Urgent
In the Starting Line-Up
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- Mar 1, 2005
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Always enjoy Ken's thoughts. Some reactions.
Ken's thoughts:
a. I don't think we utilized our TEs well. Watson might not be an elite receiving TE, but he isn't chopped liver either. He has the speed to threaten the seams, yet we rarely used him in that capacity. Its also no surprise that when we did, it was quite successful.
My response:
Welker was the receiving tight end -- that is, he was the guy who got open underneath or in the seams of the coverage, he caught everything, and he offered a lot of yardage after the catch.
b. I also felt that we didn't use our RBs and TEs enough in delay and dump off patterns and overall, it didn't seem like we spread the ball around enough. And what ever happen to the slant pass. The Pats almost NEVER use it.
On delays, Faulk is really the only guy effective. None of our backs are jittery enough to be really effective in this role, in my opinion. A lot of the delays delayed scoring.
d. Finally IMHO there didn't seem to be any "pattern" to our offense. We didn't run the ball to set up the pass, or pass the ball to set up the run. Down an distance rarely seemed to matter. On 3ed and long we'd still throw the same passes that we would if it had been 3rd and 4. It was more we ran running and passing plays in no particular order, for no particular reason. The play calling seemed, to me at least, to be pretty random.
And we complain even more if the offense is predictable.
2. I think we need to stop complaining about our defense for a number of reasons.
This defense really banged up opposing QB's. However, it was susceptable to the run, especially in the Baltimore game, and the coverage was loose a lot.
IMHO, what defenses have to do is to recognize this fact and change with the times. I think the key to defense in today's NFL is not how many yds you give up, but in how many Turn overs you can force or big plays you can make.
So if that's the case, then we need our defense to improve in ONE critical area. Turnovers.
Good point. But turnovers are often something you create with pressure, with plays, with coaching. Think back to the dramatic turnover in the first Super Bowl. That turnover was not based on pure athleticism, but on the coordinated play of the line that freed up Vrabel, the rush Vrabel put on, the coverage on the opposite side of the field, and the in-synch play of Ty Law.
The Patriots had a very versatile group of players - linemen that could play tackle or end, linebackers that could play end or drop into coverage, and DB's that could play safety or corner or blitz. The Patriots have been unable to replace the versatility of Vrabel, McGinest, Phifer, Bruschi, Law, and Harrison, and have been especially weakened at LB. I hope this is the year the Patriots start to develop young, versatile outside linebackers in their system.
Off season suggestions:
a. Forget Brady, the most important guy I want wrapped up early this off season is Leigh Boddin.
I think the most important guy is Wilfork. Bodden played well, but it's not like he is unique to their system. I agree that he should be re-signed - he certainly played well enough to be paid as a starter, and I have much less faith in Wilhite and Wheatley. But if not, I think another corner could fit the Patriots system. Another DT cannot necessarily fit the Patriots defense at NT. The Patriots were incredibly fortunate he fell to them, and further that he played six years for low (relative) money. They need to re-sign him.
b. The next guy you need to sign is Wilfolk. Once that's done, with Prior, Wright, Warren , Burgess, and Green, we will then be solid on the DL...even if Brace fails to develop, which I doubt will happen
I do (doubt Brace, that is). I didn't like him coming out of the draft, and was very surprised when the Patriots drafted him. He has no agility, no change of direction capability. He's heavy and terribly slow. And in games he was completely over-powered when he was fresh and faced worn offensive lines.
c. With the necessity to sign Wilfolk and Boddin, I don't see Julius Peppers as a Patriot. First, I can't justify paying ANY non-QB that kind of money. Even if the guy plays well, its STILL not a value signing, because of who you CAN'T keep. And secondly, Peppers has a lot of questions IMHO...too many to take that kind of salary structure risk
I hope for Peppers. I think he's about the only pass-rush upgrade available, and the Patriots seem to be a good fit for a hybrid third-down end, run-down linebacker. His versatility is something I think the Patriots can really utilize. There is an opportunity to really upgrade here. I recognize, financially, it could be very difficult to re-sign Brady, Wilfork, and Bodden and then add Peppers. But I think the Patriots system has done much better with great versatile linebackers and average corners than the opposite (see the Super Bowl Ty Law missed with injuries).
d. AThomas - I don't want to see him playing for the Jets next season. I think he has some legit grievances. He's been moved around a lot. He HASN'T be allowed to go after the passer much. He's been criticized for essentially being a good soldier (up until this year) I'd keep him for this upcoming year...and I'd set him loose more often. (I'd also like him to lose 15 lbs)
If the Patriots choose to release him - which I assume would be August rather than March - I don't care where he plays. Best wishes to him.
