rookBoston
In the Starting Line-Up
- Joined
- Sep 13, 2004
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Here's something that occurred to me, given the tough roster competition this year at so many positions, and a few notable veterans "committed" to the team, but unsigned... namely Testaverdi and Brown.
Vinnie was taking snaps in TC and has been around Belichick for years. Brown doesn't need snaps-- he knows this offense (and defense) as well as the coaches do.
Neither one is going to sign with another team. And neither one is likely to see much of the field this year, barring injuries.
So here's an idea: keep them with the team as role models, training partners... as player-coaches, so to speak. As the 54th and 55th players. Not on the practice squad. Not on the roster. But part of the team, and engaged in regular practice. Viable veteran depth, held off-roster as a safety net. Pay them a salary as part of the staff. Or as consultants. If and when we need them, they're on hand to quickly step in and fill a role. And otherwise, they can influence the young'ens from a position of authority.
In the past, Belichick carried players like Anthony Pleasant beyond his prime, for the value of his leadership. With the current level of talent on the team, BB doesn't have the same luxury to carry those guys. The 52nd and 53rd players on the roster are going to be promising players like Pierre Woods and Garrett Mills, who are franchise assets, represent the future of the team and need the opportunity to learn.
Two other veterans in similar but slightly different situations: Junior Seau and Don Davis.
Seau, in the twilight of his career, is likely to make the roster and play off the bench. But supposing we had drafted a young LB in the first three rounds, Seau would have been deep enough on the roster that it would make sense to put him on the shadow. He's on record saying that if he were to play this year, it would only be for the Pats.
And, Don Davis who retired from the NFL, is now part of the Pats conditioning staff. I know that he's still in shape, and if asked, could keep himself in game shape during the season, for emergencies.
All four have lost some of their physical ability, but compensate by knowing the scheme intimately. All are consummate pros who love playing football and being around football. All have made their money, and are attracted to the team, as much by the aura of winning as anything else. If I were running the talent startegy for the team, that's an opportunity to take advantage of.
Vinnie was taking snaps in TC and has been around Belichick for years. Brown doesn't need snaps-- he knows this offense (and defense) as well as the coaches do.
Neither one is going to sign with another team. And neither one is likely to see much of the field this year, barring injuries.
So here's an idea: keep them with the team as role models, training partners... as player-coaches, so to speak. As the 54th and 55th players. Not on the practice squad. Not on the roster. But part of the team, and engaged in regular practice. Viable veteran depth, held off-roster as a safety net. Pay them a salary as part of the staff. Or as consultants. If and when we need them, they're on hand to quickly step in and fill a role. And otherwise, they can influence the young'ens from a position of authority.
In the past, Belichick carried players like Anthony Pleasant beyond his prime, for the value of his leadership. With the current level of talent on the team, BB doesn't have the same luxury to carry those guys. The 52nd and 53rd players on the roster are going to be promising players like Pierre Woods and Garrett Mills, who are franchise assets, represent the future of the team and need the opportunity to learn.
Two other veterans in similar but slightly different situations: Junior Seau and Don Davis.
Seau, in the twilight of his career, is likely to make the roster and play off the bench. But supposing we had drafted a young LB in the first three rounds, Seau would have been deep enough on the roster that it would make sense to put him on the shadow. He's on record saying that if he were to play this year, it would only be for the Pats.
And, Don Davis who retired from the NFL, is now part of the Pats conditioning staff. I know that he's still in shape, and if asked, could keep himself in game shape during the season, for emergencies.
All four have lost some of their physical ability, but compensate by knowing the scheme intimately. All are consummate pros who love playing football and being around football. All have made their money, and are attracted to the team, as much by the aura of winning as anything else. If I were running the talent startegy for the team, that's an opportunity to take advantage of.