But i have just been re-watching it and it's interesting to see Solder this game be made to look like a rookie a little bit by Spencer. Look at Welkers TD catch and there were other instances where Solder overextends and spencer goes right by him. He'll learn and i recon he's a goodun.
He had his share of mistakes but the whole OL had their down moments. The holding call on Solder was the only really big flub I saw from him (almost a complete whiff which caused him to grab).
That being said, I am issuing my official apology to Solder and the Pats FO. I was really down on his selection in April. Seemed like a good player but if you are picking an OT at #17, you really need someone you can plug in from day 1 and expect big things. Solder seemed more like a projection and less a sure thing. No problem in the 2nd round but a little more concerning in the mid first.
Well I'm happy to admit I was totally wrong. When it counted on that final drive, when a single negative play probably loses the game, Solder played like a champ. Worked with Waters like they had played together for years. Combo blocked when they were supposed to. Even handed off a rusher to Waters and slid outside to pick up a disguised rush. He obviously has the physical skills but he showed he has the smarts and mental makeup to hold down the right side for many years. Vollmer has to play when he gets healthy...but is there a more awesome problem to have than what to do with your surplus of OT talent?
Also, I'll echo the kudos for Spikes. Dude was all over the place and seemed like you could count on the #55 jersey being in on every tackle. Got credit for 8 tackles but seemed closer to 18.
Now that the Pats have reached their bye week, some things I'd like to see starting in Pittsburgh:
1) Vereen returning kicks. Seems better suited for it than Ridley and Edelperson. As the weather worsens, kick returns and field position can become a bigger factor, so would like to see him get a chance.
2) Dowling at safety in passing situations. Actually don't care if you call him a safety, just don't want to see Sergio, Barrett or Ihedigbo patrolling the middle of the field in big situations.
3) Guyton return to being a part-time player. Just seems like the more snaps he gets, the less effective he becomes. Get well soon (like in the next week to 10 days) Mayo!