OK, let's not count Rivera, the likely next cut.
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BIG HEAVIES: Wilfork, Deaderick, Love, Brace, (Forston)
This seems fine, although Forston might go to the Practice Squad at some point.
DE/OLB's
Jones, Scott, Ninkovich, Cunningham, Bequette, Francis
Are you concerned with this group?
ILB/MLB
Mayo, Hightower, Spikes
This is where the lack of backup.
ST
White
This is better than the normal two, isn't it?
BOTTOM LINE
If there is an injury at ILB/MLB, can one of the OLB's step in, or do we need to have one of the STer'a back to be the #4 ILB/OLB (Guyton's old position)?
Belichick has said quite clearly that the answer is not Koutouvides or Carpenter. Tarpinian is available to be activated from the Practice Squad if there is an injury.
CONCLUSION
We are fine except for backup ILB/MLB. This 4th inside linebacker is now White (or Rivera), or one of the OLB's. IMHO, Belichick has judged that this backup situaton is not all that important, or that Tarpinian on the Practice Squad provides enough insurance.
As blase as I've been about the panic over the WR depth, you can count me among the worried about the lack of depth at LB.
In the last day we've cut Tarpanian, Koutavidis, and Carpenter, all coming off of a great game against the Giants. And we've kept Tracy White who in my eyes makes Gary Guyton look effective, and Mike Rivera, who led the team in being the last guy to cover someone out of the backfield. In other words we've cut 3 guys all of whom I'd be comfortable keeping, and kept two guys who are worthless as LB, imho. Very curious. I hope to God the dust hasn't settle on this position