Who Starts, Connolly or Waters

[Ring 6]

Please discuss.......

 

[spacecrime]

Waters.....

 

[TheComeback]

Tough to say, since no one here has seen Waters play this year.

 

[patsox23]

Waters, and I don't think there's any question. Connolly is a really nice depth guy, but Waters has started 16, 16 and 15 games the last three years (I believe -- too lazy to look up). Also, I don't think our F.O. gave him 5 mill for the season to sit on the bench. Finally, he's a much more talented player than Connolly. In my book, it's open and shut.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Waters

Connolly is in only if someone is injured or in on a few downs to keep the starter fresh

 

[Sciz]

Week 1, Waters starts with Connolly playing every 3rd drive or so. Week 2 on, Waters.

 

[JaxPats]

Waters, and I don't think there's any question. Connolly is a really nice depth guy, but Waters has started 16, 16 and 15 games the last three years (I believe -- too lazy to look up). Also, I don't think our F.O. gave him 5 mill for the season to sit on the bench. Finally, he's a much more talented player than Connolly. In my book, it's open and shut.

I agree. Logic would dictate this. NOT to take anything away from Connolly, but Imho, I think Waters has much more ability and experience also.

 

[ausbacker]

Waters because I'm told Connolly is a back up.

 

[BTTA]

Also, I don't think our F.O. gave him 5 mill for the season to sit on the bench.

This is the best metric we've got about how management thinks about this guy. That's way to much to be a backup or JAG.

 

[Ivan]

Waters, as others have said Connolly makes for good depth.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

My vote goes to the Waters of Kalamazoooooooooooo:rocker:

 

[cmasspatsfan]

No doubt Waters, hes familiar with the system so Im sure hes probably up to speed, and hes the better player.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

This is the best metric we've got about how management thinks about this guy. That's way to much to be a backup or JAG.

Jarvis Green says hi.

"As for Green, his five-year deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and a $2.5 million roster bonus in 2006. The potential total value of the deal - not including escalators - is $13.1 million. Green has roster bonuses of $200,000 in 2007 and $400,000 in 2008 and 2009. His base salaries are $455,000 (2005), $545,000 (2006), $1.5 million (2007), $2 million (2008) and $2.5 million (2009)."

 

[patchick]

Waters, and I don't think there's any question. Connolly is a really nice depth guy, but Waters has started 16, 16 and 15 games the last three years (I believe -- too lazy to look up). Also, I don't think our F.O. gave him 5 mill for the season to sit on the bench. Finally, he's a much more talented player than Connolly. In my book, it's open and shut.

$5 million for the season? Every report I've read says up to $5.5 million over two seasons, if he hits all his incentives.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I'd be willing to bet that Waters starts, but nothing would surprise me.

 

[WhiZa]

$5 million for the season? Every report I've read says up to $5.5 million over two seasons, if he hits all his incentives.

You are correct. He's only making 1.5 base this year: Cleaning out the Patriots notebook - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

I still think he is going to start if he has a good practice this week. A player with his number of years and experience shouldn't letdown. I dont think they want him on the bench either. They could make a spot for a developmental player instead.

 

[TheSolderKing]

5 million is not backup $$$


This thread can go jump in the water

 

[patsox23]

$5 million for the season? Every report I've read says up to $5.5 million over two seasons, if he hits all his incentives.

Could easily be my mistake. Sorry. Still hold to my theory, though. Also, Waters is a starter who has made Pro Bowls. Connolly is very nice depth who looks worse as a starter the more you see him play.

 

[patchick]

Could easily be my mistake. Sorry. Still hold to my theory, though. Also, Waters is a starter who has made Pro Bowls. Connolly is very nice depth who looks worse as a starter the more you see him play.

I do agree that they signed Waters to start -- the question is when. One week to pick up the offense AND adjust to playing on the right side for the first time is a lot to ask.

 

[PatsFan37]

Ordinarily you wouldn't move two guys out of position when one guy gets hurt, but this might be the exception.

What if Mankins moved to RG? That way he can assist Solder in his first real game where he's facing Wake rushing the right side of the offense. Mankins would be out of position, but Waters would be in his more natural LG spot, next to the experienced Light. It doesn't hurt that many of Solder's practices have been next to Mankins.

Also, I read recently that Mankins has played as a backup RT in game conditions for the Pats, so he some flexibility.

I don't know how likely all that is, but it wouldn't shock me if it happened.