The Importance Or Nonimportance Of Spikes

[mgteich]

We haven't seen Spikes for awhile. The rumor is that he does not have a serious injury. So, the question is how well-positioned are we without his presence.

Obviuosly, we have roles for Mayo, Fletcher and Guyton.

The open question is the seriousness of the depth issue. If the the 3 ILB's all have specific roles, it seems that we have no real backups for these roles.

 

[BTTA]

This is a good question. His absence has been notable in both games, at least until the D starts dominating, which again raises the same question....

 

[DarrylS]

If it was more serious and BB was unsure about is return, probably would have more interest in Tatupu.. so far does not seem to be any panic on the part of this team, even with the recent injury to Fletcher.

 

[mgteich]

If Belichick truly prefers Mayo inside in the 4-3, there really isn't much of an issue. Fletcher is Mayo's backup, and there are plenty of OLB/DE types. Also, Guyton is available on passing downs.

However, Mayo looked AWESOME outside. Having Spikes and Fletcher available inside increase our options.

 

[VJCPatriot]

We haven't seen Spikes for awhile. The rumor is that he does not have a serious injury. So, the question is how well-positioned are we without his presence.

Obviuosly, we have roles for Mayo, Fletcher and Guyton.

The open question is the seriousness of the depth issue. If the the 3 ILB's all have specific roles, it seems that we have no real backups for these roles.

I really hope Fletcher gets back healthy soon because I think he'll play an important role for the Pats and share snaps with Spikes. Spikes gives the Pats that Mike thumper they've been missing since TJ retired. I think it's very important that he and Fletcher are healthy because they free up Mayo to roam and do his thing at weakside linebacker. Witness the last time Mayo got unleashed - 2 sacks and a number of QB hurries. I like Mayo in that playmaking role, but he needs guys next to him stepping up to free him to do that kind of stuff.

 

[dex13]

BB is probably taking it slow with all injuries to play it safe. Spikes will probably have a similar duty as he did last season as an ILB which is hammer anything that comes within 5 yards of him. Guyton and Fletch are the most likely backups but I could see Mayo stepping up in a pinch since he played ILB since day 1 for the Pats.

 

[NEGoldenAge]

BB is probably taking it slow with all injuries to play it safe. Spikes will probably have a similar duty as he did last season as an ILB which is hammer anything that comes within 5 yards of him. Guyton and Fletch are the most likely backups but I could see Mayo stepping up in a pinch since he played ILB since day 1 for the Pats.

Guyton is not a backup to Spikes, their roles are totally different.

 

[livinginthe past]

WLB - Mayo, Guyton
MLB - Spikes, Fletcher
SLB - Ninkovich, Fletcher

Thats something close to how I imagine the depth chart in a 4-3.

 

[TB146]

If it was more serious and BB was unsure about is return, probably would have more interest in Tatupu.. so far does not seem to be any panic on the part of this team, even with the recent injury to Fletcher.

Amid all the questions and unknowns, THIS is a telling and perhaps somewhat relieving insight: that they haven't done anything to bring in more depth.

 

[SanAngeloState]

very possible he's being phased out, he's more of a 2 down thumper than anything else. Maybe they want to trade him. Him and brace seem to be people without positions in the new aggressive 4-3...

 

[livinginthe past]

very possible he's being phased out, he's more of a 2 down thumper than anything else. Maybe they want to trade him. Him and brace seem to be people without positions in the new aggressive 4-3...

I doun't think Braces issue are related to scheme suitability - he's played in a 4-3 before.

Its more a case of getting healthy and staying that way.

 

[PatsBoy12]

very possible he's being phased out, he's more of a 2 down thumper than anything else. Maybe they want to trade him. Him and brace seem to be people without positions in the new aggressive 4-3...

Trade him after one season? I highly doubt that.

 

[patsox23]

Spikes will be FINE in a 4-3. They're certainly not going to trade him, good Lord. As for it being "not all that serious," where did we hear that? Not being sarcastic, I'd be thrilled if that were the case. I just haven't read or seen anything about that.

mg, can you tell me where that info comes from?

 

[Anj]

I hope to see Spikes play behind Vince and Al on running downs and see those three plus Mayo (on the outside, IMO) just shut down the run. Hopefully won't have to see a game like the Browns game last year.

Spikes played MLB in a 4-3 at Florida, correct?

 

[mgteich]

Spikes has been nowhere to be seen. There are only the ghosts of rumors. We'll certainly know more soon.

With regard to substance, Spikes may be a better option than Mayo in the middle of the 4-3. He is perfectly suited for the position. Mayo is awesome when allowed to roam.

So, sure, I want to see Spikes back ASAP. In fact, even if he is not available for 2-4 weeks, I see us keeping a roster spot for him IF HE IS EXPECTED TO BE READY SOON.

But, my bottom line is that I do NOT have a good felling about his returning any time soon.

Spikes will be FINE in a 4-3. They're certainly not going to trade him, good Lord. As for it being "not all that serious," where did we hear that? Not being sarcastic, I'd be thrilled if that were the case. I just haven't read or seen anything about that.

mg, can you tell me where that info comes from?

 

[patsfan13]

I hope to see Spikes play behind Vince and Al on running downs and see those three plus Mayo (on the outside, IMO) just shut down the run. Hopefully won't have to see a game like the Browns game last year.

Spikes played MLB in a 4-3 at Florida, correct?

+1 :ditto:


He can be a monster in this D, Fletcher great compliment in the middle. I want MAyo ourside wreaking havoc.

 

[PATSNUTme]

Spikes will be an important part of this defense.

 

[Ring 6]

If Belichick truly prefers Mayo inside in the 4-3, there really isn't much of an issue. Fletcher is Mayo's backup, and there are plenty of OLB/DE types. Also, Guyton is available on passing downs.

However, Mayo looked AWESOME outside. Having Spikes and Fletcher available inside increase our options.

I dont see where you are figuring we have plenty of 43 OLBs?
We have Ninkovich, Spikes/Mayo, Guyton, Fletcher.
We can't have 4 LBs to play 3 spots with no real legitimate backups. That would be Jetlike depth.

 

[Ring 6]

very possible he's being phased out, he's more of a 2 down thumper than anything else. Maybe they want to trade him. Him and brace seem to be people without positions in the new aggressive 4-3...

Both are actually better suited to the 43.

 

[mgteich]

I include ANderson

I dont see where you are figuring we have plenty of 34 OLBs?
We have Ninkovich, Spikes/Mayo, Guyton, Fletcher.
We can't have 4 LBs to play 3 spots with no real legitimate backups. That would be Jetlike depth.