Metaphors
In the Starting Line-Up
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- Oct 10, 2005
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* Despite the surprise cuts and resulting fan frenzy, 37 of the 40 roster locks (IMO anyway) are still here, with only CJack, Bryant and Lynch leaving. We seem to be losing sleep over backup QB, interior OLine depth, special teamers and gameday inactives (yes, the rules say that 7 of these guys will be in street clothes on Sunday).
* The CB situation is only confusing because we don't know what the Capers' plan for the secondary is going to look like. Capers had Bryant in Jacksonville for a couple of years so you would think he knew what he was getting. So you have to figure that either Bryant couldn't adjust to the scheme or something is missing from when Capers saw him last (my guess would be short area quickness). Lew Sanders did exceed my expectations in the preseason games and he has the size to deal with larger receivers. I would think the CB situation isn't settled yet unless Wilhite is muuuuuuuch better than I expect.
* The Lynch signing never made much sense to me. He still has enough skill to contribute, but his coverage shortcomings are too easy to exploit. I would never want to see him on the field late in the 4th quarter defending a 1 score lead (sound familiar?). That being said, he may end up back on the roster at some point because he seems like a Belichick guy.
* As much as I've hyped up Guyton and Ventrone, I don't expect them to be active without injuries opening up spots. Guyton is fast and can really hit, but is very raw. I do think he will be a special teams ace and situational LB over time. Bubba is an overachiever and a fan favorite, but seems to be behind too many people to get snaps on Sunday.
* Can't see 4 TEs lasting beyond week 1. Hopefully Pociask can demonstrate his positive preseason play and Spach can live long and prosper...somewhere else.
* I'm really liking the focus on special teams on this roster. Slater, Izzo, Washington, Woods, Aiken, Alexander, Evans and Wright are all solid special teamers. Ventrone and Guyton provide good depth. I expect the Pats to win the battle of field position against most teams and that should take some pressure off the youngsters on D.
* The practice squad seems to be a fairly talented group. Not only will that help with emergency depth but should provide good scout team defense in practice to keep the offense sharp. I know the practice squad can change weekly but I kinda hope these guys are able to stick around.
* With Gutierrez gone, I think that puts O'Connell on the fast path to be the backup next year. That is a year ahead of my expectations but his mechanics seem to be much improved already.
* The CB situation is only confusing because we don't know what the Capers' plan for the secondary is going to look like. Capers had Bryant in Jacksonville for a couple of years so you would think he knew what he was getting. So you have to figure that either Bryant couldn't adjust to the scheme or something is missing from when Capers saw him last (my guess would be short area quickness). Lew Sanders did exceed my expectations in the preseason games and he has the size to deal with larger receivers. I would think the CB situation isn't settled yet unless Wilhite is muuuuuuuch better than I expect.
* The Lynch signing never made much sense to me. He still has enough skill to contribute, but his coverage shortcomings are too easy to exploit. I would never want to see him on the field late in the 4th quarter defending a 1 score lead (sound familiar?). That being said, he may end up back on the roster at some point because he seems like a Belichick guy.
* As much as I've hyped up Guyton and Ventrone, I don't expect them to be active without injuries opening up spots. Guyton is fast and can really hit, but is very raw. I do think he will be a special teams ace and situational LB over time. Bubba is an overachiever and a fan favorite, but seems to be behind too many people to get snaps on Sunday.
* Can't see 4 TEs lasting beyond week 1. Hopefully Pociask can demonstrate his positive preseason play and Spach can live long and prosper...somewhere else.
* I'm really liking the focus on special teams on this roster. Slater, Izzo, Washington, Woods, Aiken, Alexander, Evans and Wright are all solid special teamers. Ventrone and Guyton provide good depth. I expect the Pats to win the battle of field position against most teams and that should take some pressure off the youngsters on D.
* The practice squad seems to be a fairly talented group. Not only will that help with emergency depth but should provide good scout team defense in practice to keep the offense sharp. I know the practice squad can change weekly but I kinda hope these guys are able to stick around.
* With Gutierrez gone, I think that puts O'Connell on the fast path to be the backup next year. That is a year ahead of my expectations but his mechanics seem to be much improved already.
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