 3-4, as well as defensive tackle in four man fronts.

Granted this was only because Ty Warren was out, but I have not been nearly as down about Brace as most Pats fans have been. Aside from the first series, I thought he looked pretty decent for a rookie in the playing time he got in Big Vince's absense last season. If Brace is getting these reps in Warren's absense (he's back in town, by the way) then I wouldn't be the least bit suprised to see him as a contender for the RDE spot going into training camp and the preseason. He certainly has the size to make an impact when in.

Also in this report are some very nice notes about Tate and Chung, in particular.

 

[Ian]

Another Note from the Herald on that:

BostonHerald.com - Blogs: Rap Sheet Blog Archive What happened during the Patriots final OTAs open to the media?

Without Warren, it seems Damione Lewis and Ron Brace are getting chances at end. Good sign for Brace.

Some quotes from Brace on the battle he faces for a roster spot from this article:

Ron Brace Determined to Make Improvements After Marginal Rookie Year - NESN.com - NESN.com

"I don’t even think about that aspect," Brace said Wednesday. "If you worry about, 'Am I going to lose my job?' then you're going to be on your toes, and you're going to start thinking and you're going to be bad on your assignments.

"If it happens to be that [the coaches] see something they don’t like, and somebody has to get moved on, it just means they weren’t made for that system or they'll probably have better luck somewhere else."

Mike Reiss on that position:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl/columns/story?columnist=reiss_mike&id=5237993

I think the Patriots are going with Gerard Warren, Damione Lewis, Ron Brace, Mike Wright, Darryl Richard & Co., and they'll see how it shakes out.

I like his attitude heading into this season, and look forward to seeing him in practice.

Ian

 

[Feep50]

I really hope Ron Brace is not the "bust" a lot of posters seem to expect. If he can contribute and progress that would be great for the Patriots in general. It's what I want to see.....................................

 

[Kontradiction]

I really hope Ron Brace is not the "bust" a lot of posters seem to expect. If he can contribute and progress that would be great for the Patriots in general. It's what I want to see.....................................

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

 

[Ian]

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

I'd have to agree. I think he fell victim to a learning curve (as he's told us) and think he's definitely got the physical tools to play at this level. I also liked his attitude during OTA's, and he seems like he knows what's expected from him this season. I think it's obviously going to be up to him to take advantage of those times where guys above him aren't on the field, and hopefully give the coaches a reason to give him an opportunity. But it's definitely hard to call a rookie a "bust", considering not every one of them shine in their first season.

I've got to say there are so many great story lines heading into this year's camp. I think I'm really going to have a hard time making it through the next month and can't wait until camp starts :rocker:

 

[Gwedd]

I'd have to agree. I think he fell victim to a learning curve (as he's told us) and think he's definitely got the physical tools to play at this level. I also liked his attitude during OTA's, and he seems like he knows what's expected from him this season. I think it's obviously going to be up to him to take advantage of those times where guys above him aren't on the field, and hopefully give the coaches a reason to give him an opportunity. But it's definitely hard to call a rookie a "bust", considering not every one of them shine in their first season.

I've got to say there are so many great story lines heading into this year's camp. I think I'm really going to have a hard time making it through the next month and can't wait until camp starts :rocker:

This...

Sometimes, even the most gifted athlete can become overwhelmed by the leap from college to pro. Sometimes, it's an awful lot to handle and he'll need time to adjust. Coach (and many others) sees a lot of potential for Brace, and last year's "motivations" have obviously paid off. If the scheme has "clicked" like folks seem to think it has, in his mind, then he ought to be a solid asset for many years to come.

 

[Patspsycho]

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

I have pointed out time and again that most of his difficulties had to do with technique which is something that can be taught and learned. He played a different system, different position in college, and on top of that comes to the fairbanks-bullough 2 gap. That is biting off more than you can chew. Bad feet, poor hands and launching too high- all things easily corrected.

 

[Deus Irae]

I still want to know why people, by and large, think he's a bust. Other than the fact that he was in the rookie "doghouse" (which is no indication that he's going to be a bust), I don't see any reason why he can earn a spot on the roster.

Blame fantasy football, the internet and the televised draft. It used to be understood that most players didn't start as rookies, developed at varying paces, and only had to impress the coaches to stick around. Now, players have about 3 OTA practices to make the fans happy, or they become whipping boys.

We witnessed the phenomenon in reverse last year, right here on Patsfans.com, as Mr. Chung became deified before he'd ever even put the pads on.

 

[Feep50]

I will be following this thread with interest......... It's enlightening already.

