The Problem I See with the Pats Linebackers

It seems to me the Pats are in an unusual position with their linebackers. In most areas, if there's a problem that should be addressed, there's a clear solution to it (in theory, at least) even if acheiving that solution is difficult: the WR group, say, is thin. The safety position needs an upgrade, etc.

Linebackers seem a little different. Mayo, Spikes, and Hightower are all solid players. Hightower was just a rookie, and will hopefully take a leap next year. But when he was drafted, the comparison to Spikes was made. And sure enough, as a starting group these guys all seem to share the same problems in coverage/space.

That issue is continually noted, but I'm not sure what should be done about it. A guy like Fletcher would be better in coverage, for example, but to this point he hasn't been seen as a starting caliber linebacker. Obviously you have guys rotate in and out, but at a certain point the hope is that your starting guys will be able to handle any situation.

So what's the answer? Shift back to the 3-4? Understand that it's hard for any positional grouping to be perfect? Consider moving a guy like Spikes to find someone better in coverage?

I would like to see a true coverage LB drafted.

Then keep Spikes through the end of his rookie deal and then let him walk to find his millions.

This will give the new LB a chance to learn the system and get the optimal return on Spikes.

I'm not entirely sure that Hightower has the same problems covering backs and TEs that Mayo and Spikes have.

It is what it is. BB likes his type of LBs.

The problem is they have below average coverage linebackers, AND below average coverage safeties (as a group). This creates a dead zone in the middle of the field on the intermediate routes. I'm ok with the linebackers we have IF we can improve the coverage ability of our safety corp.

Of course, if a great coverage linebacker is available through FA or the draft, you absolutely grab him. We're a 4-3 defense that only has three real linebackers. There's room on this roster for more of them even with Spikes, Mayo, and Hightower.

A coverage linebacker would help, but if they can find a good safety to pair up with McCourty, it would fix some of the problems.

Sicilian said:

The problem is they have below average coverage linebackers, AND below average coverage safeties (as a group). This creates a dead zone in the middle of the field on the intermediate routes. I'm ok with the linebackers we have IF we can improve the coverage ability of our safety corp.

Of course, if a great coverage linebacker is available through FA or the draft, you absolutely grab him. We're a 4-3 defense that only has three real linebackers. There's room on this roster for more of them even with Spikes, Mayo, and Hightower.

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McCourty and Gregory should be known as above average coverage safeties.

They probably are.

They don't lay the lumber like Pollard and Reed. That's their biggest deficiency.

But when you have problems at CB (i.e. Arrington) then McCourty is going to lean to the outside of the field, not the middle.

Dane Fletcher returning will be huge on 3rd downs. Hopefully Hightower improves his coverage over the offseason. He was solid against the run from day one.

upstater1 said:

McCourty and Gregory should be known as above average coverage safeties.

They probably are.

They don't lay the lumber like Pollard and Reed. That's their biggest deficiency.

But when you have problems at CB (i.e. Arrington) then McCourty is going to lean to the outside of the field, not the middle.

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McCourty is average in coverage. He is getting there in terms of timing and anticipating. I have seen improvements in him in terms of proper technique and better recognition of when the corner is beat and the job becomes his.

Gregory is NOT anywhere near above-average or average. He is not an NFL caliber safety. He is only there because he manages to avoid making bad mistakes and that is all you will get out of him. He will not be returning this fall.

PP2 said:

He will not be returning this fall.

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I'd be very surprised to see Gregory cut. Seems to me he's an excellent guy to have as a back-up--a solid professional who won't lose you games when called on throughout the season.

I do completely agree/hope that he won't be starting or playing a ton of snaps.

Since we can't resign all of our stars, and considering that he hasn't always shown gr8 judgment in his personal life, it has occurred to me that, no matter how good of a player he is, Spikes may not be the type of player the Pats want to make a large longterm financial investment in, and he may be a trade candidate. Hightower can play his role in the middle and the Pats can hopefully get an OLB with more flexible skills.


