What's the deal with the Ventrone fan club?

[JSn]

I don't mean that harshly, I've been impressed with him in the pre-season, but why is such a fave around here? Seems like we started TC with a Bubba Ventrone Love-In going on around here. What did I miss?

 

[bbabin]

I don't mean that harshly, I've been impressed with him in the pre-season, but why is such a fave around here? Seems like we started TC with a Bubba Ventrone Love-In going on around here. What did I miss?

Hmm I can't explain it all. IIRC, though, he did make that demoralizing hit in the Super Bowl that should've amped up the defense to NOT allow a game-winning touchdown. Eh, you can't win 'em all...

 

[IcyPatriot]

Every team has a Ventrone ... problem is where does he play. He can play almost anywhere but excells in none of them. If I had to choose between him and Slater I take Slater who also could end up being a jack of all trades.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

Bam Childress was a similar type favorite with these guys for the previous 2 years- Why? I am not really sure but similar to this Ventrone fandom

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Bam Childress was a similar type favorite with these guys for the previous 2 years- Why? I am not really sure but similar to this Ventrone fandom

One difference, though, is that Bam was never on the regular season roster. Ventrone was actually activated for the biggest RS game of the season (against the Colts), and then for the Giants game and into the playoffs. I can't imagine BB would do that just for giggles.

 

[Rob0729]

People fall in love with certain guys near the bottom of the rosters. Some do live up to their expectations, more often than not, they don't. I see three or four guys on the Pats roster right now that fit that category. Ventrone fits in that category, as well as, Slater, Guyton, and Redd.

One or all could be that David Givens/Randall Gay type of low round draft pick/UDFA find, but the odds are against it.

 

[PatsFan37]

One difference, though, is that Bam was never on the regular season roster. Ventrone was actually activated for the biggest RS game of the season (against the Colts), and then for the Giants game and into the playoffs. I can't imagine BB would do that just for giggles.

I thought Bam made it to the roster for a few games at the end of 2006. See here.

Ventrone is absolutely the new Bam.

 

[signbabybrady]

Not sure what there is not to like.

A guy who has been around here for a few years fighting for a spot. Has contributed to STs ans tried to work his way onto the defense and now offense.

I am sure no one likes the guy the way we do Brady but I can't help but like a guy with the story of a Ventrone and hope he makes the team.

 

[spacecrime]

One difference, though, is that Bam was never on the regular season roster.

Sure he was.

 

[JSn]

Not sure what there is not to like.

A guy who has been around here for a few years fighting for a spot. Has contributed to STs ans tried to work his way onto the defense and now offense.

I am sure no one likes the guy the way we do Brady but I can't help but like a guy with the story of a Ventrone and hope he makes the team.

Can't you just see it in 20 years?

"Bubba - An Underdog Story" - brought to you by the fine folks at Disney.

 

[Crowpointer]

The only two fan clubs taking new members were the Le Kevin Smith fan club (with Keegs) or the Ventrone fan club. Most of us are choosing the Ventrone club:cool3:

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I thought Bam made it to the roster for a few games at the end of 2006. See here.

Ventrone is absolutely the new Bam.

My bad.

 

[marty]

Ventrone = "Rudy". The everyman's underdog!

 

[IcyPatriot]

We should have had a "No Way Ventrone makes This Team" thread.

 

[Zeke_Mowatt]

The only two fan clubs taking new members were the Le Kevin Smith fan club (with Keegs) or the Ventrone fan club. Most of us are choosing the Ventrone club:cool3:

Please refer to The Widowmaker with the respect he has earned

 

[Bostonian1962]

I don't mean that harshly, I've been impressed with him in the pre-season, but why is such a fave around here? Seems like we started TC with a Bubba Ventrone Love-In going on around here. What did I miss?

I think this fan base just appreciates the type we refer to as "he's just a football player". There was a kid from Marshfield, who's name escapes me who fit that mold. Ventrone is a "football player", and the fan base tends to cheer that type. He looks good when he's out there, whether on O, D, or ST. Welker, to me, is also that type, with perhaps more advance skills. Bruschi, of days past was one, also with more skills.

Does anybody have some other good examples?

 

[bradmahn]

Me, I don't care that he has worked his ass off up until now. That's great to see, but I expect that from every professional athlete so it's not laudable, in my opinion.

I'm assuming this thread is one of the things that made the OP question all the Ventrone love. Make no mistake about it, I think Ventrone could help this team, but let's not overstate his importance to the Patriots or what most people expect from him: he's a back end of the roster, developmental player at this point but he's shown some flashes of potential in several phases of the game, most recently (and impressively) at WR.

Do I (or most people) expect Ventrone to light the world on fire and turn into the next Wes Welker? No, not at all. But you better believe a healthy Ray Ventrone has shown far more to this team as a good special teamer and in-case-of-emergency help at WR and DB than Sam Aiken or Jason Webster or Lewis Sanders or countless other players whose names are mentioned before his when discussing the final five or so spots on this squad.

And as I said in that other thread, it wouldn't surprise me if some of Ventrone's athleticism and skills that have shown through as a WR translate to some slot receiver packages on offense later in the season.

He gets a lot of love right now because he's fighting for a roster spot and has shown some good things while working at a new position. That usually buys someone more time.

 

[D-cleater]

But you better believe a healthy Ray Ventrone has shown far more to this team as a good special teamer and in-case-of-emergency help at WR and DB than Sam Aiken or Jason Webster or Lewis Sanders or countless other players whose names are mentioned before his when discussing the final five or so spots on this squad.

I would add that Ventrone's body of work, from a pure spectator perspective, is greater than Spann's, Dillards, or Jones as well. I know Spann's being seeing a lot of playing time but to to the average eye he is a few steps behind the play and no more effective than Ventrone.

 

[jeffbiologist]

When a guy starts moving around from ST to D to O, he is usually a player well liked by BB. I dont expect that 53rd guy on the roster to make the pro bowl....hard work, position flexibility and heart are the trademarks of the pats. I think they value flexibility over upside that far down the roster, he could even be used as a H-back in lieu of a 3rd TE. Its about opportunities, and he is getting them.

 

[Mack Herron]

It's fun to root for a guy (underdog) who is short on obvious physical skills (size, speed) and long on desire.