Bruschi interview with Mike Reiss

[Deus Irae]

Enjoy the read!

Tedy Bruschi and Mike Reiss break down the New England Patriots heading into training camp - ESPN Boston

 

[Deus Irae]

I wanted to pull out one specific quote, because it's something I think people really have overlooked, but I didn't want it to be in the O.P., because I don't want it to be the only thing talked about in the thread, and I don't want it to become a bash-fest about what happened over the course of last year. I did want to point out the importance of finding someone who can get the job done at RDE:

We saw the Ravens run away from Ty Warren and Vince Wilfork, coming down over and over again on Jarvis Green and Mike Wright. The Patriots saw that, moved Wilfork to end, and then the Ravens responded by running up the middle. That was an example of a team exploiting a weakness in the 3-4 defense, and I think that five-technique defensive end opposite Ty Warren was the weakest link along the defensive line. If you don't have a d-lineman that can anchor and take on blocks in this defense the way the Patriots play it, the linebackers will be helpless against linemen who have unabated angles on the second level, and the outside linebackers will have too much space to defend.

Whether it's Warren, Lewis or someone else, let's just hope that the Patriots can find someone to plug that hole. Brace improving at NT might allow the Patriots to move Wilfork outside against the better running teams, so that's another avenue of hope.

 

[JackBauer]

Oh Lord, yes.

We can debate the Seymour trade all day, but I actually blame them more for believing Green would be sufficient at RDE.

 

[Krugman]

Thanks for the link,DI,its a good read.Now about last season....just kidding!

 

[Sicilian]

I wanted to pull out one specific quote, because it's something I think people really have overlooked, but I didn't want it to be in the O.P., because I don't want it to be the only thing talked about in the thread, and I don't want it to become a bash-fest about what happened over the course of last year. I did want to point out the importance of finding someone who can get the job done at RDE:




Whether it's Warren, Lewis or someone else, let's just hope that the Patriots can find someone to plug that hole. Brace improving at NT might allow the Patriots to move Wilfork outside against the better running teams, so that's another avenue of hope.

Agreed. The defense really builds from the line outward, which has a trickle down effect. If the line is solidified this year, the LBs will have an easier time (which could be crucial given the question marks at OLB). If the LBs are playing better, the secondary will benefit.

 

[MassPats38]

Good stuff.

To the extent your opinion is limited to whether the defensive line took a hit with the loss of Seymour, it is tough to disagree with you. I like Wright, but he is a backup NT, not really a DE. Jarvis Green was supposedly one of the team's best pass rushers, but he was never advertised as a run stuffer. With Seymour out, teams could identify where Wilfork and Warren were and rush away from them. That had to be considered a significant vulnerability on the defense.

If your linebackers are strong, you can move pieces to address that weakness. Last year, the linebackers weren't up to that challenge. As Bruschi points out, a DE has to step up as well as an OLB to make this defense work the way it should. Here's hoping Brace takes a step forward this year, or Gerard Warren finally achieves his potential.

 

[Fencer]

Most interesting parts to me:

1. The RDE comments.
2. His doubts about Kaczur at guard.
3. His observation that ILBs have to be able to play both ILB positions, as the offense can dictate a role change.

 

[condon84]

Good read.

I cringe a little bit when he said that the Pats coaches are viewing Cunningham as a solution at OLB opposite Tully.

 

[RayClay]

I wanted to pull out one specific quote, because it's something I think people really have overlooked, but I didn't want it to be in the O.P., because I don't want it to be the only thing talked about in the thread, and I don't want it to become a bash-fest about what happened over the course of last year. I did want to point out the importance of finding someone who can get the job done at RDE:






Whether it's Warren, Lewis or someone else, let's just hope that the Patriots can find someone to plug that hole. Brace improving at NT might allow the Patriots to move Wilfork outside against the better running teams, so that's another avenue of hope.

