Vrabel

[cstjohn17]

We need more speed at ILB. Tedy, Vrabs, and Seau are all wonderful, but we were half a step behind TEs and WRs over the middle all season. TEs are getting faster every year.

Despite AD's versatility, he played the vast majority of his snaps at OLB. Will he assume Willie's old position, which both Colvin and Vrabs have played of late? Or will they put him in Tedy's old roving ILB role? I could see that too! I'm confused.

Vrabs isn't getting any faster, so moving him to ILB leaves us vulnerable in the middle, IMHO. He's such a good edge setter and rusher, I'd guess they try to keep Vrabs on the outside.

Anyone have the link on that great thread summarizing the attributes of the 4 LB positions in the Pats scheme? Time to dust it off!

Speed is good but not critical. It is more important to be stout against the run. The Indy game was a once in a lifetime event and they are a very unique team, our roster should not be built around stopping the Colts offense.

Ideally we get a 5th LB who is capable of taking 1st and 2nd downs at ILB and the we use a rotation.

Percentage of snaps
Thomas - 80%
Colvin - 80%
Vrabel - 75%
Bruschi - 70%
TBD - ILB - 50%
Alexander - 10%
Woods, Mays, Others - 10%


As a preamble, I don't think they should bring Seau back unless it is in a rotation. I am not convinced he can stay healthy.

But these stats paint an interesting story and highlight the importance of stopping the run. The stats also point out how well the defense played as season long.

With Seau
- PPG Against - 14.6
- Rushing Yards Against - 79.7

Without Seau
- PPG Against - 18.1
- Rushing Yards Against - 116.7

Year End Totals
- PPG Against - 16.4
- Rushing Yards Against - 99.1

Game Rushing PPG
1 99 17
2 51 17
3 144 17
4 71 13
5 62 10
6 75 6
7 45 7
8 53 27
9 117 17
10 43 0
11 153 13
12 77 21
13 131 21
14 105 7
15 144 21
16 171 23
WC 70 16
DIV 148 21
CONF 125 38
99.15789474 16.42105263

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Speed is good but not critical. It is more important to be stout against the run. The Indy game was a once in a lifetime event and they are a very unique team, our roster should not be built around stopping the Colts offense.

Ideally we get a 5th LB who is capable of taking 1st and 2nd downs at ILB and the we use a rotation.

Percentage of snaps
Thomas - 80%
Colvin - 80%
Vrabel - 75%
Bruschi - 70%
TBD - ILB - 50%
Alexander - 10%
Woods, Mays, Others - 10%


As a preamble, I don't think they should bring Seau back unless it is in a rotation. I am not convinced he can stay healthy.

But these stats paint an interesting story and highlight the importance of stopping the run. The stats also point out how well the defense played as season long.

With Seau
- PPG Against - 14.6
- Rushing Yards Against - 79.7

Without Seau
- PPG Against - 18.1
- Rushing Yards Against - 116.7

Year End Totals
- PPG Against - 16.4
- Rushing Yards Against - 99.1

Game Rushing PPG
1 99 17
2 51 17
3 144 17
4 71 13
5 62 10
6 75 6
7 45 7
8 53 27
9 117 17
10 43 0
11 153 13
12 77 21
13 131 21
14 105 7
15 144 21
16 171 23
WC 70 16
DIV 148 21
CONF 125 38
99.15789474 16.42105263

Before folks get carried away with the numbers again, let's try to recall how the defensive line-up changed in the second half of the season when Seau was gone:
Wilfork missed games and Wright got his first starts.
Harrison missed games and Sanders got his first starts.
We've been over TBC playing ad nauseum.

The bottom line is there was more than one injury replacement and oddly enough, the key injuries went right up the middle: NT, ILB, SS. With reserves playing the defense still held the opposition to less than 19 points and 117 yds rushing. It could have been worse.

 

[patfanken]

There is a LONG time between now and September and where Vrabel will ultimately play is up for mere speculation on our part. HOWEVER with a guys as flexible as Thomas and Vrabel, I don't think we will EVER be able to slot where they will start. Each week presents different match up problems and opportunities. THAT will dictate where they will play. The ONE thing we DO know is the BOTH will be somewhere out there EVERY play.

 

[salty]

A.D. will play primarily outside. I don't envision him coming inside except on obvious passing downs. When you have a guy with as much as versatility as A.D., you have to put him outside to take advantage of all the different things he can do.

But this does bring up an interesting question, which people have been getting at in this thread: are Bruschi and Vrabel an adequate set at ILB? I have to think there is some question, given that both are getting older and slower (and they've taken a lot of wear and tear). I wonder if the Pats will bring in another veteran to shore up the position (Donnie Edwards?), or if they will draft someone high who can hopefully contribute some this year (Willis or Poz?)

 

[shakadave]

If we are all confused about who is gonna play where, how do you think opposing teams are gonna feel??? Heh, heh, heh, heh.... :singing:

Good point, because I don't think the answer will be totally clear to us even during the 2007 season! LBs will shift and switch and only Pees and BB will know where they are!