Pick Three

[Tunescribe]

Right now, Izzo is a lock. There is no way he has lost his job this early. One of the younger guys might supplant him, but it will be harder than some think. He is a great team mate, never any trouble, a very good STer and the captain.

Sadly, I think he's on his way out; he's lasted a long time as a ST guy exclusively and has become (relatively) expensive. He just can't play linebacker in a pinch, and now we've got some young guys who can do both at cheaper $$$.

 

[mgteich]

You replaced Izzo with Aiken, not with Guyton. That's fine. Izzo's veteran ST presence is replaced by a younger ST vetneran.

You decided that Guyton was so spectacular that he replaced the man Belichick brought in to be the veteran #3 ILB. We strongly disagree. But it probably won't matter once Seau shows up and replaces them both.

You replace Lynch with Spann. And you say I'm on drugs?

BTW, I agree that 9 OL's is the norm for the pats. But with an early bye week and two veteran OL's on the PUP list, we don't need 9 OL's.
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THE FINAL THREE (PICK 3)
(Webster), Alexander, Izzo, (Aiken),(Eckel), Wilhite
(Spann),(Richardson),Guyton),(Redd),(Ruud), (Ventrone)
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I think the offense is in pretty good shape, although Welbourne could end up replacing someone put on the IR.

The defense is now also in great shape. Lynch is a major addition.

All we have left is to pick the last three special teamers.
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OFFENSE (26)
QB - 3 Tom Brady, Cassel, O’Connell
RB - 4 Faulk, Maroney, Morris, Jordan
FB - 1 Evans
C - 2 Koppen, Hochstein
G - 2 Mankins, Yates, Welbourn - 9 OL is pretty standard for the Pats.
OT - 4 Light, O'Callaghan, Kaycur, Britt
WR - 5 Moss, Gaffney, Welker, Washington, Jackson, Aiken - ST, was having a good camp as a WR.
TE - 3 Watson, Thomas, Pollard

DEFENSE (23)
DE - 3 Warren, Green, Seymour
DT - 4 Wilfork, Wright, Smith, Thomas
OLB- 4 Vrabel, Adalius Thomas, Crable, Woods
ILB- 3 Bruschi, Mayo, Guyton, Alexander - mg is taking drugs to cut Guyton. ST, Alexander is hard to keep over Izzo, but he does have more LB capacity than Izzo.
CB – 4 Hobbs, Bryant, Wheatley, Sanders
S - 4 Sanders, Harrison, Meriweather, Spann - Keeping a CB/S tweener who has been having a good camp makes sense if you are keeping just 8 DBs.

SPECIALISTS (4)
P - 1 Hanson
K - 1 Gostkowski
LS - 1 Paxton
R - 1 Slater

PUP LIST
2 Neal, Ross

THE FINAL THREE
3 Alexander, Izzo, Wilhite

REMOVED
Hobson - has shown nothing to justify a roster spot to this point in camp.
Lynch - I may as well be consistent.

 

[Frezo]

I don't think there's any way a rookie bumps off Izzo. But Aiken, if healthy, absolutely could.

Maybe...I'm still sitting in Izzo's corner. In the 8 years he's been here, has he ever been injured? Has he ever missed a game? ...a practice? It's tough to replace that amount of consistency with someone that was on IR last year and already suffered an injury this year. It's early. We'll see. If it makes the team better, I'm into it.

 

[patchick]

OT: Stewart Bradley is starting at MLB for Philly.

 

[BradyToMoss]

Maybe...I'm still sitting in Izzo's corner. In the 8 years he's been here, has he ever been injured? Has he ever missed a game? ...a practice? It's tough to replace that amount of consistency with someone that was on IR last year and already suffered an injury this year. It's early. We'll see. If it makes the team better, I'm into it.

I appreciate your dedication to the Izz, but dude, it's time to let go. Larry served us well, he's slower and older and his time is about done.

 

[mgteich]

What makes this discussion great is that we have it every year. And Whigham and Davis and now Izzo play on and on and on. Every year our favorite UDFA is going to be the next starter and of course is much faster and therefore better than our old ST veteran. NOT!

There is a very, very long list of late round patriot LB draft choices and UDFA's that have NOT started for the patriots. I think that Banta-Cain is the only only who started (part of one year and then he too was gone). Woods might be the next, but you all can't wait.

Perhaps in two years the starters will be Woods, Crable, Thomas and Mayo.

I appreciate your dedication to the Izz, but dude, it's time to let go. Larry served us well, he's slower and older and his time is about done.

 

[PATRIOT64]

Man am I dissapointed - I thought with that title that we were going to start a thread on how to beat the lottery or start one of our own :banned:

 

[Frezo]

I appreciate your dedication to the Izz, but dude, it's time to let go. Larry served us well, he's slower and older and his time is about done.

No! I want my Izzo!

He did have 16 tackles last year. (11 solos) IMO, he's not going anywhere.
I also feel that if BB was to let him go, he'd do it sooner out of respect. He's been a good Patriot.

 

[rookBoston]

Izzo is a lock. Why do we even list him as a bubble player? He's the damn ST captain.

