Meet Our Free Safety

[Wozzy]

Agreed. Schooler has had the chance to pay some dues playing STs the past couple of years. I was wondering if he might get a chance to play some D, especially now with a new regime running the show. This thread started with the suggestion Hawkins might be acquired to fill a need at safety, but could it instead be Schooler? Something to watch for in camp.

I think the new regime will still want to retain a captain on special teams and continue to treat it as that third phase... if they're smart anyways. Schooler was tapped by Slater and BB as the next guy, and he's a lot like Slater or Cody Davis. He was a great athlete who played primarily special teams in college and created his own niche. But make no mistake, these guy's athleticism and measurables were great, they're serious athletes... they just focused on special teams.

The team may want Schooler to play more defense, but they're pretty deep at SS with Duggar, Peppers and with Mapu carrying some of that load at weak side linebacker. Hawkins is that not so great athlete but good special teams player, he isn't doing much beyond special teams. Assuming health Duggar and Peppers will be max snaps guys and we won't have to worry about the third strong safety much, one of the corners probably Wade will play free safety.

 

[Zuma]

Agreed. Schooler has had the chance to pay some dues playing STs the past couple of years. I was wondering if he might get a chance to play some D, especially now with a new regime running the show. This thread started with the suggestion Hawkins might be acquired to fill a need at safety, but could it instead be Schooler? Something to watch for in camp.

It can’t hurt to try Schooler at FS.

 

[TheRainMaker]

His issue was about money, I heard this from him directly at a cafe bar on Miami Beach. He was hanging out there with Ty Law that offseason and I bought the three of us some tequila shots.

Was he shocked Bill approached him right before the season began? Did he think he had the intention of playing along side Harrison?

 

[Stu Pidassle]

His issue was about money, I heard this from him directly at a cafe bar on Miami Beach. He was hanging out there with Ty Law that offseason and I bought the three of us some tequila shots.

Totally agree, I am just saying that the squabble was on going leading up to BB deciding it was time to move on.

 

[captain stone]

Agreed. Schooler has had the chance to pay some dues playing STs the past couple of years. I was wondering if he might get a chance to play some D, especially now with a new regime running the show. This thread started with the suggestion Hawkins might be acquired to fill a need at safety, but could it instead be Schooler? Something to watch for in camp.

We heard the same crap for years about that Ohio State rugby player too...

 

[captain stone]

I like Schooler and most likely Bolden and Dial on ST. The way the S group looks Mapu will need to make his mark on ST to make this roster.
my early roster take in the defensive backfield;
CB-Gonzo/Jones/Jones/Austen/Bolden/Dial
S-Dugger/Peppers/Hawkins/Schooler
fighting for the last 2 spots-Wade, Wilson, Mapu, Bledsoe

Marty McPoo's a defender of the Flats, not of the deep middle.

 

[captain stone]

It can’t hurt to try Schooler at FS.

Ummm... Yes it can.

 

[mgteich]

Was he shocked Bill approached him right before the season began? Did he think he had the intention of playing along side Harrison?

you mean like playing Peppers and Dugger as we have done?

Harrison was NOT a guaranteed super star when we signed him.
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Yes, with Milloy it was about money. Bill wanted him to play for less. And Bill didn't let anyone defy him. Bill could have worked it out for a couple of million.
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But then is then and now is now.

NOW, the team has NOT asked anyone to sign a contract for less than market value. And they won't for Godchaux.

Obviously, many folks here will object to any contract as being too high, as they did for Onwenu, Dugger, and Stevenson.
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My bottom line is that they may or may not come to an agreement, but it won't be because the team has decided not to pay. The question is how important is to have an excellent 330 pound consistent and productive starter. Maybe 330 run stoppers don't fit our Defense anymore. Personally, I think there is room for a run stopper, Godchaux or someone else.

 

[Zuma]

Ummm... Yes it can.

ST players that can contribute on offense or defense…it’s not a bad thing.

 

[captain stone]

ST players that can contribute on offense or defense…it’s not a bad thing.

But he doesn't, won't, and Never will.

 

[mgteich]

ST players that can contribute on offense or defense…it’s not a bad thing.

Yup, he is star quality Ster.

That is not a reason to make believe that he belongs on the field as a safety. As was the case with Slater, I don't even list Schooler as a safety.

 

[captain stone]

Yup, he is star quality Ster.

That is not a reason to make believe that he belongs on the field as a safety. As was the case with Slater, I don't even list Schooler as a safety.

Yep, and neither does the PatsPicker:

PatsPicker Patriots Roster Prediction Tool

Make your predictions on who will make the final Patriots 53 man roster with our roster cutdown tool.

www.patsfans.com

 

[Zuma]

Yup, he is star quality Ster.

That is not a reason to make believe that he belongs on the field as a safety. As was the case with Slater, I don't even list Schooler as a safety.

I agree he’s a high quality gunner on ST. He also has the physical ability to play deep FS when needed. My reasoning is not based on what what he has done on ST. ST skills don’t have to equate to offense or defensive skill….but having physical talent does.

 

[n1997y]

Another veteran safety enters the conversation…

Sign the beast?

Former three-time Super Bowl champ would love a return to New England

 

[mgteich]

Another veteran safety enters the conversation…

Sign the beast?

Former three-time Super Bowl champ would love a return to New England

I suspect that the team would do better in the secondary for the next two years with Harmon and Bethel replacing two of Wade, Wilson, Austin and Bolden.

 

[Wozzy]

Was he shocked Bill approached him right before the season began? Did he think he had the intention of playing along side Harrison?

I said BB was the smartest guy in the NFL and he should find a way to make it work. Milloy said something about Bill Parcells inferring he was the smartest…

I told him how Parcells had a 500 record on both teams he had coached to that point until BB became his defensive coordinator, and within one season both teams were in the Super Bowl. Ty Law just nodded in agreement as if he told him the same thing at some point.

Milloy said “yeah, but he’s f-ing with my money.” It was definitely about money, Rodney took a little less.

 

[Wozzy]

Totally agree, I am just saying that the squabble was on going leading up to BB deciding it was time to move on.

He waited right up until the season was about to start, he couldn’t have waited any longer.

 

[captain stone]

Another veteran safety enters the conversation…

Sign the beast?

Former three-time Super Bowl champ would love a return to New England

I was a little surprised & disappointed that this didn't happen last season with either Harmon or Logan Ryan.

 

[n1997y]

I suspect that the team would do better in the secondary for the next two years with Harmon and Bethel replacing two of Wade, Wilson, Austin and Bolden.

I don’t think so. You want two guys past their best-by dates and on a descending arc to replace two comparably talented youngsters who are still on an ascending arc. I see no way that results in better play now or next year.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

It can’t hurt to try Schooler at FS.

Of course it can hurt.