Why this signing is huge!

[borg]

The Ultimate Player Swap.
This signing is huge because the Pats have regained their ability to morph into any defense they desire without personnel changes.
The Pats have replaced Tully Banta-Cain, a third down, one dimensional, edge rusher that playoff teams picked on with...Adalius Thomas, "nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to play any linebacker spot as well as defensive end, defensive tackle, safety and even corner". AD is 6'2" 270lbs every down DE/OLB/ILB and a 3-4 D coaches dream. It's easy to see why BB/Pioli decided to stop making the shoe fit with the TBC experiment and get serious with this signing. For two years, BB has been using role players with specific but limited skill sets... Monty Beisel, Chad Brown, Junior, TBC...and for two years the linebacking has been inconsistent. The Pats SB runs were propelled by a D that could transform itself on any play because Willie, Vrabel, and Colvin (limited by injury) all were every down prototype OLBs in the 3-4. Injuries, retirement, and aging have limited what the Defense has been able to accomplish the last 2 years...NO MORE. Great signing by the Pats that will strenghen an already solid D.

 

[carolinatony]

I agree. Wonder who we go after next

 

[BigMike]

The Ultimate Player Swap.
This signing is huge because the Pats have regained their ability to morph into any defense they desire without personel changes.
The Pats have replaced Tully Banta-Cain, a third down, one dimensional, edge rusher that playoff teams picked on with...Adalius Thomas, "nicknamed “Slash” for his ability to play any linebacker spot as well as defensive end, defensive tackle, safety and even corner". AD is 6'2" 270lbs every down DE/OLB/ILB and a 3-4 D coaches dream. It's easy to see why BB/Pioli decided to stop making the shoe fit with the TBC experiment and get serious with this signing. For two years, BB has been using role players with specific but limited skill sets... Monty Beisel, Chad Brown, Junior, TBC...and for two years the linebacking has been inconsistent. The Pats SB runs were propelled by a D that could transform itself on any play because Willie, Vrabel, and Colvin (limited by injury) all were every down prototype OLBs in the 3-4. Injuries, retirement, and aging have limited what the Defense has been able to accomplish the last 2 years...NO MORE. Great signing by the Pats that will strenghen an already solid D.

good assessment -- this is an exciting move and will help the PAtriots get back to being able to shake up the opposing QB more. Tedy B we love yah, but time waits for no one.

 

[Jimke]

It shows that the Pats aren't cheap and may result in other

good free agents coming our way.

 

[JoeSixPat]

So we signed a 6th round pick from 2000? Big deal.

 

[363839]

I agree. Wonder who we go after next

Apparantly Joey Porter.

 

[cblesz]

Apparantly Joey Porter.

Link? where did you hear that?

 

[363839]

http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/patriots/

Scroll down a bit.

 

[salty]

Exactly. A.D.'s versatility is mind-boggling. Opposing offenses will have no idea what they will get from the defense on any down next year. We can switch to a 4-3 on the fly, we can have A.D. drop back and basically become a third safety, we can have him blitz from inside or outside...so many options. :rocker:

 

[salty]

http://news.bostonherald.com/blogs/patriots/

Scroll down a bit.

Porter may have been a backup plan. It would be insane if they were to sign both Thomas and Porter, though as great as I'm feeling now, I could almost believe it!

 

[Fencer]

If this renews BB's old edge in killing offenses with defensive versatility, it will prove to be money very well spent.

Manning has solved the Pats defense. So it's time to make the defense a yet tougher problem for opponents.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

if we get Joey Porter along with AT, Oh my freaking god... Sombody wake me up now...

 

[jczxohn1]

2 big points about this signing.
1.Don't have to go for a 1st or 2nd rd LB, even tho we could. Free's up those slots for positions that could make a quicker impact.
2.AD is a 3 down 'backer. Colts and others can't take advantage of need to change personnel with a hurry-up offense.

 

[bishbash]

Wonder who we go after next

TE Kyle Brady
http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/story/10033511

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I would really like to see the Pats land ILB Patrick Willis in the draft. Just because the Pats signed Thomas, doesn't mean they are set at LB. They still need to get some youth at the position to set up for the future. However, trading up for Laron Landry would be awesome as well.

 

[Fabolous.]

So we signed a 6th round pick from 2000? Big deal.

Yeah, I mean, has anyone heard of any of 6 round picks from 2000 doing anything?

 

[stinkypete]

Thomas gives us the ultimate versatility on defense, unlike any we have ever had before. On any given down:

-We could be playing the 3-4, with Seymour/Wilfork/Warren on the defensive line and Colvin/Bruschi/Vrabel/Thomas at LB.

-We could be playing the 4-3 with Wilfork or Warren or Seymour at DT, Seymour or Warren or Colvin or Thomas at DE.

-We could drop into a nickel with Thomas dropping back into deep coverage.

-Thomas could drop into coverage while Rodney blitzes the QB or stuffs the box against the run.

The signing of Thomas transforms our defense into the ultimate freakin guessing game for opposing defenses.

All I can say is holy f@&%ing S#$t, we signed Adailus Thomas.

 

[stcjones]

Apparantly Joey Porter.

I know he is a loud mouth, but could you imagine Thomas, Bruschi, Porter Vrabel? Wait...a minute let me wipe my mouth ..it appears I am salivating.....What a great signing

 

[borg]

Another positive, hopefully, is that other free agents will see the Pats stepping up with the coin and realize this team is serious about getting back to the SB. Maybe Graham will see the light, also. (Doubt it)