Safety depth concerns..

[DaBruinz]

Re: Safety concerns..

Merriweather is going nowhere, it would leave us with no depth. As for Sanders being an overpaid backup, we often play 3 safeties. It's like saying our #3 WR is an overpaid backup.

Arrington is the #3 CB, why waste his talents by moving him to safety?

When Dowling was drafted, most people had him going to FS. With Sanders as one safety and Chung as the other, I am comfortable with that for a year (but I'm not Belichick). The question comes up in relying on Brown and Dowling (a lot of inexperience there) as the back-ups.

This idea that Meriweather couldn't be shipped out is false. The Pats could easily ship him out. And it's not about "BB hating on Meriweather". It's about BB wanting players to play within the system because it works. When you freelance, you leave open holes that the other team exploits and it costs you. The question is will the downgrade in talent outweigh the results from the improvement of defensive play. If the answer is yes, then BB likely won't do it.

 

[The Scrizz]

Re: Safety concerns..

When Dowling was drafted, most people had him going to FS. With Sanders as one safety and Chung as the other, I am comfortable with that for a year (but I'm not Belichick). The question comes up in relying on Brown and Dowling (a lot of inexperience there) as the back-ups.

This idea that Meriweather couldn't be shipped out is false. The Pats could easily ship him out. And it's not about "BB hating on Meriweather". It's about BB wanting players to play within the system because it works. When you freelance, you leave open holes that the other team exploits and it costs you. The question is will the downgrade in talent outweigh the results from the improvement of defensive play. If the answer is yes, then BB likely won't do it.

I think this 'free-lancing' stuff is way overdone. Does he take some bad routes? Yes, although that can be improved upon, much like a CF in baseball. Does he go for the big hit too often rather than wrapping up? Yes, but I just described 80% of the safeties in the league.

I'm not recalling a ton a big plays given up because Merriweather wasn't where he was supposed to be. Perhaps you can offer examples.

 

[The Scrizz]

Re: Saftey concerns..

Ross Ventrone and Josh Barrett say "HI"

Ventrone is a UDFA, but Barrett is a FS whom the Pats got off waivers last year from Denver. He was injured all year, but he's got a lot of skill and many people were surprised that BB broke the "unwritten" rule that you don't claim a player that another team is trying to put on IR..

I think Brett Lockett is still in camp too, although he makes glass look like titanium and is more interested in Kardashian booty and rapping than football.

 

[DW Toys]

Re: Safety concerns..

Because DW Toys has been waiting for years to drive the bus out of Foxboro that everyone wants to put Meriweather and Sanders on.

Woa up on that Cousin. I have no problem with Merriweather. You stand corrected CT.
But I think Sanders is nothing more than an adequate backup. He is a JAG and replaceable in my humble opinion. As you all say, you can't have all super stars. JS is getting paid starter money and I don't see anything that resembles his contract worth.
But $3m is way too much. Does anyone deny that?

My Merriweather comments are because of the cashola he will want in 2012 when we can replace him now for a decent pick if someone like Dallas has a major back end need. He won't be worth a new super contract here but Jerry might want him for star power and Rob Ryan might let him freelance.

I like BM, but it is his future contract that makes me say get what you can now. Yes on JS. He is not my cup of tea.
DW Toys

 

[Off The Grid]

Re: Saftey concerns..

I have been saying Safety was a major issue for the Pats after last year but was shouted down by the Pros on this forum. I think Bill wants some more competition.

BM has looked like crap.

BM tends to.

 

[Mark Morse]

Re: Saftey concerns..

It's that fine RPI education!!!!

Go Red!

It must be the double major of Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering! My son was in the same fraternity as Patricia (not the same years).

 

[Dago]

Re: Safety concerns..

Merryweather will be motivated for contract year...
enjoy this chance and get a compensatory if he will go in FA :rocker:

 

[Mark Morse]

Re: Safety concerns..

I too believe that Merriweather is at risk this year. Despite this being his contract year, I just don't like his freelancing and late illegal hits.

I like Sanders and think that Sergio Brown has looked great the two time I have seen him at camp this summer.

I would like to see Barrett on the field more because I am intrigued by his size (6'2" 225#). he could be used like Williams a few years back as a Big Nickel S/LB.

Don't discount Ross Ventrone! He has been used all over the field. During the Season Ticket holder practice Ventrone was working with the DLine in tackling drills. He played RB in another practice when they were short. He can play WR as well as S. You know BB loves versatility and Special Teams players.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Re: Saftey concerns..

