The most underappreciated player during the dynasty era

[PATSNUTme]

I just turned my wall calender to August and Mike Vrabel is the photo of the month. It did get me thinking as to who remains on the team from the first SB Championship team. And out of that group who is the most underappreciated.

I'm undecided between Vrabel and Kevin Faulk. Let's see what you guys think.

I did not include Tedy, Tom, or Sey in the poll because they have certainly been appreciated. Did I miss someone?

EDIT: For those of you wondering why this thread is here rather than the main football forum:I SCREWED UP!! I have PM'ed Patters asking him to move it over there.

 

[DarrylS]

How did this get in the political forum???

 

[sparrow]

Lonnie Paxton

 

[RobertWeathers]

Lonnie Paxton

This is a tough topic. I really like the Paxton one. The guy has been rock-solid for them.

IMO Since big stats, Pro Bowls, and big salary $$$ should not factor in (Vrabel is a good choice, but he got a sizable $$deal), I'll throw out a couple of names for arguement's sake.

Roman Pheiffer- Never got big money. Played his butt off. Big part of all 3 championship teams. Excelled at rushing the passer, stopping the run and in coverage.

Joe Andruzzi- See Pheiffer. Solid run/pass blocker. Tough as nails.

David Patton-Gave us a deep threat. Solid teammate. Good production.

Patrick Pass-3 rings. Versitile. Solid ST performer

 

[upstater1]

Bobby Grier for selecting Kevin Faulk.

It's got to be Faulk, hands down.

 

[patsox23]

I voted Faulk. People don't seem to fully grasp how HUGE a weapon he really is for this offense. Other than Troy and, at times, Branch, there's never been a more key player for Brady on 3rd down than Faulk. (I also think Vrabel gets a lot of credit - all deserved, I just don't think he's unheralded.)

Another good thought above from Weathers - David Patten. A huge figure, particularly in 2001.

 

[BB_dynasty]

I would say Faulk or Paxton

 

[PATSNUTme]

Forgot about Paxton. Long snappers are never appreciated or noticed- untilthey screw up- then they are gone.


Is that it? Only 7 players remain from the team that won SB XXXVI?

 

[zippo59]

I love Faulk (just look at the sig) and think he is very under appreciated but I have never seen a player who has been as big a staple of the team and as big a whipping boy at the same time as Matt Light has.

He is a true leader of the offenive line, he almost always steps up his game in the playoffs, and is one of the better run blocking LT in the league. He's been a starter on every Superbowl team and being entrusted with guarding Brady's blindside is no small task and he was rewarded with his first Pro Bowl last year.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Apparantly I have a reading disorder. From current players, yes, Faulk without question. Although Light and Paxton are solid choices.

Just the other day Reiss wrote about how he observed during a blitz-pickup, Faulk executing on perfect technique. I remember whe BB first got him he was on his case constantly. All he has done is improve on all aspects of his game and be a more-than-solid contributor to the team.

 

[Jacky Roberts]

Im going to go with Larry Izzo. He's gotten his credit with Pro Bowl appearances, but Pats fans don't hype up to him as they do others.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Forgot about Paxton. Long snappers are never appreciated or noticed- untilthey screw up- then they are gone.


Is that it? Only 7 players remain from the team that won SB XXXVI?

Are you limiting choices to those 2001 players still with the team today or are you asking about every player over the 2001-2006 period? If the former then Matt Light gets the nod, if the latter, you could probably build a team out of players who've come in, contributed, then moved on.

Edit: Whoops! I should have read the question twice!

For those trying to think of who remains from the 2001 squad:
Tom Brady
Troy Brown
Tedy Bruschi
Kevin Faulk
Matt Light
Lonie Paxton
Richard Seymour
Mike Vrabel

 

[JoeSixPat]

I'm not sure how Troy Brown doesn't get included in the Poll - While I'd be inclined to go with Vrabel for his key TDs and great D, especially in the 2001 SB that resulted in Ty Law's pick, as much as we love Troy I think he's always been underappreciated.

Look at his receiving stats in 2001 when he pretty much WAS the receiving corps, and even played RB for 11 carried for 8.3 yards a carry that season - not to mention his consistent production averaging about 40 passes a season from 2001-2006... and that's low in part to his willingness to give up stats to fill in the secondary when we needed him...

Not to mention that he actually played pretty well when we absolutely needed him to on Defense... not to mention his clutch third and fourth down plays... not to mention his special teams contributions, including the trusted "sure hands" guy as his speedster days moved behind him... not to mention his role as third string QB last year when we only carried 2 QBs...

And last but not least, keep in mind his stripping of a would be interception in the AFC Championship game against the Colts. If the team held on to win that game (one more first down would have done it) THAT's the play everyone's talking about as making the win possible, and putting us WELL in place to win our 4th SB ring in 6 years, cementing what should be an automatic place of honor for Troy in the Patriots Hall of Fame.

I'm sure there are aspects of Troy's contributions that I've forgotten... I really think without Troy on this team the word Patriots and Dynasty might not be used together. If people don't realize that, then he is SERIOUSLY underappreciated.

 

[reflexblue]

Kevin Faulk, he's extreamly versatal,and you never hear much about him. The new Dave Megget.

 

[italian pat patriot]

i voted for Kevin Faulk

 

[BAM!]

Faulk for me as well.

He gets SO much heat for fumbling and NEVER enough recognition for the HUGE plays he consistently makes every single season. There are many plays that directly impacted the recent SB fortunes of this franchise.

 

[Pats_Man1]

U already know, it gots to be Kevin Faulk!!!!!

 

[godef]

I voted Faulk. People don't seem to fully grasp how HUGE a weapon he really is for this offense. Other than Troy and, at times, Branch, there's never been a more key player for Brady on 3rd down than Faulk.

I agree about kevin Faulk. We always talk about, when bringing in new stars (Dillon, Moss, etc) how they can be just as effective as decoys in that opposing team's concern for these players enable other players to shine. Faulk has always, ALWAYS grabbed us key chunks of yards at crucial moments in games by being a counter to those stars. One of the most memorable were the huge gains he made int he final drive in Denver in 2003 (the safety game).

 

[fgssand]

Im going to go with Larry Izzo. He's gotten his credit with Pro Bowl appearances, but Pats fans don't hype up to him as they do others.

I started with Faulk and am staying there, I also thought about Vrable, but he has been appreciated - then I got thinking about Izzo and he is my #2.

Haven't seen the annual Izzo time has come post this summer.....I guess I am starting it. I hope he stays another year, he knows exactly where to be and how to do the ST job - Mr. Reliable.

 

[PATSNUTme]

Right the question was: Among the players who have been with the team from the 2001 season until now.

I didn't include Troy,Tedy, or Sey because I think they have been very appreciated over the years.

Vrabel has had some attention but seems to be forgotten at times versus his value. Kevin, IMO, has been a key player through out but under valued. Matt has also had some attention but has also been underappreciated considering he's protected Tom's blind side and has gone up againts the best players week after week.