Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

I am operating under the assumption that the Pats keep 8 LBs...

After 2-3 years, I am finally getting on this Banta-Cain bandwagon some of y'all have been touting around here...

The kid looked real good Saturday night and all indications have been that he is having a breakout camp...

So, we're probably looking at:

OLB: Colvin & Vrabel
ILB: Bruschi & Seau
Depth: Brown, Beisel, Gardner, Banta-Cain

I would probably like to swap Beisel with Seau on my list, but I can't honestly say I am sold on Beisel.

Belichick keeps saying how great he looks, but I just don't see it.

Anyone agree or disagree?

If Beisel or Brown don't make the cut, I guess you're looking at Mincey as the 8th LB...

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

Disagree, on first 8 linebackers, unless the Izzo/Davis slot/s is/are being regulated to purely ST.

Second, I think Woods or Mincey beats out Brown. (His injury has set him back for making the team.)

I think Alexander also wins a spot. Either in the Davis slot, or in the Beisel Slot.

Izzo makes the team as a nominal ILB.

Bringing my total to either 9 or 10, 10 being Beisel.

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

Funny...

I think of Izzo and Davis in my Special Teams group, but yes, they would both make the team.

Special Teams:

Gostkowski, Miller, Paxton, Paxton, Davis, Izzo

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

rook and I have 9 linebackers plus Izzo and Davis. We both have Mincey. And we both have Woods beating out an injured Brown. I mention rook because he posted a roster this morning and we agree on 52 of 53 players.

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

I doubt Seau is starter unless Tedy is inactive. I expect Vrabel on inside, Colvin at LOLB and Cain at ROLB. Beisel or Alexander, Izzo and Jr at ILB; Woods and Mincey at OLB with Vrabel rotating to OLB for 2/3 of snaps where we go 4-3 or nickle. Davis's ST and big safety roles are diminished by Tebucky.

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

The day of the dedicated ST LB is drawing to a close. Gardener, Beisel, and Alexander are very good ST LBs, and they can play regular Defense too. Davsi can play coverage LB, but Izzo can't, he is a pure ST LB.

I think Larry does not make the Team. Davis might have a problem too.

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

I'm thinkin' Bruschi needs a couple to four weeks of regular season for the wrist, and I think that puts Vrabel and Seau on the inside (at least if there is a God.) I'll see -- with my own eyes, since it's the Skins -- whether I'm right. Interesting times!

PFnV

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

Now that would be something...

I have always of Izzo as the ultimate "Belichick-type" player...

For Bill to cut Izzo would be a tough call, I'm sure...

Then again, BB has proven to us that emotion rarely or never factors into his decisions...

ADPF

Every year I keep thinking that the days of ST demons hiding on the roster are diminishing, but somehow these guys keep making teams.
And even though I'd like to see Biesel traded to Oaklnad for a couple of used kicking tees, I have to admit he is decent on ST. He hasn't made the plays that Alexander has on ST, but he has some marginal degree of ability on ST.

Re: Let's talk linebackers for moment...
 

Actually, now it's looking more and more like Beisel has seen his last days in New England...

He just never really impressed and he had plenty of chances!