I love our OL, now and for the near future.
I agree. Good running returns, and Brady was seldom sacked given our pass-intensive offense.
e. I want to see us keep ALL our RBs...
If so, the Patriots will have the oldest RB corps in the league. Time for some youth.
f. The draft: If anyone is hoping that we will miraculously find our pass rush cure in the draft is dreaming.
Well, the dream survives. I would be very happy with Sergio Kindle, Brandon Graham, Ricky Sapp, or maybe Jerry Hughes in the first. It's time to bring in a versatile young outside linebacker.
g. As for who we draft, I'll just be hoping to find 4 guys in those first 4 picks who can play special teams and be back ups. I'm more looking forward to seeing how Crable, Tate and
McKennzie come back from IR. I don't expect, NOR do I want to see Wes Welker before November.
I expect Tate to be the primary returner and to catch 20-25 passes next season.
I expect McKenzie to rotate at ILB with Guyton or possibly a rookie.
I expect nothing from Crable. He has had chances and shown nothing, then gotten injured.
f. Like most I'd like to see a legit WR brought into the fold to fill the role Joey Galloway never filled. The Anquan Boldin rumors for one of our 2nds sounds good EXCEPT for the contract he'd want. It would be a perfect fit talentwise. The Cards AREN'T going to get a better offer, but the contract would seem to be a deal breaker.....too bad.
I agree - the Pats need a veteran outside receiver, a possession receiver. Kevin Walter, Antonio Bryant, maybe Bobby Wade.[/QUOTE]
Ken's thoughts:
a. I don't think we utilized our TEs well. Watson might not be an elite receiving TE, but he isn't chopped liver either. He has the speed to threaten the seams, yet we rarely used him in that capacity. Its also no surprise that when we did, it was quite successful.
My response:
Welker was the receiving tight end -- that is, he was the guy who got open underneath or in the seams of the coverage, he caught everything, and he offered a lot of yardage after the catch.
b. I also felt that we didn't use our RBs and TEs enough in delay and dump off patterns and overall, it didn't seem like we spread the ball around enough. And what ever happen to the slant pass. The Pats almost NEVER use it.
On delays, Faulk is really the only guy effective. None of our backs are jittery enough to be really effective in this role, in my opinion. A lot of the delays delayed scoring.
d. Finally IMHO there didn't seem to be any "pattern" to our offense. We didn't run the ball to set up the pass, or pass the ball to set up the run. Down an distance rarely seemed to matter. On 3ed and long we'd still throw the same passes that we would if it had been 3rd and 4. It was more we ran running and passing plays in no particular order, for no particular reason. The play calling seemed, to me at least, to be pretty random.
And we complain even more if the offense is predictable.
2. I think we need to stop complaining about our defense for a number of reasons.
This defense really banged up opposing QB's. However, it was susceptable to the run, especially in the Baltimore game, and the coverage was loose a lot.
IMHO, what defenses have to do is to recognize this fact and change with the times. I think the key to defense in today's NFL is not how many yds you give up, but in how many Turn overs you can force or big plays you can make.
So if that's the case, then we need our defense to improve in ONE critical area. Turnovers.
Good point. But turnovers are often something you create with pressure, with plays, with coaching. Think back to the dramatic turnover in the first Super Bowl. That turnover was not based on pure athleticism, but on the coordinated play of the line that freed up Vrabel, the rush Vrabel put on, the coverage on the opposite side of the field, and the in-synch play of Ty Law.
