Some Concern at cornerback

[BelizePats]

With all the crap that's been flying around here about this rediculous Spygate story, I'd like to turn the focus back to football.
In subtracting both Samuel and Gay, we have lost alot of experience at a vital position. I feel good about how we addressed this with the draft and with the Wheatley pick in particular, but I can't really see how these kids will contribute much the first year. I just remember how lost Meriweather was early last year and thats coming from a big time program and playing a position that is easier to pick up than corner, at the pro level.
I liked the Bryant pick up but he too will be learning a new system. We will need Hobbs to have a break out year, but I'm not sure that this is realistic?
Better D line play will certainly help as will a more athletic (read younger) and fresher (read deeper rotation) LB corps. I know we can't have all pros at every position but I think, at least through October, we will be missing Assante.
It will be interesting as to how it plays out!
Respects,

Rich

 

[miDeuce]

Every year the Pats strengths and weaknesses are different as they were when the Pats had all new receivers, had rookie Eugene Wilson starting at Safety, etc. But I really like Wheatley and Wilhite, plus Bryant is an underrated vet. There might be some growing pains early but I honestly think the Pats defensive backfield could be better this year than it was last year.

 

[Jimke]

Any time you lose an All- Pro player like Asante Samuel, there is

cause for concern. The Patriots obviously haven't replaced him

with a player of equal value. I do like the fact that the Patriots

signed three free agent cornerbacks and drafted two others. I

expect Fernando Bryant to replace Asante and do a decent job.

Jason Webster or Terrence Wheatley will replace Gay at nickle back.

They may be an improvement over Gay. With the addition of these

new players and a new defensive backs coach who knows his stuff,

I expect the Patriots to be O. K.

 

[castlelong1]

You know I think the CB position is irrelevant now. The Giants had lousy corners and a great Pass rush covered it up.

 

[Robdude]

Thisis no slam on Meriweather, but we did have Samuel and Wilson as starting players on the D when they were rookies, so it is not unheard of

 

[patsox23]

The Patriots lost Samuel - big loss.

The Patriots lost Gay - ZERO LOSS.

The Patriots lost Wilson - ZERO LOSS.

It's always tough to replace an all-pro, but between the following (mostly) new realities, I feel okay:

1) Belichick's proven ability to scheme around lesser secondaries (2004 says hi). This is, IMO, the biggest factor.
2) Dom Capers.
3) F.O.'s seeming confidence in the rookie Wheatley.
4) Meriweather's progress during 2007 - even if he sticks to safety, the secondary will be better, more athletic.
5) The improved athleticism at LB - helps the pass-rush.
6) Richard Seymour's return to health should help the pass rush.

So, bottom line: I'm worried about replacing Samuel somewhat, but the track record I've watched the last several years tells me it will be relatively under control. Hope so, anyway.

 

[Metaphors]

So, bottom line: I'm worried about replacing Samuel somewhat, but the track record I've watched the last several years tells me it will be relatively under control. Hope so, anyway.

Agree with your post. The interesting question to me is how will the defensive playcalling change to adapt to the current players. I doubt the corners will play as passive this year so hopefully the new speed will be put into a scheme suited for it.

 

[Sean Pa Patriot]

Im not worried about the Randell Gay or Eugene Wilson replacements.. Still Bryant will be solid, but could use another vet..

 

[shakadave]

You know I think the CB position is irrelevant now. The Giants had lousy corners and a great Pass rush covered it up.

But the Patriots don't have anything remotely resembling a great pass rush.

 

[Deus Irae]

Wilson was the only veteran safety who could cover speed guys. If Meriweather isn't up to the task, that will continue to be a problem area, just like it was most of last season.

 

[Deus Irae]

But the Patriots don't have anything remotely resembling a great pass rush.

They were #2 in the NFL in sacks last season.

 

[patsox23]

Wilson was the only veteran safety who could cover speed guys. If Meriweather isn't up to the task, that will continue to be a problem area, just like it was most of last season.

Well, considering Meriweather had completely blown past Wilson on the depth chart for the second half of the year and was used far more prominently throughout the playoffs - and played well - I think that's not a big concern.

 

[Gumby]

The Pats backfield success has always been predicated on a successful (ie pressure) push developing out of the front 3 plus a LB.

guys like ty law with above avg talent always felt underutilized in the pats d because of their focus on team play. (taking away the super-talents ability to "be creative")

If warren and sey can get back to probowl form the secondary with lesser names will appear to be equal or better than last year. in athleticism, on average, i think they already exceed last year. But certainly had more of 1 single standout with asante there last year. The secondary question is with all that youth, speed and athleticism is will the coaching be able to get them up to speed enough. But the primary question remains if the front D line will get pressure so opposing qbs dont have all day to pick them apart.

 

[sebman2112]

With all the crap that's been flying around here about this rediculous Spygate story, I'd like to turn the focus back to football.
In subtracting both Samuel and Gay, we have lost alot of experience at a vital position. I feel good about how we addressed this with the draft and with the Wheatley pick in particular, but I can't really see how these kids will contribute much the first year. I just remember how lost Meriweather was early last year and thats coming from a big time program and playing a position that is easier to pick up than corner, at the pro level.
I liked the Bryant pick up but he too will be learning a new system. We will need Hobbs to have a break out year, but I'm not sure that this is realistic?
Better D line play will certainly help as will a more athletic (read younger) and fresher (read deeper rotation) LB corps. I know we can't have all pros at every position but I think, at least through October, we will be missing Assante.
It will be interesting as to how it plays out!
Respects,

Rich

Meriweather got some time at CB during a number of their games. He started to show up more later in the season, especially when they gave him more time at Safety, which is his more comfortable position.

Some of my own opinions in relation to NE's CB situation.

1: Randall Gay was frequently injured during his stay in New England, and didn't play all that spectacularly in 2007. I did like him though, and he stepped up as a rookie in 2004.

2: Bryant has suffered a few injuries as well, but he's also a career starter, and doesn't give up many long receptions. I like having that type of CB on the team, since I did think Asante took a few bad chances last year, and in years past. The Patriots could see less INT's from the position in 2008 though.

3: Hobbs is a good CB, who's been a starter since midway through his rookie season. I'm not sure if he'll ever be a great CB, but I think he's solid, and plays through injuries that would sideline other CB's. I hope he resigns with NE when his contract is up.

4: Webster can be a good 3rd or 4th CB in NE's system, and they likely will not ask him to contribute on a higher level.

5: Wheatley has a lot of potential, and should start the season out as the Patriots third CB. If he plays well and stays injury free, then he could move himself into a rotation with Bryant and Hobbs as one of the starters.

6: It was during camp and the preseason, but Mike Richardson showed some flashes, and he could contribute in 2008.

7: With the additions NE's made, I believe they've actually improved depth and speed over their 2007 secondary.

 

[Real World]

I fought the Law, and the, Law won.

 

[MKats31]

Wait til after June 1st because we will see alot of Veteran players get cut

 

[Scooter_McGruder]

I have nothing to say about this, but I'm bumping it because I didn't see a football-related thread for 2 1/2 pages.