PatsFanStnfrd
Third String But Playing on Special Teams
- Joined
- Oct 1, 2009
- Messages
- 540
- Reaction score
- 4
First, let's admit the Pats squad of 90 or 80 was loaded with talent -- so much so that other teams scouts were in attendance at Pats preseason games in record numbers.
Second, one never begrudges players cut who are snapped up by other teams.
So we wake up today to a situation where Yeatman is with Miami, Smith with the Bills, Cohen is in Seattle, Austin in Houston, Maneri is waived and will certainly be claimed as was LeVoir by the Ravens and so on and on. Notice, I do NOT include those BB wanted gone from the Pats like Merriweather, Sanders and Tate, who all found new homes. I am focusing on the younger developmental talent with high ceilings (and relatively inexpensive) who are lost to the Pats and will be making their contributions elsewhere.
Surely, we all know BB wanted Smith or Yeatman to make it to the practice squad -- but they did NOT. Crumpler may be available for this year (who knows if his shoulder has healed) -- but he is not the longer term answer. Losing Maneri or LeVoir will hurt if Light or Solder or another OL-men get nicked. When that happens, BB will be scouring the wires for a veteran in shape to come in and play.
All this leads me to the following question about BB roster construction. Why not cut Anderson (pass rush specialist) who will be a FA -- and could likely be signed again, perhaps after week one. Why keep Ihedigbo or Molden who were available before and might be available later. Why not try to retain those who are likely to be lost to other teams.
I am not sure there is a right answer. And certainly we do not have access to the evaluation of players that BB and his coaches have. But as a matter of strategic choice, it would be instructive to learn how the tradeoffs are made -- and if BB has any regrets the morning after.
Second, one never begrudges players cut who are snapped up by other teams.
So we wake up today to a situation where Yeatman is with Miami, Smith with the Bills, Cohen is in Seattle, Austin in Houston, Maneri is waived and will certainly be claimed as was LeVoir by the Ravens and so on and on. Notice, I do NOT include those BB wanted gone from the Pats like Merriweather, Sanders and Tate, who all found new homes. I am focusing on the younger developmental talent with high ceilings (and relatively inexpensive) who are lost to the Pats and will be making their contributions elsewhere.
Surely, we all know BB wanted Smith or Yeatman to make it to the practice squad -- but they did NOT. Crumpler may be available for this year (who knows if his shoulder has healed) -- but he is not the longer term answer. Losing Maneri or LeVoir will hurt if Light or Solder or another OL-men get nicked. When that happens, BB will be scouring the wires for a veteran in shape to come in and play.
All this leads me to the following question about BB roster construction. Why not cut Anderson (pass rush specialist) who will be a FA -- and could likely be signed again, perhaps after week one. Why keep Ihedigbo or Molden who were available before and might be available later. Why not try to retain those who are likely to be lost to other teams.
I am not sure there is a right answer. And certainly we do not have access to the evaluation of players that BB and his coaches have. But as a matter of strategic choice, it would be instructive to learn how the tradeoffs are made -- and if BB has any regrets the morning after.