Meriweather certainly isn't my favorite player. Seems to bounce off to many guys trying to make a big hit rather then just wrapping them up. But he is not terrible either and I think they would be foolish to let him go this season. He knows the system, and like it or not he will probably have to play a pretty big role in the secondary this year with the shortened offseason and all. There is no good reason in getting rid of him for draft picks at this point. The team is built to win now. If he sucks then limit his playing time. But we need the depth, especially from a vet.

:agree::ditto::yeahthat:

 

[Rob0729]

Re: Saftey concerns..

Of course, as much as I loved "Eugene My Man Wilson" in his first season (particularly on that hit on ... uhh, forget which Colts receiver), he really fell off the map quickly.

He was good for two years and he fell off the map because he lost his edge after repeated injuries. He then sucked at both safety and CB. This would have happened if he stayed his entire career at CB and had similiar injuries.

 

[BillBelichickFan79]

Re: Safety concerns..

I'd call the Bucs and see what they'd want for Tanard Jackson. He's eligible to come back in Week 3 and I think he'd be an excellent FS in our defense. A lot of off-field issues, but a great talent who is playing for his next contract.

 

[Bigatrop]

Re: Safety concerns..

maybe I missed something, but why do people assume we are trading BM? I get that fans find him....concerning, but what gives the impression that BB is weighing a trade?

Considering our lack of depth in the safety position, the idea seems out of the question to me.

 

[asfpnepRefugee]

Re: Saftey concerns..

It must be the double major of Aeronautical and Mechanical Engineering! My son was in the same fraternity as Patricia (not the same years).

I'm assuming theta xi, due to the football connection.

My freshman year there (nearly 20 years ago) I was looking at a list of all the computers in the network, and wondered what the hell was the "The Taxi" subnetwork. They had their own connection to the campus network, and it was all foo.thetaxi.rpi.edu. Doh!

I don't remember him, but I know that either I met him or was one step removed about 2 dozen different ways. I had a lot of friends who were either on the team or hung out w/ the guys on the team.

 

[Triumph]

Re: Saftey concerns..

Ross Ventrone and Josh Barrett say "HI"

Ventrone is a UDFA, but Barrett is a FS whom the Pats got off waivers last year from Denver. He was injured all year, but he's got a lot of skill and many people were surprised that BB broke the "unwritten" rule that you don't claim a player that another team is trying to put on IR..

Ventrone is down the road. Patriots waive DB Ross Ventrone - Rotoworld.com

If the Pats are counting on players like him, I am concerned.

 

[DaBruinz]

Re: Saftey concerns..

Ventrone is down the road. Patriots waive DB Ross Ventrone - Rotoworld.com

If the Pats are counting on players like him, I am concerned.

So Ventrone was waived yesterday.. That doesn't change the fact that you overlooked him and Josh Barrett. And the Pats have "relied" on guys like Ventrone at the tail end of the roster for years.. Why would that change now? And why is it considered a bad thing?

 

[Bostonian1962]

Re: Saftey concerns..

Am I the only Sergio Brown fan in the house? I think he's solid depth.

So do I. One of my binkys.

 

[NEPats1]

Re: Safety concerns..

Is Sergio Brown the player who made the key tackle in the San Diego game last season after just being called up for the practice squad?

 

[WaterfallJumper]

Re: Safety concerns..

Is Sergio Brown the player who made the key tackle in the San Diego game last season after just being called up for the practice squad?

Yes.

He's a good player, and I think he'll only improve. I liked his instincts last year, and with more experience, he should exhibit more of his natural athleticism. He may be the most athletic of all our safeties in terms of change of direction, agility, and jumping power. I'm looking for him to see considerable playing time this upcoming season.

 

[patfanken]

Re: Safety concerns..

Sorry wrong thread

 

[State]

Re: Safety concerns..

I'd call the Bucs and see what they'd want for Tanard Jackson. He's eligible to come back in Week 3 and I think he'd be an excellent FS in our defense. A lot of off-field issues, but a great talent who is playing for his next contract.

I googled this player, whose first name sounds like "******," which is perhaps as unfortunate as that Weiner fellow, and T. Jackson is suspended indefinitely by the league for substance abuse and can only appeal as early as Sept. 22.

Doesn't sound viable to me.

Tanard Jackson update - Tampa Bay Buccaneers News: BucNews.com