CB Position Flexibility

[PatsFan37]

One of the knocks on Asante was his rumored preference for playing LCB (one might say, his rumored refusal to play RCB). Here's a quote from Reiss today in an article on Fernando Bryant.

One change is that he is learning both the left and right cornerback positions, which means an increased focus on footwork.

"I've only been a left corner in the league, I've only been a left corner since I was 7," he said. "You can't be position-specific here, and that's one thing I do like, the versatility they have in all the schemes they run, so you can't really get a bead on them and you don't really know what they're doing game to game. I'm looking forward to it.

This could be Capers' influence. This could be a new freedom from having CBs that request or require a particular side of the field. What impact will position flexibility have?

Will CBs who match up well on a particular receiver now follow that receiver when they go in motion? Will CBs switch up to confuse the opposing QB as part of the Patriot's general style of a multi-faceted defense?

Or is it simply that Bryant will have to play RCB if he is to compete for a starting position, since he won't beat out the #1 guy, who typically plays on the left?

My feeling is Capers wants flexibility to deal with injuries and to game plan opponents.

 

[BradyManny]

Interesting. One other thing worth noting is that Asante seemed to be uncomfortable playing aggressive coverage, and so we didn't see a lot of it. That could change with him gone, especially if Hobbs is healthy, as Hobbs has the physicality to do it.

 

[JoePats]

Interesting. One other thing worth noting is that Asante seemed to be uncomfortable playing aggressive coverage, and so we didn't see a lot of it. That could change with him gone, especially if Hobbs is healthy, as Hobbs has the physicality to do it.

Ty Law too if he in fact returns.

 

[Sicilian]

Ty Law too if he in fact returns.

Be nice if we brought Law back for a year to provide an example to Hobbs, Wheatley and Wilhite, then Seau back for another year to provide an example to Mayo, Crable, Ruud, Guyson (assuming the last two make it).

 

[Rubber Bean & Liquor]

One of the knocks on Asante was his rumored preference for playing LCB (one might say, his rumored refusal to play RCB). Here's a quote from Reiss today in an article on Fernando Bryant.This could be Capers' influence. This could be a new freedom from having CBs that request or require a particular side of the field. What impact will position flexibility have?

Will CBs who match up well on a particular receiver now follow that receiver when they go in motion? Will CBs switch up to confuse the opposing QB as part of the Patriot's general style of a multi-faceted defense?

Or is it simply that Bryant will have to play RCB if he is to compete for a starting position, since he won't beat out the #1 guy, who typically plays on the left?

My feeling is Capers wants flexibility to deal with injuries and to game plan opponents.

Depends completely on the coverage that is called. NFL corners should be able to cover anyone on the field, including slot and TE's. Any corner on the Patriots that struggles to cover specific receivers or specific sides of the field will likely be looking for a new job soon. What we've seen in the past is that good corners are naturally good cover guys. Ty Law and Asante Samuel were never "oh my god" athletes like Fabian Washington, Pacman, or DeAngelo Hall but they are better than all 3 of those faster guys because they just know how to play football. BB will find more guys like that, it's just a matter of time and development.

 

[PatsFan37]

Interesting to look back at a previous thread when the Bryant signing was announced. Rob0729 had a scouting report on Bryant and some good comments on how he might be used, as well as a prediction that they would sign a CB in the 2nd or 3rd round to groom for replacement.

As others have pointed out, this is a standard Pats strategy. For any position of demonstrable need, bring in a vet for immediacy and a rookie or two for the future. Bryant & Wheatley/Wilhite. Hobson & Mayo/Crable. (Hobson may wind up as starting ILB but is also, at the least, a backup OLB).

To the original point on tactics (and to avoid hijacking my own thread), here's Rob0729's quote from Scout, Inc.

He continues to have solid closing burst and effective transition movement in zone coverage but tends to play to cautiously giving too big a cushion. He has been inconsistent in pure man coverage verse the top speed receivers in the league. He is a willing run support player but isnt a physical tackler and can be ineffective rerouting receivers off the line of scrimmage.

Sounds like a guy who has the smarts to play zone or man and to provide great flexibility once he learns to play left and right CB. Between Hobbs, Bryant, and Wheatley, all of the corners are quick. This bodes well for that weakness in the middle of the field, where Gay didn't have the quickness and anticipation to stay with slot receivers.

If their goal is to remove the quick slant on 3rd down, I think they've made progress.

 

[PatsFan37]

Any corner on the Patriots that struggles to cover specific receivers or specific sides of the field will likely be looking for a new job soon.

I don't have specific info on Samuel refusing to play RCB, but IIRC there was a lot of mention of that on this site last season. Anyway, he went to the pro bowl and found a new job, so I guess you're right.

 

[Pats726]

I don't have specific info on Samuel refusing to play RCB, but IIRC there was a lot of mention of that on this site last season. Anyway, he went to the pro bowl and found a new job, so I guess you're right.

I don't think of something that he refused..but that he was just not good at that position..THAT has been well known for years though.

 

[Rubber Bean & Liquor]

I don't have specific info on Samuel refusing to play RCB, but IIRC there was a lot of mention of that on this site last season. Anyway, he went to the pro bowl and found a new job, so I guess you're right.

There you go.

I don't think any corner is worth a huge contract for any reason. Champ Bailey is the closest to it, but he'd have to be a full time kick and punt return man for me to justify it, and even then I think it's a waste. A good defense will use the scheme to defend the pass, not one man's coverage ability. Which is probably why the Redskins and Broncos haven't done CRAP while having Champ under a huge contract.

I'm glad to see Asante leaving New England because I see it as a loss for your defense. But I cannot lie and tell you that you should have re-signed him for big money. That's ******ed. Any capable CB can and will thrive in New England.

 

[NEPatriot]

My feeling is Capers wants flexibility to deal with injuries and to game plan opponents.

it's the plan.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

I don't think of something that he refused..but that he was just not good at that position..THAT has been well known for years though.

2006 - Samuel started at RCB for the first 9 games, Hobbs started the season at LCB, hurt his wrist and struggled playing with a cast. Scott took over LCB for a while, then Samuel played LCB for the final 6 regular season games and the 3 playoff games.

 

[TomBradyWoot]

There you go.

I don't think any corner is worth a huge contract for any reason. Champ Bailey is the closest to it, but he'd have to be a full time kick and punt return man for me to justify it, and even then I think it's a waste. A good defense will use the scheme to defend the pass, not one man's coverage ability. Which is probably why the Redskins and Broncos haven't done CRAP while having Champ under a huge contract.

I'm glad to see Asante leaving New England because I see it as a loss for your defense. But I cannot lie and tell you that you should have re-signed him for big money. That's ******ed. Any capable CB can and will thrive in New England.

I don't know if if any capable CB can thrive. Duane Starks was a disaster!! But I know what you mean. The Patriots defense is all about the line. Thats what lacked late in the season and exposed the linebackers and secondary.

 

[cstjohn17]

My feeling is Capers wants flexibility to deal with injuries and to game plan opponents.

My guess is that Capers would rather Samuel in his prime than a veteran retread who can be equally average from either side.