Tavon Wilson and Marquice Cole - from saviors of secondary to benchwarmers

[mgteich]

A few weeks ago, these players were the saviors of our 2012 secondary. Now they can't even get on the field (2 reps between them against Miami). As Hightower and Spikes do better in coverage, we don't even play the dime (2 reps against Miami). Chung got in at the end of the game.

Barring injury, excepting garbage time, expect to see our starting four (plus Arrington at nickel) get almost all the reps. That might be news to some, but Arrington playing a key role is a surprise to some, as is the almost nonexistent roles for Wilson and Cole.

The BOTTOM LINE is that Belichick is comfortable with the roles of his top 5, including Arrington at nickel.

 

[manxman2601]

Apart from that near big completion yesterday, I've been impressed with Arrington the last couple of games. It's funny you mentioned wilson, he compleyely slipped my mind yesterday. Didn't consider him for one moment.

 

[JackBauer]

Wilson's not very good in coverage, so there's that (not to say he won't improve, just that he's not there yet).

Arrington blows on the outside but he's been a revelation in the slot. If the "big three" + McCourty remain healthy I like our chances.

 

[Sicilian]

I imagine the dime and increased rotation at nickel will become more prevalent against teams with better passing options. Against Miami, I'm guessing we stayed a little bigger to keep the run in check.

But I've been satisfied with Arrington's play lately too. He shouldn't be a starter on the outside, but seeing nickel snaps in the slot seems to play more to his strengths. He's even had some good blitzes in there the last few weeks, which is something we haven't seen from our secondary all year.

 

[Bonzo]

The BOTTOM LINE is that Belichick is comfortable with the roles of his top 5, including Arrington at nickel.

Yup, it seems indeed the personnel/strategy in the secondary has begun to solidify (barring injury of course). Which, with a quarter of the season remaining, is for the best and should afford the unit ample opportunity to continue to gel.

 

[Ring 6]

A few weeks ago, these players were the saviors of our 2012 secondary. Now they can't even get on the field (2 reps between them against Miami). As Hightower and Spikes do better in coverage, we don't even play the dime (2 reps against Miami). Chung got in at the end of the game.

Barring injury, excepting garbage time, expect to see our starting four (plus Arrington at nickel) get almost all the reps. That might be news to some, but Arrington playing a key role is a surprise to some, as is the almost nonexistent roles for Wilson and Cole.

The BOTTOM LINE is that Belichick is comfortable with the roles of his top 5, including Arrington at nickel.

You really can't use one game as a vision of the next. Based upon the opponent we will use different packages more or less frequently.
I think less dime is a statement on Miami rather than a statement on the LBs coverge skill supposedly improving overnight.

 

[signbabybrady]

Re: Wilson and Cole

Arringtons resurgence is interesting to me. Because I still think you can see him at times getting beat even in the slot but I think he has two things going for him in their 1) he isnt drawing the best WRs most of the time 2) he is able to play more physical on the inside. Getting him into a role that he is more comfortable with is certainly helping the secondary right now and By Dennard being better on the outside and pushing Arrington we have made 2 spots better.

I think Wilson was being hailed as a savior because he made some big plays early in the year and the truth is they probably came before he was truly ready for a solid role he is still a rookie. But I dont think anyone thought Cole was a savior but rather as a solid STs contributor we figured he owuld be dressed most games and the few reps he got looked better than the garbage we were seing from the postion. Just my 2 cents.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Agreed that with Arrington playing better in the slot, there has not been much need for Cole as long as Arrington can keep this up.

Tavon I'm still hoping can take reps from Chung/Gregory. None of the 3 IMO are fully proven to be relied upon for starter snaps but in a limited role they can be effective. So I think Tavon could still provide help to the secondary.

 

[Ivan]

Who called either of those players "saviors?"

 

[mgteich]

Reiss and others have Chung is lower in the depth chart than Wilson. As of now, Wilson is our dime back.

As long as he is healthy, I find it extremely unlikely that Gregory will not start for the remainder of the season. Obviously our 2012 subs are better than our 2013 starters at safety.

In the good news department, I would note that our top 3 safeties are ALL signed for 2013 (and we will likely add a draft choice).

Agreed that with Arrington playing better in the slot, there has not been much need for Cole as long as Arrington can keep this up.

Tavon I'm still hoping can take reps from Chung/Gregory. None of the 3 IMO are fully proven to be relied upon for starter snaps but in a limited role they can be effective. So I think Tavon could still provide help to the secondary.

 

[DarrylS]

A lot of development was stunted by the lack of experience early on.. at one time our starting D backs totaled less than five years NFL experience.. so leadership on the field was a huge issue.

Tavon played more early out of necessity, now that we are healthier there is less of a need..doesn't he have something like 3 ints.. give him some time, the jury is still out.

No need to rush to judgement at this time..

 

[RayClay]

Pretty happy to have real depth with some experience on special teams. Wouldn't be surprised to see Chung or somebody else get more snaps, but when you've got rookies and scrubs (no offense marquice) as "saviors" it's because you suck.

Very happy for the turn of events in the secondary.

 

[Ring 6]

Reiss and others have Chung is lower in the depth chart than Wilson. As of now, Wilson is our dime back.

What are you basing this on?

 

[Deus Irae]

What are you basing this on?

He's probably getting it from this:

Patrick Chung’s fall down the depth chart stands out. His eight snaps came on the final three drives of the game, as rookie Tavon Wilson was playing in the dime package over him earlier in the game.

Snaps: Chung slips to backup - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

although I think the sample size is too small for Reiss to really be sure about that conclusion, especially when Chung actually had more snaps (8-2).

 

[Joey007]

A few weeks ago, these players were the saviors of our 2012 secondary. Now they can't even get on the field (2 reps between them against Miami). As Hightower and Spikes do better in coverage, we don't even play the dime (2 reps against Miami). Chung got in at the end of the game.

AHA!!!

That's why we got thrashed on that final drive!!

 

[mgteich]

Reiss stated this is in his blog.

What are you basing this on?

 

[D-Money]

Wilson is what he is.The bottom line is that he is not worth taking in the second round.

 

[Joey007]

Wilson is what he is.The bottom line is that he is not worth taking in the second round.

I compare it to the Shane Vereen pick last year. No, not the best pick. But will still be a nice role-player.

Not only that, but like when we picked Ridley in the 3rd, picking Wilson too high will be overshadowed by the stud we drafted from Nebraska in the 7th round.

:rocker: