Since Arrington was a starting corner on that team and not even good enough to make this roster, you'd have to think it's not quite that bad, at least in Bill's eyes. I've seen nothing to indicate Arrington is any worse as a player than he was in 2011.
All this wailing about the CB position is just misplaced. Certainly Darelle Revis is/was a superior CB.
But what BB has going into this season is wholly unrecognized in comparison to the Superbowl club of 2011.
That club had a truly horrendous secondary at all four positions. But this upcoming club will have a good if not fine Safety contingent, with what appears to be fine depth. The Safeties are now smart, experienced and athletically able, as attested by their exhaulted draft position selections, unlike 2011. BB has said that Safety is a most difficult position to play well, while CB merely needs athletes.
All the CBs who are no longer here, were
purposely LET GO by Belechick. Only DR was an unaffordable CAP casualty. BB is not known for shooting himself in the foot, as he patiently builds his teams. Outside of Jeremy Mincey and a few developmental QBs, who needed an opportunity to play, I can't think of any who did well elsewhere. Why did BB let them go??
I suspect that BB has purposely upgraded the CB position with youthful, size and speed. His remaining CB candidates have both, while those departing had some deficiency in that department. .
Meanwhile for the first time in a long time, the Defensive line and Linebacker slots are all filled to overflowing with able veterans, or talented and touted young players.
My prediction ... by season's end, CB will be a reasonably secure position,and this will be a very good Defense.
Belieive it or not, the Offense is where the Pats may find themselves wanting, even though there are many exemplary pieces there. RBBC is a BB aim, and he has that in numbers, but perhaps not in sufficient talent. Brady si the catalyst for exception total production,as always.
The receiving corps in its totality, X, Y, Z and TEs and H backs, save receiving RB, is deep, competent, if not athletically touted. BB likes to spread the ball around, so few skill position players can produce staggering production figures, that leads to Media and Pro bowl recognition.
Relax, all is NOT LOST.
This year will be a year of fitting the future outstanding Offensive line together,and proving the depth at teh skill positions.