Pretty much a no brainer there. I imagine that's why they picked up two big vets, and will rotate them, and anyone else they can, in an attempt to plug that hole until they can draft a top player.

Though I'm not in favor of moving wilfork, if that helps against certain teams, try it.

Ultimately, Seymour's replacement might not be found absent the draft pick they received for him.

 

[Joker]

Great link...thanx

 

[eagle eye]

Excellent read. Bruschi continues to impress, really love reading his stuff.

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Good read.

I cringe a little bit when he said that the Pats coaches are viewing Cunningham as a solution at OLB opposite Tully.

I'm not sure I understand your concern. Why have a draft at all if you don't view rookies as part of the solution? Will he be an all-pro this year? Likely not. Is there an excellent chance he'll become a starter by the end of the year, and have a solid career here? Yeah, I'd say so. He's got the skillset and the mindset, and had a fairly good career at Florida. I don't see why you cringe at the thought of him adding youth and depth to our LB corp.

Then again, I may have missed something. Would you care to elaborate?

 

[Patspsycho]

Great read too, but hopefully Spikes projects to Sam (allowing Mayo to be flexible) hence flipping strong side in formation is moot because Mayo has considerable experience in Sam.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

Good read.

I cringe a little bit when he said that the Pats coaches are viewing Cunningham as a solution at OLB opposite Tully.

It's kind of like what they drafted him for. He may not succeed but you get the point.

 

[Triumph]

I liked the part about Tedy being fed up with Maroney.

He knows Maroney is the problem and not the OL or scheme the Pats are putting him in.

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I liked the part about Tedy being fed up with Maroney.

He knows Maroney is the problem and not the OL or scheme the Pats are putting him in.

No, actually the O-line can't run block for squat. And it doesn't help when all the Pats use him for is running the football. It's too predictable when he's in the game.

 

[Triumph]

No, actually the O-line can't run block for squat. And it doesn't help when all the Pats use him for is running the football. It's too predictable when he's in the game.

Wrong

NE was 12th in rushing last season. Look it up. Other NEP RBs hit the hole and gain yards while "The Dancer" runs east to west. Keep making excuses for him.

 

[patsfan13]

No mention of Whilite or Wheatly, while McKenzie and Crable are mentioned, interesting.

Certainly focuses on the main issues, DE opposite Warren & the Mankins situation and who plays there if he doesn't come in. Especially with the comments on Kaczur, if not Kaczur then who?

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

On Welker, "I think it would be a huge mistake for him to be practicing with the team at the start of training camp. There is no need for Welker to practice right now. The more weeks they give him to recover and get stronger, the better it will be for the entire team. Offensively, he is what makes this passing offense go. You want to focus on having him ready by Week 1, but I think the toughest obstacle is containing Welker's mentality. If you ask him, I'm sure he'd want to practice and play right now. I think you have to pull the reins back on him and ease him in."

Good stuff!

 

[FredFromDartmouth]

On Welker, "I think it would be a huge mistake for him to be practicing with the team at the start of training camp. There is no need for Welker to practice right now. The more weeks they give him to recover and get stronger, the better it will be for the entire team. Offensively, he is what makes this passing offense go. You want to focus on having him ready by Week 1, but I think the toughest obstacle is containing Welker's mentality. If you ask him, I'm sure he'd want to practice and play right now. I think you have to pull the reins back on him and ease him in."

Good stuff!

That is true of most Patriots players; they will beg to come back on the field before they are ready. I am sure Mayo was that way. But the team has to say NO. Welker would be safer on PUP both from the team and from himself. Besides if he was on PUP he would come back all fresh and sprightly when the rest of the team is worn down and beat up.

This interview was one of the best pieces on the Patriots in a long time. It is interesting that Mike Wright cannot hold the line; he is a big galoot but not big enough it would appear. This certainly explains why BB went out and got two mooses in G. Warren and Lewis. Old mooses but still a big load. Also he cannot be too satisfied with Ron "Flounder" Brace.