Jeff Howe's roster breakdown

[Fencer]

Patriots roster breakdown | Boston Herald

The big surprise is probably

Spikes could be heading for the franchise tag next season, and that could create some willingness to work out a contract extension. Spikes might have been the most improved player on the entire roster in 2012, so his asking price is increasing, which should make the Patriots more inclined to get a deal done now to make sure his stock doesn’t soar even more after next season. This could be a huge story line, however it unfolds, and if Spikes lands a new contract, it could help him step up as more of a leader.

Another interesting section was

The Patriots adore Woodhead, who was the unquestioned leader among the running backs this season. His coaches and teammates universally respect him, and he had 76 carries for 301 yards, 40 catches for 446 yards and seven total touchdowns. But how many change-of-pace backs do they need, particularly with Vereen and Demps waiting for their chance? Does Woodhead want to return and compete for that job again, or take a nice payday and more solidified playing time elsewhere? This decision goes both ways.

 

[Fencer]

My own view of Spikes, however, contains too many images of him chasing a couple of steps behind a crossing receiver, yelling "Slow down so I can hit you!!!!"

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

My own view of Spikes, however, contains too many images of him chasing a couple of steps behind a crossing receiver, yelling "Slow down so I can hit you!!!!"

Agreed. I've never been on his bandwagon, and I just don't understand why everyone is in love with the guy. While I do agree we need secondary help, I would love an upgrade at LB.

 

[Mack Herron]

Agreed. I've never been on his bandwagon, and I just don't understand why everyone is in love with the guy. While I do agree we need secondary help, I would love an upgrade at LB.

Maybe because he is a big, strong, intimidating MLB who can take on guards and win stuffing the run. He brings attitude like Brian Cox did and we need more of that. He may need to come out on passing downs for someone who runs better like Fletcher.

 

[ivanvamp]

Maybe because he is a big, strong, intimidating MLB who can take on guards and win stuffing the run. He brings attitude like Brian Cox did and we need more of that. He may need to come out on passing downs for someone who runs better like Fletcher.

Agreed. Spikes is slow in coverage but he's a monster hitter. How many times this year did we see him run blitz and just blow somebody up? A lot. He's a guy I want on my team.

It's kind of funny....after the loss this weekend, a lot of guys here have been arguing that they want the Pats to go back to a physical, punishing style of defense. Spikes is EXACTLY that kind of player, but some also want to see him go? Makes no sense.

Spikes is a limited tool box, but man, those few tools he has are impressive. Use him right and he's a very effective player.

 

[DocHoliday]

Spikes is a hard choice. He's awfully slow but is damn good blitzing up the middle.

If he can be had for a reasonable price it's a good call so long as he's not out there on third and long.

 

[Fencer]

Agreed. Spikes is slow in coverage but he's a monster hitter. How many times this year did we see him run blitz and just blow somebody up? A lot. He's a guy I want on my team.

It's kind of funny....after the loss this weekend, a lot of guys here have been arguing that they want the Pats to go back to a physical, punishing style of defense. Spikes is EXACTLY that kind of player, but some also want to see him go? Makes no sense.

Spikes is a limited tool box, but man, those few tools he has are impressive. Use him right and he's a very effective player.

Much more reasonable and balanced than "Franchise the beast!!"

 

[Horace's Ivories]

Agreed. I've never been on his bandwagon, and I just don't understand why everyone is in love with the guy. While I do agree we need secondary help, I would love an upgrade at LB.

cause he hits - makes the team less toothless

 

[1%er]

Patriots roster breakdown | Boston Herald

The big surprise is probably



Another interesting section was

I think the ship sailed on Woodhead when they drafted Vereen just like Green-Ellis when they drafted Ridley.

 

[resdubwhite]

I think the ship sailed on Woodhead when they drafted Vereen just like Green-Ellis when they drafted Ridley.

Hopefully not. Danny oozes the Patriot way. And continues to be a contibutor.

If he gets a big pay day with another team I'll be personally delighted for him, but sad for the team.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Spikes is a bit like Chung in my book, in that he would have been a much more valuable player 20 years ago, but that the game has evolved in such a way that his strengths are minimized and his weaknesses are maximized. Back then, Chung would have been serviceable, while Spikes would have been dominant.

That said, he is so good at what he does well that even still he has quite a bit of value. If the Pats don't re-sign him long term, it will be more because they have two other hulking LBs who can stop the run (and cover better than he can) in Mayo and Hightower.

 

[Deus Irae]

Agreed. I've never been on his bandwagon, and I just don't understand why everyone is in love with the guy...

