High Praise for Spikes and Chung

[Brettlax3434]

"NFL Films analyst Greg Cosell calls Patriots ILB Brandon Spikes "arguably the most physical and violent inside linebacker" in the NFL.
The competition wasn't that stiff against the Broncos' afraid-to-throw offense, but the returns of Spikes and SS Patrick Chung have revitalized New England's defense for the playoffs. Spikes recorded six tackles, a sack, and a fumble recovery versus Denver."
Source: Boston Glob via Rotoworld.com

I have been under the belief that the defense has been greatly improved with their returns from injury. I think the defense is going to shock the "experts" who have been knocking it all week. It's interesting to see analysis like this on Spikes. My brother, known as Billdog3484 on Patsfans had mentioned to me a few weeks back that he thought Spikes was the most important player on the defense. I wouldn't go as far as him but maybe he was right and I was wrong.

 

[WeezyFbaby]

I think Spikes has become my favorite Patriots player, the guy puts it all on the line and his intensity is matched only by TB. Love watching the guy thump i really hope he is a patriot for life.

 

[JackBauer]

And some around here were writing off Spikes in the beginning of the year.

Too bad he'll never work out in our system 'cause he's too damn slow.

 

[AzPatsFan]

And some around here were writing off Spikes in the beginning of the year.

Too bad he'll never work out in our system 'cause he's too damn slow.

Tedy Bruschi identified all you have to know about ILB play when he said: "Its simple. I just go to Where the hole WILL BE, and tackle the RB when he gets there." :snob::snob:

 

[BelichickFan]

One thing I know for sure is Belichick has been accumulating all the talk, print about how the Ravens are more physical and making sure Vince, Love, Spikes, Chung, Mankins, etc, have heard it until they're sick of it. We're starting to get a fairly good group of physical players ourselves.

 

[ay-yo]

^^^ I thought last week was the most physical defense we've seen all season. Lots of guys swarming to the ball.

 

[shmessy]

^^^ I thought last week was the most physical defense we've seen all season. Lots of guys swarming to the ball.

I don't think it was the players so much (although it works better when you have Chung/Spikes there).

It was one of the only times this season (other than Tampa Bay pre-season and the 2nd half of the 2nd Jets game) when the coaches allowed the D to pin it's ears back and make jail breaks into the backfield. Most of the season has been as recent seasons - - minding gaps and coverage. Last week was - - "here's some meat, boys, go get it!"

It was a vastly different gameplan - - and I like that.

 

[Betterthanmost]

I hear that, but I want to hear it from BB. Has anyone noticed that he is reluctant to praise Spikes? He will shower praises on Chung, Mayo, but when it comes to Spikes, he is careful with his words.

 

[IllegalContact]

the ravens are the perfect opponent for spikes.....I'd be more worried about the pass-happy offenses

 

[TruthSeeker]

I have been under the belief that the defense has been greatly improved with their returns from injury. I think the defense is going to shock the "experts" who have been knocking it all week.

I fully expect that if the Patriots defense does play well (which I'm expecting) that there will be a general dismissing of Flacco and the Ravens offense as opposed to giving the defense much credit.

 

[ay-yo]

I fully expect that if the Patriots defense does play well (which I'm expecting) that there will be a general dismissing of Flacco and the Ravens offense as opposed to giving the defense much credit.

I've been thinking that if we won the SB by beating Tebow / Flacco / Smith you'd have a bunch of people claiming that we were incredibly lucky and it was a statistical anomaly to win w/ a D that bad. W/e let them be miserable.

 

[shmessy]

the ravens are the perfect opponent for spikes.....I'd be more worried about the pass-happy offenses

Well then, we've caught a huge break this year in the playoffs.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I hear that, but I want to hear it from BB. Has anyone noticed that he is reluctant to praise Spikes? He will shower praises on Chung, Mayo, but when it comes to Spikes, he is careful with his words.

Maybe BB has been watching the wrong Spikes film?

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

I've been thinking that if we won the SB by beating Tebow / Flacco / Smith you'd have a bunch of people claiming that we were incredibly lucky and it was a statistical anomaly to win w/ a D that bad. W/e let them be miserable.

I for one relish such articles; make it so!

 

[shmessy]

I've been thinking that if we won the SB by beating Tebow / Flacco / Smith you'd have a bunch of people claiming that we were incredibly lucky and it was a statistical anomaly to win w/ a D that bad. W/e let them be miserable.

I'd be perfectly happy in that eventuality. (edit; Damn! PWP beat me by seconds).

Then we can draft 4 players inthe first 2 rounds in the spring - - and welcome back Dowling, Barrett, Carter (if he'll sign) and Myron Pryor.

 

[Mack Herron]

Spikes may not be as technically sound as a player like Mayo, but his physicality, aggressiveness and enthusiasm are second to none and combine to produce big plays, especially behind the LOS. Blitzing up the middle, he more than anyone else can instill fear that could make him a game changer Sunday.

 

[Keyser Söze]

We had Guyton as an ILB in that 2009 playoff game. What a huge upgrade having Spikes is.

 

[NYCPatsFan]

Maybe BB has been watching the wrong Spikes film?

lol. good one!

 

[Betterthanmost]

Well then, we've caught a huge break this year in the playoffs.

We have been catching breaks the whole season. I was so worried that we will be crushed by Brees and Rogers even if we get to the Super bowl. Now look at the QBs left. Sure we can lose to anybody but I doubt any QB will blow us out.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I hear that, but I want to hear it from BB. Has anyone noticed that he is reluctant to praise Spikes? He will shower praises on Chung, Mayo, but when it comes to Spikes, he is careful with his words.

I think Spikes has room for improvement. I don't think it's reluctance. Spikes just needs go out there and earn it.