Schefter thinks Meriweather moves to CB next season

[BradyManny]

Except for the fact that Schefter is more often right than anyone else, and it's not even close. I never even consider a rumor to have an ounce of truth unless he reports it.

But this was pure speculation on Schefter's part. Schefter is good at getting info re: contracts, deals, etc. This was just his opinion, and he's way off the mark.

 

[wdkantro2]

But this was pure speculation on Schefter's part. Schefter is good at getting info re: contracts, deals, etc. This was just his opinion, and he's way off the mark.

I agree I'd hate to lose Meriweather's potential at safety. But I figured he was talking based on stuff he'd been told, considering his job is to report and not to tell us what his opinion is

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I've seen corners become safeties and linebackers become safeties, but I can't recall a safety becoming a corner except maybe as an emergency injury replacement.

Then again, this is a team that turned a wide receiver into a defensive back . . .

And just last year traded for another WR who could play nickelback/dimeback. (Honestly, I've never seen anyone--with the possible exception of Bingo himself--flip the mental switch from offense to defense as quickly as Welker did when a pass intended for him was intercepted.)

 

[BelichickFan]

What do you mean?

Harrison SS and Sanders FS are our starting safties at the moment.

I'll be disappointed in Meriweather if he doesn't beat out Sanders in camp next year. Sanders is OK but rarely does anything above average. And he has average at best speed which contributes to our incredible slow middle of the field when combined with Harrison and the aging ILB.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

But this was pure speculation on Schefter's part. Schefter is good at getting info re: contracts, deals, etc. This was just his opinion, and he's way off the mark.

Whether he's pulling this out of his arse it needs to be considered that this may eventually be a possibility.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

I'll be disappointed in Meriweather if he doesn't beat out Sanders in camp next year. Sanders is OK but rarely does anything above average. And he has average at best speed which contributes to our incredible slow middle of the field when combined with Harrison and the aging ILB.

This is why Dom Capers was brought in, to fix the defensive backfield and add speed and youth.

 

[JackBauer]

I'll be disappointed in Meriweather if he doesn't beat out Sanders in camp next year. Sanders is OK but rarely does anything above average. And he has average at best speed which contributes to our incredible slow middle of the field when combined with Harrison and the aging ILB.

Sanders is a natural SS.

He's one of the surest tacklers on the defense, and I expect him to continue to improve as he builds confidence.

 

[BradyManny]

This is why Dom Capers was brought in, to fix the defensive backfield and add speed and youth.

I agree. But a quick upgrade in the speed department:

FREE SAFETY - Meriweather replaces Sanders
STRONG SAFETY - Sanders reaplces Harrison

Sanders just isn't a free safety and was only playing it as a stopgap until Meriweather's emergence.

I really think Meriweather (FS) + Sanders (SS) is the perfect safety combo for our system for years to come. Harrison can be used situationally quite effectively next season as well.

 

[BelichickFan]

Sanders is a natural SS.

He's one of the surest tacklers on the defense, and I expect him to continue to improve as he builds confidence.

If he replaces Harrison - whenever - that's fine but I would definitely prefer Harrison and Sanders to not be the two starting Safeties next year.

 

[Gunnails]

What about Hank Poteat?

He is not a #1 or 2 CB, but is at least familiar with the system, good for depth.

I hope the Jets pick him back up mainly because of his experience and he would be a cheap sighning.

 

[JackBauer]

If he replaces Harrison - whenever - that's fine but I would definitely prefer Harrison and Sanders to not be the two starting Safeties next year.

No, I agree. And that's the strongest argument as to why Meriweather will be at FS next year. Sanders and Harrison... that's one slow safety combo.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

What about Hank Poteat?

He is not a #1 or 2 CB, but is at least familiar with the system, good for depth.

I hope the Jets pick him back up mainly because of his experience and he would be a cheap sighning.

Wasnt even aware he was a FA. Im sure they look but if the Jets offer the same or more money i think they let you keep him. Not worth if from our end to have a tiny bidding war for a marginal player.

 

[BradyManny]

What about Hank Poteat?

He is not a #1 or 2 CB, but is at least familiar with the system, good for depth.

I hope the Jets pick him back up mainly because of his experience and he would be a cheap sighning.

You can keep Hank. I'll take Ty.

Honestly, I really think a Law + Hobbs + Meriweather + Sanders secondary under the guidance of Capers will be a stronger unit than the one we saw this season.

Harrison was a liability in coverage, in turn Sanders was as he was not playing his natural position. Likewise, Asante is mildly overrated & his preference to play one side was quite limiting. Furthermore, we learned Hobbs was playing injured.

 

[BradyManny]

No, I agree. And that's the strongest argument as to why Meriweather will be at FS next year. Sanders and Harrison... that's one slow safety combo.

Exactly...that's what I'm saying, too. That's why I think the secondary is going to be much better next year when we have a true free safety playing the position, particularly when to me it seems a cover 3 would want a true free safety with particularly great speed & range.

 

[BigMike]

Sanders didnt have the possessed animal attitude in stopping the run (not saying that was his main obj) Like Harrison did.

Watchinf Manning pick on Gay and harrison in the Superbowl was painfull.

 

[jeffbiologist]

I think its his way of saying that he doesnt have any idea whats going on and he wants someone from the club to call him and fill him in better...and they wont,lol. I am sure he is getting alot of pressure from everywhere to come up with something. I think the fact that we havent signed anyone else of note means that something big is happening with Randy. And I think Law will have to lower his price, he isnt worth $3m a year anymore.

 

[patsox23]

I'll be disappointed in Meriweather if he doesn't beat out Sanders in camp next year. Sanders is OK but rarely does anything above average.

Um...WHAAAAAAAT?! Insane. James Sanders - arguably our best DB last year, including Samuel.

 

[D-cleater]

Good gravy, I can't believe this is even made it to four pages. I want to see the guy succeed as much as the next person, but let's point out a few things contrary to previous replies:

Merriweather did not start at FS in the super bowl. He was the dime defensive back. In other words, he came in on pure passing downs, as the sixth DB.

It took him up until the last few weeks of the regular season to land the coveted #6 DB position. That spot was manned by Eugene Wilson and the immortal Rashad Baker while the regular season games had any meeting.

Merriweather does NOT have great hands. Whoever said he did is hallucinating. I recall him dropping at least two game sealing interceptions, and making none.

You are hallucinating if you think he is a starting CB on this team next year.

 

[ALP]

Good gravy, I can't believe this is even made it to four pages. I want to see the guy succeed as much as the next person, but let's point out a few things contrary to previous replies:

Merriweather did not start at FS in the super bowl. He was the dime defensive back. In other words, he came in on pure passing downs, as the sixth DB.

It took him up until the last few weeks of the regular season to land the coveted #6 DB position. That spot was manned by Eugene Wilson and the immortal Rashad Baker while the regular season games had any meeting.

Merriweather does NOT have great hands. Whoever said he did is hallucinating. I recall him dropping at least two game sealing interceptions, and making none.

You are hallucinating if you think he is a starting CB on this team next year.

no offense, but what was said was that if meriweather improved his hands, he would be a pretty good FS.....

 

[sebman2112]

Good video overall about losses and how we can come back from them

Thoughts? I mean i wouldnt be thrilled with the idea.

Schefter's not a "football guy", but a reporter. He's not known for his player evaluations, but his contract scoops. It's pretty obvious where I'm going here...

In any case, Meriweather does have some CB capability, and the Patriots tried him out at the position last year, but in reality he's better suited to play FS, and I think he could develop into an elite Safety at that.