The only scenario where Seau comes back is if Hobson is a bust.

My last two would be Guyton and Wilhite, but it's a flip of a coin. We dont now anything. In the end it's going to be Brad Seeley's call on the last two players to make the roster.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

You replaced Izzo with Aiken, not with Guyton. That's fine. Izzo's veteran ST presence is replaced by a younger ST vetneran.

You decided that Guyton was so spectacular that he replaced the man Belichick brought in to be the veteran #3 ILB. We strongly disagree. But it probably won't matter once Seau shows up and replaces them both.

You replace Lynch with Spann. And you say I'm on drugs?

BTW, I agree that 9 OL's is the norm for the pats. But with an early bye week and two veteran OL's on the PUP list, we don't need 9 OL's.
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Actually I replace Izzo with Alexander, Aiken was added for WR depth and his STs play.

You are projecting this roster to final cutdown, fine and dandy, but since I don't think BB has made his choices yet...I'll make mine on what has transpired in camp to this point. Guyton in, Hobson out.

Yeh, Lynch is our savior. Right now he projects to nickel/dime LB, granted that could be a number of snaps over the season, but I've got to go with more depth in the secondary and Spann is opening some eyes playing S and can help STs. I really want another CB, but Spann is ahead of the remaining healthy ones.

I'll take an extra OL against the gamble that either of the PUPpies will be ready to go week 6 (and that's assuming Ross fits). The former is a sure thing, the latter not so much.

 

[Frezo]

Sadly, I think he's on his way out; he's lasted a long time as a ST guy exclusively and has become (relatively) expensive. He just can't play linebacker in a pinch, and now we've got some young guys who can do both at cheaper $$$.

Are you kidding? After the giant Izzo banner goes up at Gillette and after the statue is unvieled, we'll see "Izzo Burgers", "Izzo Cars", (the Ford Izzo will last a lifetime), and of course "Izzo Beer". Izzo..is the..one beer to have..
Eventually he'll have to plead with Belichick's son, he'll be HC then, to let him retire so he can take his seat as majority leader in the senate where he will investigate the Colts illegal practices of 20 years prior. Of course this will make him the one true leader of the free world. Then one night the skies open and rain massive hail and deluges upon the few remaining Izzo non-believers. After days the heavens clear and behold!

In the Eastern sky! The constellation IZZO!

Brandishing 4 Superbowl Rings!!

 

[PATRIOT64]

Are you kidding? After the giant Izzo banner goes up at Gillette and after the statue is unvieled, we'll see "Izzo Burgers", "Izzo Cars", (the Ford Izzo will last a lifetime), and of course "Izzo Beer". Izzo..is the..one beer to have..
Eventually he'll have to plead with Belichick's son, he'll be HC then, to let him retire so he can take his seat as majority leader in the senate where he will investigate the Colts illegal practices of 20 years prior. Of course this will make him the one true leader of the free world. Then one night the skies open and rain massive hail and deluges upon the few remaining Izzo non-believers. After days the heavens clear and behold!

In the Eastern sky! The constellation IZZO!

Brandishing 4 Superbowl Rings!!

Drugs,Booze and forum posting are dangerous when mixed together

 

[patchick]

Brandishing 4 Superbowl Rings!!

Hold on...he plays for 20 more years and only gets 1 more ring???

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Hold on...he plays for 20 more years and only gets 1 more ring???

Say "no" to drugs.

 

[Pats726]

The question is who replaces Izzo?? I would have thought Aiken would be the candidate..but he's a bit injured...Alexander?? I am not sure he's ready yet to be that full time ST player...the team needs an experienced captain...someone who has seen it all.
I also think a lot of the final 3 will come down to injuries...but ST will need to be addresssed in that Final few players.

 

[14thDragon]

This is what makes training camp and the preseason so much fun.

THE FINAL FOUR (PICK 4)
(Webster), (Alexander), Izzo, Aiken, (Eckel), (Wilhite)
Spann, (Richardson), Guyton, (Redd),(Ruud), (Ventrone)

------------------------------------------------
I think the offense is in pretty good shape, but the line is flux.

The defense is now also in great shape. Lynch is an unknown.

All we have left is to pick the last special teamer.
---------------------------------------------
OFFENSE (25)
QB - 3 Tom Brady, C. Simms [to be consistent], O’Connell* -> Cassel out
RB - 4 Faulk, Maroney, Morris, Jordan (Like it)
FB - 1 Evans
C - 2 Koppen, Hochstein
G - 2 Mankins, Welbourn, Yates*, - I want the franchise kept safe.
OT - 4 Light, Kazcur, Britt, O'Callaghan*, - Welbourn also provides some depth here.
WR - 5 Moss, Gaffney, Welker, Washington, Aiken (Though I would like a Joe Horn if possible.) -> Um, no Jackson
TE - 3 Watson, Thomas, Pollard*

DEFENSE (23)
DE - 3 Warren, Green, Seymour
DT - 3 Wilfork, Wright, Smith*, -> Back to the PS. with S. Thomas
OLB- 4 Vrabel, AD Thomas, Woods, Crable*,
ILB- 4 Bruschi, Mayo, Guyton, Hobson* (you better step up or I am cutting you next time).
CB – 4 Hobbs, Bryant, Wheatley, Sanders, -> Wilhite is not out, but needs to get out on the field.
S - 5 Sanders, Harrison, Meriweather, Spann*, Lynch?- Subject to change.

