6 Linebackers
 

As far as LB, we got 6 guys who have started games under their belts -- with 3 real good ones. The three good ones being Colvin, Vrabel and Bruschi -- and the other three with starts under there belt are Gardner, Brown, and Beisel. We also got ST/reserves for guys like TBC and Eric Alexander. We also got 2 spots for a pure ST/developmental rook like Izzo, Don Davis or Mincey. Any :mad: sort of feelings for our LB depth is not because of the #, but because of the bad taste of Brown and Beisel being overmatched at ILB. Of course, we all know that Brown had no business at ILB (Ted Johnson shock retirement), and the young, overmatched Beisel was there because of Bruschi's stroke.

Expect to see BB play all 6 LB I mentioned get playing time. Incidentally, typical BB all are vets with the exception of Beisel....

Hopefully Bruschi's sore wrist will heal in time for the opening-day ... if not, like Harrison he should be ready to go early in the season.

As long as we have either Vrabel or Bruschi on the field we will be fine as far a play-calling ... which was a HUGE issue last year.

The signing of Gardner ILB moved Chad Brown to OLB where he has excelled in the league.

BOTTOMLINE: We may not have the luxury of having 6 guys who are starters in the league, but we nonetheless have 6 guys who have started games in the league. The depth isn't horrible as far as #. It is not like we only have 3 guys who have started football games in the NFL, and the rest are rookies and UDFAs. If either Vrabel or Bruschi is on the field, play-calling will be fine. If we lose both ... could be trouble.

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

I have no idea what Gardner's problems have been throughout his career but he has solid ability, size and character. Based on everything I know, he should be able to be a solid ILB, I guess there's a reason he's not had a better career though.

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

he seems to be just what he's doing for us ... spot starter/excellent ST. Couple of years he led his team with ST tackles. He's also spot started in the 4-3 as a middle LB, as well as the other 2 positions. Moving to a 3-4 ILB should augment his abilities in theory.

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

he couldnt even start a game on a 4-12 Jets team!

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

An interesting notion for debate is that we carry roughly the same amount of DB's and LB. But 4 DB play all the time, 2 CB and 2 Safties. Sometimes we have 5 DB (nickel), and sometimes we play 6 (dime). Whereas, 4 LB are on the field only about 50% of the time. In nickel situations, its 2 LB. In Dime, only one is on the field (sometimes we do put our pass-rusing LB at DE in those formations).

On Pat teams, it seems Troy Brown is always out there at the end of the season. Depth-wise the team might be better not because of the LB-depth per se, but because we seem to have have more saftey/CB depth than in previous years. HERE'S TO NOT SEE TROY BROWN MOONLIGHTING IN OUR SECEONDARY!!! :)

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

Of course, that was on a team playing a totally different defense. But I guess that wouldn't matter to you.

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

umm, check your facts ... he did start one game. And you are supposed to be a Jets fan.

http://www.patriots.com/team/index.c...rbio&bio=32041

2005 (NYJ): Appeared in 16 games with the Jets, starting one and finished the season with 17 tackles, 13 solo.

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

Barry Gardner joins the Patriots for his eighth NFL season after previously playing for the Philadelphia Eagles (1999-2002), Cleveland Browns (2003-04) and New York Jets (2005). The 6-foot-1-inch, 245-pound linebacker has played in 110 career games with 24 starts and has recorded 186 career tackles (130 solo), two sacks, one interception, seven passes defensed, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries. Additionally, the Northwestern product has made 92 career special teams tackles.

http://www.patriots.com/team/index.c...rbio&bio=32041

Also, like BB fan said, we are a 3-4 team, not a cover-2, 4-3 team like you were last year under Herm.

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

Yes. I know. And the Jets are bringing in the 3-4 scheme. It was a joke. I come here in peace. I find the 3-4 to be intriguing but it worries me in ways. I think it may also limit Jonathan Vilmas abilility. any feedback on the ups and downs of it, other then 3 sb rings,

Re: 6 Linebackers
 

I really think that improved DB/CB depth should help the Pats this year IMHO. I think Willie Andrews could stick on the team as the last CB just because of his returning abilities.