Perhaps I ahve changed my mid. I don't recall what I posted last week.
1) I was,and am, fine with our four corners if Wheatley is near 100% and ahead of Wilhite in the depth chart (or at least even or close to Wilhite). However, Wheately is still unproven. I always worry about coming abck 100% from injuries, but for Wheatley, he has never performed; he is just a hope and a dream.
2) Even with Wheatley healthy, another defensive back is solid insurance. I am NOT suggested a major trade, just the possible acquisition of a veteran backup. I always favored carrying six corners, including Bodden and special-teamer Arrington. I would think that we still could still use the sixth corner, as injury protection for the situation when an additional defensive back were down. It is a long season in a passing league. We just don't have the dominant front seven so that we don't need the depth at corner. BALT can play without Ed Reed and a couple of more defensive backs. I don't think that we should find out if we can.
And just BTW, I 100% trust Belichick's ability to direct the coaching up the kids. Brown is an able assistant. But unless Brown is ready to play dime back later in the season, we have no real options if Wheatley is out or underperforms and someone else is out.
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The OPEN QUESTION is the best use of the last three roster spots and the Practice Squad. McKenzie and Crable on the Practice Squad may be the best way to have backup linebackers in case of injuries. Jenkins on the Practice Squad is good contingency at WR, as Sergio Brown is as a special teamer.
The offensive line is backed up on the roster since we usually carry two inactive OL's as well as two backups on Game Day. We currently have 10 OL's since Kaczur is injured. AND we have Ohrnberger on the Practice Squad, able to promoted to the 53 if needed.
The defensive line is being backed up on the roster with Love and Deaderick.
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BOTTOM LINE
We have an open roster spot and an extra OL on the roster. I think that we have a depth issue at corner. I suggest that one of the two roster spots be used on a corner. The other would still be available for a LB, RB or for Sergio Brown.
Is this a change of mind??? A bit over a week ago..that was not the case at all...Wheatley's injury was also known at that point..so??? Maybe one if Wheatley is out for a LONG time..and/if the coaching staff thinks a vet could help. I also think the difference why a vdet MAY NOT be needed is Coach Brown in the DBackfield.