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CLICK HERE to Register for a free account and login for a smoother ad-free experience. It's easy, and only takes a few moments.Some people thought that the major needs in the preseason were at TE, SS and OG. Go figure.Whatever the case, the team needs serious help at DT and MLB. Realistically, do we expect Belichick to do something or promote the next man up mentality?
Interestingly, two areas that were major needs in the preseason are critical needs now. Go figure.
The Patriots have played 7 games. In 3 of the 7, teams have run on the Patriots for near on or over 200 yards. 2 of those games were losses and one close, divisional win. We can argue DE/DT until the cows come home (I haven't been happy with edge contain of either Ninkovich or Jones) but Wilfork is not going to get it done by himself and frankly, I'm not that high on the platoon.Some people thought that the major needs in the preseason were at TE, SS and OG. Go figure.
You think that we have a MAJOR need a DT. I disagree. I'm fine with Wilfork, Chris Jones, Walker, Easley and Siliga returning after Week 12.
Obviously, we do have a major need at MLB.
The Patriots have played 7 games. In 3 of the 7, teams have run on the Patriots for near on or over 200 yards. 2 of those games were losses and one close, divisional win. We can argue DE/DT until the cows come home (I haven't been happy with edge contain of either Ninkovich or Jones) but Wilfork is not going to get it done by himself and frankly, I'm not that high on the platoon.
I've been of the opinion that DL/LB were pressing needs. You may be right that I may be in the minority but nothing I have seen thus far has changed my opinion.
The Patriots have played 7 games. In 3 of the 7, teams have run on the Patriots for near on or over 200 yards. 2 of those games were losses and one close, divisional win. We can argue DE/DT until the cows come home (I haven't been happy with edge contain of either Ninkovich or Jones) but Wilfork is not going to get it done by himself and frankly, I'm not that high on the platoon.
I've been of the opinion that DL/LB were pressing needs. You may be right that I may be in the minority but nothing I have seen thus far has changed my opinion.
I have mentioned that I am not happy with the edge contain performances of the DE's. That still doesn't address my concern at DT. I like Siliga but I don't trust him to stay healthy.An overwhelming amount of those yards have came off-tackle. Which to me means we need better DEs not DTs.
Par angerer was released by Atlanta. Maybe if no one picked him up, we could give him a tryout.
While it may sound like a crazy thought since he hasn't played since last year, I'd be tempted to kick those tires--if true. His talent, experience, and reaction instincts alone would be worth a workout.
Some people thought that the major needs in the preseason were at TE, SS and OG. Go figure.
You think that we have a MAJOR need a DT. I disagree. I'm fine with Wilfork, Chris Jones, Walker, Easley and Siliga returning after Week 12.
Obviously, we do have a major need at MLB.
No reason not to bring anyone in for a workout - and no knock against a guy like Fletcher, but can we realistically see ANYONE from outside of the organization stepping in at MLB and assuming duties as what is effectively the QB of the D?
That's what makes Mayo so invaluable. And I'd guess that there Belichick has his backups at least somewhat well versed in the ability to assume those duties - though there's no replacing Mayo
But to have someone with no knowledge of the Patriots D step in to that position?
I'm inclined to say "not going to happen" but I'd be interested in the thoughts of others on this
And maybe it's a situation where you just go with the talent at the position and have to call in the defensive changes from the sidelines on the fly now
I have mentioned that I am not happy with the edge contain performances of the DE's. That still doesn't address my concern at DT. I like Siliga but I don't trust him to stay healthy.
I agree that we should not be playing a full 3-4 2-gap, or even one masquerading as a 5-2.I'm fine with the DT talent...I am NOT fine with the two gapping 3/4 scheme being asked of players like Walker and Easley that have no skill yet in doing so.
Last game our base was 34 with Wilfork walker Chris jones on the line and nink and chandler at OLB with HT and Collins at ilb so skinner was in fact a back up.At this point, we are starting Skinner in the base, and have no one as a backup. I don't have a list, but I suspect that there are those who will have more of an impact that no one (actually Fleming from the Practice Squad). We might even be able to secure a better STARTER than Skinner.
Not against the run.I agree that we should not be playing a full 3-4 2-gap, or even one masquerading as a 5-2.
Many have suggest the hybrid 4-3 with a 1-gap on side and 2-gap on the others. In any case, there are only TWO DT's on the field plus 2 DE's (or a DE and an OLB). I thought that Easley was brought in to play inside next to Wilfork. Until then Chris Jones is the man next to Wilfork. And yes, I can understand that against some teams Wilfork and Walker can be inside.
IN ANY CASE, the key is that our personnel play better with TWO fatties in the middle, rather than THREE.