The need for Gonzo is glaring..

[Real fan 02]

Hawkins is getting picked on in coverage, and still makes dumb decisions sometimes. I think Woodson's been fine-to-good, and he's played 2 NFL games. He's at least got room to grow.

Gotta love vrabes...

 

[Real fan 02]

It feels like something that Vrabel and Williams are probably going to just have to keep coaching them up in the secondary and allowing them to get better... Woodson is a rookie and is getting better each game.. Hawkins hasn't been what I'd say terrible but he's been around the ball alot. The spot teams are attacking is CB.. Davis holds his own.. but he can't do it all by himself. The team didn't plan for Gonzo to be out. It's a huge part of the defense missing. Gonzo presence allows for a defense to be much more exotic and multiple. Less explosive plays.

I think coverage issues go beyond one player… the back end of the defense is a mess. They’re riddled with mistakes, zones are porous, they’re behind every play. Gonzo will help, but this is a bigger problem.

They don’t know where they’re supposed to be, and it shows.

 

[Ring 6]

You have a good point 6... but we definitely miss Gonzo.. I like Austin.. however he's overmatched with hill or Waddle.. I don't understand why we cut DJ James..

No doubt Gonzo will make a huge difference but the safeties are poor.

 

[Real fan 02]

No doubt Gonzo will make a huge difference but the safeties are poor.

Agreed. Having the presence of gonzo allows for the defense to be more multiple and become exotic and less predictable. Vrabel is definitely addressing S in the draft for sure.

 

[Ring 6]

Agreed. Having the presence of gonzo allows for the defense to be more multiple and become exotic and less predictable. Vrabel is definitely addressing S in the draft for sure.

Or just gives them one less guy to torch us with, ideally taking away their best.

 

[Vindicate]

The backend needs better communication. There seems to be spotty zone discipline. It doesn't seem like they're getting beat in coverage, they just don't have anyone there.

 

[Ring 6]

The backend needs better communication. There seems to be spotty zone discipline. It doesn't seem like they're getting beat in coverage, they just don't have anyone there.

Im not sure it’s communication and not just ability.

 

[ralmat55]

I have a real concern over his durability.

I have real questions about his toughness and desire to actually play football rather than just get paid for it.

 

[Steve102]

Vrabel said today's its possible he is back this week. My Guess he is, it's been 8 weeks for a hamstring. Lets go already. Freaking Burrow is going to have surgery and will only be out one month more.

Not all surgeries are created equal. ACL/MCL is not the same as having your ingrown toenail removed and the root cauterized.

 

[Ring 6]

I have real questions about his toughness and desire to actually play football rather than just get paid for it.

I’m sure he is worried about your made up concerns with nothing to support them. Maybe you should write him a strongly worded letter.

 

[Real fan 02]

The backend needs better communication. There seems to be spotty zone discipline. It doesn't seem like they're getting beat in coverage, they just don't have anyone there.

It comes from unfamiliarartiy.. Woodson is a rookie and Hawkins was pressed into a starter role as he had a good camp.. Dugger and peppers were thought not to be a fit as we know... I'd expect them to get better and correct things as the season goes along.. there isn't anyone in FA that is probably better right now. They are just going to have to play better..

 

[Bill Lee]

Gotta love vrabes...

A lot different vibe than the story Phil Simms told about Bill Parcells telling a lineman who whiffed during a drill in practice "I have a plane ticket in my desk, don't make me give it to you"...

 

[Real fan 02]

Our Safeties and LBs suck in coverage. We all knew this (or should have) going into the season. This defense was always heavily reliant on the strong outside CB duo and inside pass rush enabling them to compensate for that schematically. So far they even have the added bonus of a potent outside pass rush because Landry has looked much better than he did last year in TEN. So getting Gonzo back will be a massive boost for sure, whenever that is.

Spillane and Ellis are down hill thumpers.. Spillane can cover better than Ellis.. however you typically don't want your LBs exposed in coverage you want your safeties to to that.. you want the LBs to take care of RBs and drop them for losses.. but your right on your overall post

 

[Real fan 02]

A lot different vibe than the story Phil Simms told about Bill Parcells telling a lineman who whiffed during a drill in practice "I have a plane ticket in my desk, don't make me give it to you"...

Vrabel in my opinion is a mix of Bill, Parcells.. he is the type of coach that can relate to his players and still coach them hard and hold them accountable..

 

[TommyD4207]

It comes from unfamiliarartiy.. Woodson is a rookie and Hawkins was pressed into a starter role as he had a good camp.. Dugger and peppers were thought not to be a fit as we know... I'd expect them to get better and correct things as the season goes along.. there isn't anyone in FA that is probably better right now. They are just going to have to play better..

I will not cry in the slightest if the Patriots end up with Caleb Downs as their first round pick next year.

I guess I just see this as a really incomplete team, and I don't expect them to be good, but I can see how a couple more additions in some key areas *next* year, and you might actually have something resembling a contender.

I have to remember some people legitimately see this current team as a playoff team when I see some things written here.

 

[Real fan 02]

I will not cry in the slightest if the Patriots end up with Caleb Downs as their first round pick next year.

I guess I just see this as a really incomplete team, and I don't expect them to be good, but I can see how a couple more additions in some key areas *next* year, and you might actually have something resembling a contender.

I have to remember some people legitimately see this current team as a playoff team when I see some things written here.

You make a good point. The roster is still lacking in areas as we know. However the overall "structure " and direction of the team under Vrabel is what gives me optimism. This team this season is going to go as far as Drake takes them.. a roster still lacking with solid QB play could have them sniffing the play offs.. for example in Buffalos roster they don't have any what you would call play makers outside cook offensively and thier defense has no real difference makers.. Allen is the main reason they are a force in the AFC

 

[farn]

Or just gives them one less guy to torch us with, ideally taking away their best.

*tourch

 

[mgteich]

Some folks thought that going into camp there were two major weaknesses: LG and backup CB.

This hasn't changed. At least, Vrabel tried with regard to LG. he had SIX OG's coming into camp, but none made the 53.

Many here whined and cried that we need a CB to compete with Austin for reps, especially given that Jones wasn't often injured. Poster thought that James was the answer and that Dial or Bolden was our #6 CB/STer. When this was brought up for discussion, we were told to trust Vrabel and that he certainly must have a plan, Well, James was found wanting and much worse than Austin. Bolden and Dial are gone (Dial on IR) and our NUMBER ONE deficiency is that lack of a backupo comer to compete with Austin for reps (and perhaps back up Jones).

 

[Ring 6]

*tourch

Lol
Speaking of the tourch it’s looking like Mahomeboy will be stuck on his currrent less than half as many indefinitely.

 

[farn]

Lol
Speaking of the tourch it’s looking like Mahomeboy will be stuck on his currrent less than half as many indefinitely.

VG qb. And he’s been very successful in the league. But while TB was able to win with excellent D and not much more, it doesn’t look like Mahomes can continue that trend. His D is very very good. Yet, they are 0-2.

Back on topic : while Gonzo doesn’t cure all, his return to the active roster would likely make a positive difference. And I hope it will happen before long, as I’m pretty tired of Austin as a starter.