BB on a Mission with the D

[chris_in_sunnyvale]

Does Butler project as a starter this season? Or maybe by game 8?

If not who will be starting then? I see Springs as a nickleback/safety and Bodden starting.

Either Wheatley or Wilhite will start opposite Bodden in your scenario, although I do think Springs will start and one of these two will be nickel. I figure Butler could get some CB reps around game 10 if he catches on.

Regards,
Chris

 

[Synovia]

Does Butler project as a starter this season? Or maybe by game 8?

If not who will be starting then? I see Springs as a nickleback/safety and Bodden starting.

The unnoficial depth chart has Bodden and Wilhite as the starters. Given the money we gave Springs, I think hes a starter.


Butler is a backup this year, and then either him, Wilhite, or Wheatley is across from Springs next year.

 

[crowell33]

Obviously he looked at the seasons post 2004 and saw, what? NO SB wins. No matter what the O didn't do in 2006/7/8, clearly there were defensive 'issues' to be addressed.

Look at what he did...

1. Sent Vrabes, a former stellar pass rush specialist but past his shelf date cost packing (but took care of his family $...nice)
2. Trades Hobbsie, who probaly has no CB upside for 2fer 5th round trade ammo. Basicly FIRING the last 2 years' secondary as we'll see..
3. No move to re-sign aged late career injury prone warrior Harrison (possible shadow roster, IMO)
4. Obviously let the excerable stopgap Deltha ONeal go


In FA he added Springs and Bodden to give veteran experience and athletic talent to the DBs. Re-signed JAG safety Sanders to a reasonable deal. Same with JAG but reliable Wright. Picked up retread TBC as pass rush insurance/competition.

Then, in the draft he added...

1. Chung, a physical semi-fast hard hiting intelligent SS, a Rodney replacement who's faster than BB
2. Butler, the mid-sized, fast, play making CB of his wet dreams
3. Brace, Pryor & Richard at DT/NT to give (a) Wilfork a breather, (b) a Monster short yardage run D (c) injury backup for Wilfie (d) contract leverage and ultimate disaster insurance should there not be enough food in NE to feed Vince's family (Me, I say Vince retires a Patriot)

Remember, two more Defensive developments may occur...signing vet castoffs from training camp and of course the JT and 'vegetable seasoning' fantasy signings.

Wow. Sanders a JAG safety? You think BB paid $9 million over 3 years for a JAG safety? Sorry, gotta side with BB, over you, on this one.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Maybe my interpretation of JAG is different. To me, Sanders is just another NFL starter, nothing special. Me, I wish I were an NFL starter but Sanders has not distinguished himself from average as a safety. He's just another guy playing the position. Below average or inadequate would be used to describe safetys whose performance was below par. 'Average' starting safetys make several million dollars per year in the NFL.

 

[crowell33]

Maybe my interpretation of JAG is different. To me, Sanders is just another NFL starter, nothing special. Me, I wish I were an NFL starter but Sanders has not distinguished himself from average as a safety. He's just another guy playing the position. Below average or inadequate would be used to describe safetys whose performance was below par. 'Average' starting safetys make several million dollars per year in the NFL.

I understand what you are saying. Your right, it is just our different definitions of "JAG". To me a JAG safety is Ventrone, Spahn, Slater, etc. ( although all strong special teamers ). My humble view is that Bill must see further upside with James Sanders to sign him for $3 million per year for the next few seasons.
When was the last time BB resigned one of his own players to $3 million or more per season, who didn't turn out to be a very good player? ( Lets hope that streak continues ! ).