SPECIALISTS (4)
P - 1 Hanson
K - 1 Gostkowski
LS - 1 Paxton
R - 1 Slater

*Game Day Inactives if everyone is healthy.

PUP LIST
2 Neal, Ross

THE FINAL ONE
1 Izzo,

 

[Crowpointer]

Right now, Izzo is a lock. There is no way he has lost his job this early. One of the younger guys might supplant him, but it will be harder than some think. He is a great team mate, never any trouble, a very good STer and the captain.

Just my gut instincts from watching Wednesdays practice but I would say you're right. Watching his interaction with the coaches and how he was running 1st team on the special team drills. Logic would say go younger but that is not what my eyes showed me.

 

[Frezo]

Hold on...he plays for 20 more years and only gets 1 more ring???

Well there weren't enough stars to go around for the rest. Don't you worry. Soon after this The Izzo will be making his own stars.

 

[Pats726]

This is what makes training camp and the preseason so much fun.
THE FINAL FOUR (PICK 4)
(Webster), (Alexander), Izzo, Aiken, (Eckel), (Wilhite)
Spann, (Richardson), Guyton, (Redd),(Ruud), (Ventrone)

------------------------------------------------
I think the offense is in pretty good shape, but the line is flux.

The defense is now also in great shape. Lynch is an unknown.

All we have left is to pick the last special teamer.
---------------------------------------------
OFFENSE (25)
QB - 3 Tom Brady, C. Simms [to be consistent], O’Connell* -> Cassel out
RB - 4 Faulk, Maroney, Morris, Jordan (Like it)
FB - 1 Evans
C - 2 Koppen, Hochstein
G - 2 Mankins, Welbourn, Yates*, - I want the franchise kept safe.
OT - 4 Light, Kazcur, Britt, O'Callaghan*, - Welbourn also provides some depth here.
WR - 5 Moss, Gaffney, Welker, Washington, Aiken (Though I would like a Joe Horn if possible.) -> Um, no Jackson
TE - 3 Watson, Thomas, Pollard*

DEFENSE (23)
DE - 3 Warren, Green, Seymour
DT - 3 Wilfork, Wright, Smith*, -> Back to the PS. with S. Thomas
OLB- 4 Vrabel, AD Thomas, Woods, Crable*,
ILB- 4 Bruschi, Mayo, Guyton, Hobson* (you better step up or I am cutting you next time).
CB – 4 Hobbs, Bryant, Wheatley, Sanders, -> Wilhite is not out, but needs to get out on the field.
S - 5 Sanders, Harrison, Meriweather, Spann*, Lynch?- Subject to change.

SPECIALISTS (4)
P - 1 Hanson
K - 1 Gostkowski
LS - 1 Paxton
R - 1 Slater

*Game Day Inactives if everyone is healthy.

PUP LIST
2 Neal, Ross

THE FINAL ONE
1 Izzo,

I agree..these are interesting exercises...and what coaches have to deal with...with so many players and variables....we all ideas about how to get a team together to 53...not at all easy...there are 1..2 spots where there may be a weakness..the question is where?? Where is OK...6 DLs...a bit thin..and Santonio's time on the PSquad is over..Solid in the D in other ways..I might switch Seau for Hobson..STs is solid with Izzo and Aiken (probably next in line for Cpt) and Spann...I might switch Spann and Wilhite...A bit thin at WR...with the classic 3...Washington, Aiken and Slater even...If one of the 3 goes down..it STILL might be OK..and Pollard is a plus in the passing game.
I think all are fairly similar...but I really think that injuries will play a large key as to what will be done. Granted, the last spots are tough..but looking at an "all healthy" situation is more an ideal and the messy reality is that injuries will play a role as to how it is shaped.

 

[mgteich]

SUMMING UP SO FAR - SEVEN POSITIONS AT ISSUE

It seems that there are major disagreements on not only the last three spots, but on three more as well, since there are those who (as of now) would cut Lewis Sanders, Lynch and Hobson. And there are those who want 11 OL's (9 on the 53 and 2 on PUP)

BY POSITION (my choices are given first)

1) Who are the STers who are the #7, #8 and #9 LINEBACKERS
The candidates are Hobson, Alexander, Izzo, Guyton, Redd, and Ruud. Or you can give one of these spots to Aiken, since the 9th LB doesn't play linebacker.

2) Who are the STers who are the #7, #8 and #9 DEFENSIVE BACKS
The candidates are Lynch, Lewis Sanders, Wilhite, Spann, Ventrone, Webster.

3) Do we need a #9 OFFENSIVE LINEMAN
If so, we all agree that the player is Welbourn (who I have likely replacing an OL put on IR). The position would come from the offense, presumably the 3rd TE, 5th RB or even 3rd QB.