The Patriots had a very versatile group of players - linemen that could play tackle or end, linebackers that could play end or drop into coverage, and DB's that could play safety or corner or blitz. The Patriots have been unable to replace the versatility of Vrabel, McGinest, Phifer, Bruschi, Law, and Harrison, and have been especially weakened at LB. I hope this is the year the Patriots start to develop young, versatile outside linebackers in their system.
Off season suggestions:
a. Forget Brady, the most important guy I want wrapped up early this off season is Leigh Boddin.
I think the most important guy is Wilfork. Bodden played well, but it's not like he is unique to their system. I agree that he should be re-signed - he certainly played well enough to be paid as a starter, and I have much less faith in Wilhite and Wheatley. But if not, I think another corner could fit the Patriots system. Another DT cannot necessarily fit the Patriots defense at NT. The Patriots were incredibly fortunate he fell to them, and further that he played six years for low (relative) money. They need to re-sign him.
b. The next guy you need to sign is Wilfolk. Once that's done, with Prior, Wright, Warren , Burgess, and Green, we will then be solid on the DL...even if Brace fails to develop, which I doubt will happen
I do (doubt Brace, that is). I didn't like him coming out of the draft, and was very surprised when the Patriots drafted him. He has no agility, no change of direction capability. He's heavy and terribly slow. And in games he was completely over-powered when he was fresh and faced worn offensive lines.
c. With the necessity to sign Wilfolk and Boddin, I don't see Julius Peppers as a Patriot. First, I can't justify paying ANY non-QB that kind of money. Even if the guy plays well, its STILL not a value signing, because of who you CAN'T keep. And secondly, Peppers has a lot of questions IMHO...too many to take that kind of salary structure risk
I hope for Peppers. I think he's about the only pass-rush upgrade available, and the Patriots seem to be a good fit for a hybrid third-down end, run-down linebacker. His versatility is something I think the Patriots can really utilize. There is an opportunity to really upgrade here. I recognize, financially, it could be very difficult to re-sign Brady, Wilfork, and Bodden and then add Peppers. But I think the Patriots system has done much better with great versatile linebackers and average corners than the opposite (see the Super Bowl Ty Law missed with injuries).
d. AThomas - I don't want to see him playing for the Jets next season. I think he has some legit grievances. He's been moved around a lot. He HASN'T be allowed to go after the passer much. He's been criticized for essentially being a good soldier (up until this year) I'd keep him for this upcoming year...and I'd set him loose more often. (I'd also like him to lose 15 lbs)
If the Patriots choose to release him - which I assume would be August rather than March - I don't care where he plays. Best wishes to him.
I love our OL, now and for the near future.
I agree. Good running returns, and Brady was seldom sacked given our pass-intensive offense.
e. I want to see us keep ALL our RBs...
If so, the Patriots will have the oldest RB corps in the league. Time for some youth.
f. The draft: If anyone is hoping that we will miraculously find our pass rush cure in the draft is dreaming.
Well, the dream survives. I would be very happy with Sergio Kindle, Brandon Graham, Ricky Sapp, or maybe Jerry Hughes in the first. It's time to bring in a versatile young outside linebacker.
g. As for who we draft, I'll just be hoping to find 4 guys in those first 4 picks who can play special teams and be back ups. I'm more looking forward to seeing how Crable, Tate and
McKennzie come back from IR. I don't expect, NOR do I want to see Wes Welker before November.
I expect Tate to be the primary returner and to catch 20-25 passes next season.
I expect McKenzie to rotate at ILB with Guyton or possibly a rookie.
I expect nothing from Crable. He has had chances and shown nothing, then gotten injured.
f. Like most I'd like to see a legit WR brought into the fold to fill the role Joey Galloway never filled. The Anquan Boldin rumors for one of our 2nds sounds good EXCEPT for the contract he'd want. It would be a perfect fit talentwise. The Cards AREN'T going to get a better offer, but the contract would seem to be a deal breaker.....too bad.
I agree - the Pats need a veteran outside receiver, a possession receiver. Kevin Walter, Antonio Bryant, maybe Bobby Wade.[/QUOTE]