Akeem Ayers

KA- · Nov 4, 2014

Loving him so far

reflexblue · Nov 4, 2014

sometimes a player just needs a change of scenery, i think that is going to the case with rg111

JayNM · Nov 4, 2014

When taking into consideration that we spent 20 draft spots or so for him, he's already a steal.

If keeps playing like that or even improves as he gets more conformable in our system, in it will be hard to retain him for future seasons

I.M. Fletcher · Nov 4, 2014

I don't like to compare every player to someone from the championship teams, but anyone else think about Rosie Co when they see ayers?

BTTA · Nov 4, 2014

MrNathanDrake said:
i wonder if we still make that trade if mayo doesn't get injured

We'd probably make it when the opportunity arises,, but we probably don't create the opportunity.

everlong · Nov 4, 2014

I absolutely had Ayers labeled as an overrated bust coming out of UCLA as did many of the draftniks in that forum He was getting mocked to the Pats in the first round everywhere. He was certainly athletic but soft against the run, ok in zone but no man skills and seemed to lack instincts. I was surprised he got off to a good start career wise but wasn't shocked he fell of the map. Needless to say I rolled my eyes at the trade. So far so good and I'm quite content to continue being proven wrong.

oldrover · Nov 4, 2014

betterthanthealternative said:
We'd probably make it when the opportunity arises,, but we probably don't create the opportunity.

"Necessity is the mother of invention, grasshopper. Now snatch this pebble from my hand."

IllegalContact · Nov 4, 2014

everlong said:
I absolutely had Ayers labeled as an overrated bust coming out of UCLA as did many of the draftniks in that forum He was getting mocked to the Pats in the first round everywhere. He was certainly athletic but soft against the run, ok in zone but no man skills and seemed to lack instincts. I was surprised he got off to a good start career wise but wasn't shocked he fell of the map. Needless to say I rolled my eyes at the trade. So far so good and I'm quite content to continue being proven wrong.

It's OK to be wrong......

he's off to a good start here......he's got a nice opportunity to market himself for a new contract

Bourne Again Christian · Nov 4, 2014

Would think he will be thankful for the opportunity he has been given the extended playing time he hasn't seen previously, plus he's on a winner that can't be discounted.
I would say he gives the Patriots every chance to match or come to us under market value within the proper circumstances. That is if his play stays on this level or improves.

mayoclinic · Nov 4, 2014

everlong said:
I absolutely had Ayers labeled as an overrated bust coming out of UCLA as did many of the draftniks in that forum He was getting mocked to the Pats in the first round everywhere. He was certainly athletic but soft against the run, ok in zone but no man skills and seemed to lack instincts. I was surprised he got off to a good start career wise but wasn't shocked he fell of the map. Needless to say I rolled my eyes at the trade. So far so good and I'm quite content to continue being proven wrong.

That's exactly where I was on him. Glad to be proven wrong, and very happy so far, particularly with his intelligence in picking things up quickly. BB alluded to this:

“He’s done a real good job,” Bill Belichicksaid of Ayers on Monday’s conference call. “He’s picked things up quickly. He’s a sharp kid. Works hard, very attentive. He really wants things to get things done right and tries to do them and communicates well with the defense.”

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports...hick-on-akeem-ayers-hes-done-a-real-good-job/

BobDigital · Nov 4, 2014

My question is this. When Jones comes back how do you use Ayers?

You could say as a 4-3 LB but the Patriots barely use base. So is he only going to be a reserve/rotation player who sees 10 snaps a game? Kind of a waste if he can keep this up.

I would try to design some looks to get him on the field more like 30 times a game.

He does add a lot of speed to our slightly oversized front 7.

Brit patriot · Nov 4, 2014

I really expected a depth signing at best. Wasn't going to slate it as depth is important but seriously didn't expect a huge impact.

Wonderful being surprised, and I was also happy with Cassilas on ST.

Mayo being out is bent, but we have to cope with it. Making clever trades like this is how winning is done

Oswlek · Nov 4, 2014

BobDigital said:
When Jones comes back how do you use Ayers?

Jones being back might allow NE to run more base. Ayers could also sub for Chandler and give him some rest (isn't that something we've been asking for?) or push him inside for a Nascar package.

If he keeps playing like this, he'll get 20-30 snaps, minimum.

JMC00 · Nov 4, 2014

BobDigital said:
My question is this. When Jones comes back how do you use Ayers?

You could say as a 4-3 LB but the Patriots barely use base. So is he only going to be a reserve/rotation player who sees 10 snaps a game? Kind of a waste if he can keep this up.

I would try to design some looks to get him on the field more like 30 times a game.

He does add a lot of speed to our slightly oversized front 7.

Ya when Jones comes back I wouldn't worry about Ayers only seeing 10 snaps.

Passing situations Ninkovich-Easley-Jones-Ayers, if the QBs 1st and 2nd read are shutdown it's gonna be an incompletion or he's taking a sack.

IllegalContact · Nov 4, 2014

BobDigital said:
My question is this. When Jones comes back how do you use Ayers?

Jones was playing virtually 100% of the time........having a good backup can help keep jones fresh later in the game.

as he picks things up, I think he can also sub for hightower and/or collins

there are plenty of spots for him to get time

RobertWeathers · Nov 4, 2014

I a

IllegalContact said:
Jones was playing virtually 100% of the time........having a good backup can help keep jones fresh later in the game.

as he picks things up, I think he can also sub for hightower and/or collins

there are plenty of spots for him to get time

I agree. I don't fully understand the severity of CJ's injury but when he does come back I would assume he'll be on a pitch count and not be playing 100% the snaps

Pats-Phan · Nov 4, 2014

Hightower has to stay on the field as he is the guy with the green dot getting the play calls, calling the D and calling the audibles. Ayers can back up Collins, Jones and Nink so that everybody is a little fresher. I also like the idea of Nink Easley Jones Ayers on obvious passing situations.

hwc · Nov 4, 2014

BobDigital said:
My question is this. When Jones comes back how do you use Ayers?

In a rotation so you Jones and Ninko don't have to play every snap. Having too many capable players is a really good problem to have.

mayoclinic · Nov 4, 2014

hwc said:
In a rotation so you Jones and Ninko don't have to play every snap. Having too many capable players is a really good problem to have.

Exactly. We've been screaming for a rotation at DE and depth at LB all season. Now we'll actually have it.

Ring 6 · Nov 4, 2014

BobDigital said:
My question is this. When Jones comes back how do you use Ayers?

You could say as a 4-3 LB but the Patriots barely use base. So is he only going to be a reserve/rotation player who sees 10 snaps a game? Kind of a waste if he can keep this up.

I would try to design some looks to get him on the field more like 30 times a game.

He does add a lot of speed to our slightly oversized front 7.

Since we are a nickel base defense, the front 6 will be 2 DTs plus Jones, Nink, Collins, HT and Ayers, and you can play any 4 of the 5 at any time. Versatility!!!

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