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Mike Parente's take, nothing earth shaking, but something to read while your clock watching...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16528281&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=17739&rfi=6
BB's options...
http://www.zwire.com/site/news.cfm?newsid=16528281&BRD=1641&PAG=461&dept_id=17739&rfi=6
BB's options...
Ignore the minor errors in the piece, instead fantisize about what a more experienced Vrabel will do inside picking off Peyton again, being part of the blitz surprise, life is goooood...He could either move Mike Vrabel back to the outside, which is where he played last year before switching to inside linebacker in October, or acquire a new outside linebacker with one of the Patriots’ 12 picks in this weekend’s NFL draft.
The latter gives them the best chance to win in 2006, because if they move Vrabel back to the outside, that leaves Monty Beisel as the frontrunner to start next to Tedy Bruschi at inside linebacker. Beisel’s inability to adjust to Belichick’s system last year in his first season with New England was the reason Vrabel had to change positions.
After making the switch, the Patriots improved from 25th in run defense to eighth by the end of the season. They benefited from having Bruschi and Vrabel - arguably their two smartest defenders - on the field next to each other calling plays at the line of scrimmage in absence of injured safety Rodney Harrison.
There’s no point tinkering with a successful formula, so the Patriots will likely pursue a versatile, pass-rushing outside linebacker this weekend to replace McGinest. The only problem is finding someone who fits Belichick’s criteria.