When you get right down to the rubber meeting the road how many rookies beyond the first round get significant playing time anyway? Ron Brace could turn out to be a vital cog for our team in a year or two. I hope he does....

 

[Peachhead]

Mike Reiss on that position:

http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nfl...ike&id=5237993

Quote:
I think the Patriots are going with Gerard Warren, Damione Lewis, Ron Brace, Mike Wright, Darryl Richard & Co., and they'll see how it shakes out.

Why isn't Myron Pryor getting any love? I've seen several stories and posts like this recently. It seems like they mention everyone on the D-line except Pryor. I don't get it. Last year I thought he looked damn good as a rookie, certainly better than Brace or Richard, and if he makes a solid jump from year one to year two we may have us a stud.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Why isn't Myron Pryor getting any love? I've seen several stories and posts like this recently. It seems like they mention everyone on the D-line except Pryor. I don't get it. Last year I thought he looked damn good as a rookie, certainly better than Brace or Richard, and if he makes a solid jump from year one to year two we may have us a stud.

Probably because Pryor is a prototypical 1-gap 3-tech. He's a great nickel rusher, and we're all glad to have him, but he's not really an ideal end. He could play there in a pinch, I'm sure, but he's a much better interior player.

 

[supafly]

Why isn't Myron Pryor getting any love? I've seen several stories and posts like this recently. It seems like they mention everyone on the D-line except Pryor. I don't get it. Last year I thought he looked damn good as a rookie, certainly better than Brace or Richard, and if he makes a solid jump from year one to year two we may have us a stud.

I am a Pryor supporter too, and think that he can possibly earn some increased reps as the year goes on....on the inside though, as a DT. This has been the position he has played at Kentucky too, and this is how he was used last year.

The specific link regarding G.Warren, Lewis, Wright etc was regarding RDE, that is why Pryor wasn't included.

Myron Pryor is simply too small at 6'1"" to be our RDE. (edit: at least on a consistent basis)

 

[Professor Frink]

It'd be easier to get excited about Brace if he had actually earned any playing time last year, as opposed to just being forced in there because of injury. I'm not giving up on the guy after one year, but I'm certainly not gonna get excited about what he does in practice in June after what he did last year (nothing).

 

[captain stone]

Brace taking snaps at 3-4 DE would make that line the most unathletic 3-4 DL in football.

Any decent QB, should he see Brace on the outside, would run a sweep to his side, or a screen, or a pass, or anything but a play that called for a RB to run straight ahead.

If Brace cannot play NT for us, then he cannot play anywhere for us.

 

[Kontradiction]

Brace taking snaps at 3-4 DE would make that line the most unathletic 3-4 DL in football.

Any decent QB, should he see Brace on the outside, would run a sweep to his side, or a screen, or a pass, or anything but a play that called for a RB to run straight ahead.

If Brace cannot play NT for us, then he cannot play anywhere for us.

A two gapping 3-4 does not feature "athletic" linemen up front. It features guys capable of taking up two blockers. Typically, in order to do that, you need size. That's what Brace has.

 

[RayClay]

Only Brace has the physical potential to be a serious nose tackle in the NFL, therefore he will be retained until he blows it, or progresses.

He's not really in competition with anyone but himself, therefore, since he'll be given time to learn, they'd like him to have some versatility while he takes up a roster spot.

 

[Patjew]

Is my irrational hatred for Brace and love for Pryor wrong?

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Is my irrational hatred for Brace and love for Pryor wrong?

Only if you connsumate your love

 

[Rob0729]

Brace played a lot of DE last year in training camp and got a lot of praises. It looks like he may be switching positions.

 

[patchick]

A two gapping 3-4 does not feature "athletic" linemen up front. It features guys capable of taking up two blockers. Typically, in order to do that, you need size. That's what Brace has.

There's "athletic" and then there's "athletic." Brace was the slowest defensive player in the entire draft his year. Plus the DE position puts a premium on length, and Brace is pretty average on that measure -- 6'3.0" with 33 3/4" arms. (Compare to the two "throwaway" 7th-round rookies: Deaderick 6'3.7" 34 3/8", Weston 6'4.6" 34 1/2")

As for why fans are so down on him after just one year, here are three reasons:

- Myron Pryor was busy making "he's just a rookie" look weak
- That street FA they played ahead of Brace for a couple of games before cutting him eliminated the "lace of opportunity" excuse
- History really isn't behind the notion that Patriots defenders routinely spend their rookie years inactive, then go on to good careers

Needles to say, though, I'd be delighted to be proved wrong.