Are you comfortable with Hobbs and Gay as our starting CBs?

[JoeSixPat]

Although I tend to believe that Samuel won't make good on his threat to sit out for 10 games, I'm wondering how people are feeling about Hobbs and Gay as our starting CBs and whether we have enough skill and depth in the secondary to thrive without Samuel for a good portion of the season.

My take is that I'd be comfortable with Hobbs and Gay getting the job done, as the coaching staff always seems to have a scheme that covers up deficiences in the secondary when they exist... but I'm a little iffy on depth should one of them suffer an injury.

Just wondering what the pulse of Patriots nation is now that we got a chance to see Hobbs and Gay in the first pre-season game?

 

[sarge]

I am comfortable with them two, as long as they remain healthy.

But if one of them goes down we would be in a heap of trouble.

 

[Patriot_in_NY]

I'd agree with both of you........ I'm comfortable with that, providing they stay healthy.

A big if, certainly for Blue.

 

[DisgruntledTunaFan]

Although I tend to believe that Samuel won't make good on his threat to sit out for 10 games, I'm wondering how people are feeling about Hobbs and Gay as our starting CBs and whether we have enough skill and depth in the secondary to thrive without Samuel for a good portion of the season.

My take is that I'd be comfortable with Hobbs and Gay getting the job done, as the coaching staff always seems to have a scheme that covers up deficiences in the secondary when they exist... but I'm a little iffy on depth should one of them suffer an injury.

Just wondering what the pulse of Patriots nation is now that we got a chance to see Hobbs and Gay in the first pre-season game?

As long as the Pats' front 7(plus Rodney in the DB) is strong, they'll be fine.

IMHO-as long as the corners are decent and the front 7 is strong, any D should be good to go.

 

[CheerforTom]

I've always liked Gay and I think Hobbes is due to have a breakout season anytime now. He showed real flashes of brilliance in the playoffs last year. I also, like some of the guys here, think Asante is fairly overrated.

That being said, I'd be a lot happier if we had at least 1 more guy that could prove himself as a starter. Has anyone heard about the status/possibility of Merriweather playing corner?

 

[ClevTrev]

As long as the Pats' front 7(plus Rodney in the DB) is strong, they'll be fine.

IMHO-as long as the corners are decent and the front 7 is strong, any D should be good to go.

Good point. I'm comfortable with Hobbs and Gay, as Gay has proven he can handle starting responsibility when he is healthy. Don't forget that Meriweather is rounding out as a strong backup/eventual starter at CB as well, and Tory James can be a serviceable backup as well. It's not as dire as many think; although, it will be better when Samuel comes to his senses and comes back to the team before the end of pre-season. I'm confident that will happen in this case.

But the main point is that with a healthy #37 in place, the DBs have a history of playing beyond their projected capabilities. That's key along with a strong front 7.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I've always liked Gay and I think Hobbes is due to have a breakout season anytime now. He showed real flashes of brilliance in the playoffs last year. I also, like some of the guys here, think Asante is fairly overrated.

That being said, I'd be a lot happier if we had at least 1 more guy that could prove himself as a starter. Has anyone heard about the status/possibility of Merriweather playing corner?

Merriweather's been getting plenty of time at CB, but really more in a nickle and dime situation, rather than as a starter. I doubt BB has any intent of putting a rookie in as a starting CB, even in the event of any injury.

Maybe in the future if need be but not now.

 

[patchick]

I am comfortable with them two, as long as they remain healthy.

But if one of them goes down we would be in a heap of trouble.

My feelings exactly. Hobbs and Gay are smart players who know the system, I feel fine with them back there...but I'm not comfortable with anybody behind them. But to put a happier spin on it, once Samuel reports we're looking at three solid, experienced starting-caliber CBs, which ain't chopped liver (just ask the Jets or Colts).

 

[fgssand]

I think Hobbs is a really good corner. I have always liked "Blue" Gay. I think Meriweather has it all and is going to be a real solid player and contribute heavily this year.

All of that said - Samuel makes us a better team and I want him back, hopefully by the end of this month so he can work himself into playing shape for game 1.

 

[dhamz]

Count me among those comfortable with those 2 guys (not happy but comfortable) but not at all comfortable with Hobbs/James, Gay/James, etc. when one of those guys gets banged up.

 

[PatsSteve1]

If the other 9 guys on D are playing well, I'm OK with those 2. I think Hobbs is going to be a fine CB. Gay is very good short to medium and a good tackler there and in run supoort but I don't think he covers deep balls well. Keep him short and medium with help over the top.

 

[willdeespats]

Gay was making open field tackles that I doubt Aspayme would have made. It was good to see and one of the highlites of the game for me. Gay is every much an NFL starting corner.

 

[patfanken]

Not only comfortable with the Gay and Hobbs as my starters I'm happy with the depth of Merriweather and James as my back ups. THat being said, the secondary becomes better, deeper and more flexible when Samuel returns. and Merriweather can go back to safety.

 

[drakesta101]

The secondary will be fine if the front 7 is creating enough pressure. I believe Gay and Hobbs will be a solid corner duo if, and this is a big if, they can stay healthy.

 

[AirForcePatFan]

Yea, I'm comfortable with them... I've always liked Hobbs and his play, and Gay has always been pretty solid when he's healthy... If they can stay healthy, I think we will be okay... Gay needs to clean the spider webs off his game, and then he'll be fine... Just a tad bit rusty, but I saw some good things from him against Tampa...

 

[RayClay]

I really think Wilson will be worked in as a cornerback when Meriweather gets his feet wet.

Hobbs Gay Wilson and Rodney Meriweather Sanders with Richardson Hawkins and Mitchell and the two guys poicked up (if they show anything) is not bad.

Of course this depends on a number of the MASH unit veterans staying healthy (knock on giant redwood).

Am I happy with any of Gay, Hobbs or Wilson as a #1? No. But in a BB scheme there's strong role players at cb and S he can work with.

 

[Gwedd]

Fellers,

I'm also inline with the gist of this thread. I know that things will be even better if Samuel comes back, but right now I'm not that worried.

You know what that means.... it means Samuel needs to think long and hard about his demands, because if the Patriots can do well with Hobbs and Gay, it drives down his value and opens him up to a lot of "yeah, but..." type of speculating.

Respects,

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Notice in the post game interview how Hobbs is an upbeat guy, always smilin'?
Maybe we could name our D "Happy & Gay"?
Maybe not.

 

[Patriotic]

Notice in the post game interview how Hobbs is an upbeat guy, always smilin'?
Maybe we could name our D "Happy & Gay"?
Maybe not.

And if Meriweather is the backup, they'd be Happy, Gay & Merry.

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

I'm fine with Gay and Hobbs as the starters. Hopefully Samuel will report before the season opener.