I would think Spikes would bring good value in a trade.

Maybe BB's long term plan is for Hightower to eventually become a DE.....the dude is big already and as he matures, I suspect he will add more weight. What has surprised me most about the rebuild of our LB corp is 1) the premium assets spent (#1, #2, #1) and 2) their coverage deficiencies. All that capital spent yet their is a sizable hole in their game. I'm on record as being confused by the Hightower pick at the time. If not the Willie McGinest role eventually, then I don't get having a LB of his size out there.

PP2 said:

McCourty is average in coverage. He is getting there in terms of timing and anticipating. I have seen improvements in him in terms of proper technique and better recognition of when the corner is beat and the job becomes his.

Gregory is NOT anywhere near above-average or average. He is not an NFL caliber safety. He is only there because he manages to avoid making bad mistakes and that is all you will get out of him. He will not be returning this fall.

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He was disappointing, but maybe we shouldn't be. These past few years, teams tend to keep their safeties, that is a position that is in high demand, so finding a very good one in Free Agency is almost impossible.

borg said:

Maybe BB's long term plan is for Hightower to eventually become a DE.....the dude is big already and as he matures, I suspect he will add more weight. What has surprised me most about the rebuild of our LB corp is 1) the premium assets spent (#1, #2, #1) and 2) their coverage deficiencies. All that capital spent yet their is a sizable hole in their game. I'm on record as being confused by the Hightower pick at the time. If not the Willie McGinest role eventually, then I don't get having a LB of his size out there.

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Honestly, I think it's just that finding a LB that can do everything well is extremely rare. I mean, our entire offensive philosophy is to take advantage of LB coverage mismatches, because if you're big enough to play linebacker you're probably not quick enough to keep up with the more athletic TEs/RBs, and if you're small enough to keep up, you're probably a safety.

Not that this means anything but while I love Spikes' playmaking he is absolutely stupid on twitter.

draft nico johnson of alabama in round 2 or 3........245lbs with sub 4.6 speed......spikes ain't long for his spot anyway.......

I'd say fletcher, but it would be a miracle fo him to make it to october without going on IR

Sicilian said:

Honestly, I think it's just that finding a LB that can do everything well is extremely rare. I mean, our entire offensive philosophy is to take advantage of LB coverage mismatches, because if you're big enough to play linebacker you're probably not quick enough to keep up with the more athletic TEs/RBs, and if you're small enough to keep up, you're probably a safety.

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No doubt...and if a team finds an athletic enough LB, the likelihood is that the team sends that player after the QB.
The troubling thing watching this LB corp in action is how a RB or TE can release with zero LB coverage. Its a complex issue and hopefully experience solves some of the lapses, if that's what they are.
Which brings up an interesting scenario. The Pats deploy a 2 TE/2 RB package......say Ridley and Vereen. Play action Ridley up the middle, send Vereen into the flat, with AHern and Gronk working some high low magic. You would think LBs eyes would be spinning with a number of mismatches being created. I watch SF dazzle defenses with their bags full of formations, yet NE treats 3rd down as a 90% shot gun/0% play action same old same old.

I love Dane Fletcher I really hope he can come back and be that Nickle linebacker. Another year of Hightower Spikes Mayo together I think our linebackers are going to be our strength.

PP2 said:

Gregory is NOT anywhere near above-average or average. He is not an NFL caliber safety. He is only there because he manages to avoid making bad mistakes and that is all you will get out of him. He will not be returning this fall.

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I don't agree with this. Gregory clearly isn't who you want out there as a starter, but he's about on par with most of the 3rd or 4th safeties I can think of off the top of my head.

I'm kind of shocked this many people are so flip about getting rid of Spikes. Particularly after another playoff game where the Patriots were manhandled physically, the logical conclusion is to ship out your most physically violent front seven player.

Then again, lots of people don't seem to mind Welker getting run out of here on a rail, so I guess there's something to say about judgments being made around these parts.