It's because he's an excellent 2 down linebacker. He's not Ted Johnson in his prime, but he's very good against the run and very good at timing the blitz.

 

[nashvillepatsfan]

It's because he's an excellent 2 down linebacker. He's not Ted Johnson in his prime, but he's very good against the run and very good at timing the blitz.

I have no problem with him against the run, but even you'd have to agree, he should never be dropping back into coverage. I just get tired of hearing about the guy, like he's the second coming of LT. He's simply not. I like that he has attitude, but the article was talking about using the franchise tag on him.....

I just believe there's a better option out there somewhere, and hope BB finds him.

 

[Brady2Moss]

Agreed. Spikes is slow in coverage but he's a monster hitter. How many times this year did we see him run blitz and just blow somebody up? A lot. He's a guy I want on my team.

It's kind of funny....after the loss this weekend, a lot of guys here have been arguing that they want the Pats to go back to a physical, punishing style of defense. Spikes is EXACTLY that kind of player, but some also want to see him go? Makes no sense.

Spikes is a limited tool box, but man, those few tools he has are impressive. Use him right and he's a very effective player.

You need physical players that can actually play, Spikes can't against the pass and when he guesses the wrong gap he's out of the play or getting an encroachment penalty. Love his style and the hits he delivers, but it isn't very useful when teams are passing around him

 

[eom]

spikes is a beast against the run, and he forced 5 fumbles -- that's pretty good.
just sub him out on passing downs like they used to do.

I like woody, but can they roll with 5 rb, even if demps was just a kr?
I don't know what the open market would pay him, but I honestly doubt the pats would pay him much more than a faulk deal.

 

[jsull87]

Hopefully not. Danny oozes the Patriot way. And continues to be a contibutor.

If he gets a big pay day with another team I'll be personally delighted for him, but sad for the team.

Depending on his asking price i see no way Woody isn't on this team next year other than a money decision by woodhead.

He plays special teams to a high level and has always been proficient when called upon.

Ridley, Vereen, Woodhead, Bolden and Demps will be a deep deep unit next year.

Especially with Demps, Bolden and Woodhead projected to special teams units.

 

[billdog3484]

spikes is frickin awesome. we are a better team with him on it and on the field. hes got swag. hes got attitude. hes got the robot. hes got guns. i love him

 

[MTM558]

There are a lot of areas we could break down in detail, but since this thread has seemingly gone towards Spikes and the Linebackers, I'll address that position.

The Patriots have a solid starting trio of Hightower-Spikes-Mayo. Their experience in the SEC gives them an added toughness over other players, and have been shaped by the toughest competition in College Football. They are all very large players (6"2+; 250#+) and excel in destroying opposing Running Backs.

Mayo is the leader of this group. He isn't a Patrick Willis, but he is smart and when put into a situation to succeed he usually does. He doesn't do anything exceptionally well, but does everything at an at least respectable level. He can play the run or pass, he can blitz, he can spy. Mayo is the classic Jack-Of-All-Trades-Master-Of-None (to me, at least). His flexibility and leadership makes him an every down player for this team.

Spikes is by far the most physical of the group. His mission: seek and destroy anything that crosses his path. If it's a Running Back... may he rest in peace. If that Running Back (or tight end / receiver) is in space and coming towards him, however... Spikes, just take a seat. If there are any flaws to Spikes' game they are the following: His speed (5 sec 40...), his instinct (while amazing at times, he often runs himself out of the play), and his ability in coverage (improved greatly... but nonetheless still pretty bad).

Hightower is the largest of the group, checking in at 6"4 and 270#. With that frame he is almost more of a Defensive End than a SLB, so perhaps he could lose 10# or so. Hightower is almost a combination of Mayo and Spikes: intelligent, versatile, a heavy hitter - though he is easily the most gifted of the group when it comes to rushing the passer. His ability to stop the run are probably on par with Mayo's, and his coverage ability is just a notch below. Losing some weight could help him keep up with the shiftier backs.


With that basic premise, it has been established that the trio come on together in base. In Sub, Spikes should get off the field and Hightower should shift to more of a DE role to utilize his pass rushing talent and strength. In the void, a Linebacker who specializes in coverage needs to be acquired (240#, maybe a 4.5 40 time).

 

[EwanSellars]

maybe arthur brown in the 2nd round could be an option at LB could end up being a steal i like spikes and what he brings to the team but i am not opposed to trading him or letting him go. Great player just not one of those i need him on my team players