Now we’re talking! Patriots sign S Adrian Phillips

Conclusion from Greg Bedard's longer article:

"Parting thoughts

If I knew my team had to go through the Ravens and Chiefs in the AFC and I could pick one player to help me against those teams, it just might be Adrian Phillips. He was outstanding in his last two matchups with those teams and should be a huge asset, especially, against the Ravens. Nothing against Chung, who is very good when healthy, but Phillips’ mind makes him a next-level asset in the box against the RPO of the Ravens against Lamar Jackson. You won’t see him carrying a player who doesn’t have the ball unless he’s totally fooled, I can tell you that much.

Even on film, Phillips shows a thorough knowledge of the 10 other spots in his defensive scheme, and is a leader who makes a lot of checks. Phillips also does his homework and may know the opposing offensive scheme better than some of his coaches.

Unless injuries become a factor, Phillips should take his career to another level with the Patriots and will be a huge bargain at $6 million over two years."

BSJ Scouting Report: Adrian Phillips' next-level smarts should be perfect Patriots fit, asset vs. Ravens, Chiefs | Boston Sports Journal

Finally some talent on Defense, especially our secondary. I was getting worried.

mgteich said:

So, your suggestion is that increasing Bentley's reps will make up for not having Collins, Van Noy, Roberts and Calhoun? And that Fat Thor , Guy and Butler are all that we need at DT?

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Make up for not having Collins, Van Noy and Calhoun maybe. No one could replace the impact of Elandon Roberts. Don't believe me? Just ask @ashley1992

bormio said:

The last SD safety to come here did OK

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Did they take Phillips to Ground Round also?? Or do take out???

maust1013 said:

Make up for not having Collins, Van Noy and Calhoun maybe. No one could replace the impact of Elandon Roberts. Don't believe me? Just ask @ashley1992

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Copeland is the replacement for Roberts.

mgteich said:

Copeland is the replacement for Roberts.

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Great...

...but who's going to replace Collins & the Boogerman?

captain stone said:

Great...

...but who's going to replace Collins & the Boogerman?

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your posts should be labeled "diversion"

captain stone said:

Great...

...but who's going to replace Collins & the Boogerman?

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ILB is our #1 defensive need. DT is #2.

And yes, we could use a stud pass-rusher. Everyone could.

mgteich said:

ILB is our #1 defensive need. DT is #2.

And yes, we could use a stud pass-rusher. Everyone could.

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Are we playing a 3-4 or 4-3 this upcoming season?

Ochmed Jones said:

Are we playing a 3-4 or 4-3 this upcoming season?

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Some of both, as is always the case

However, personally, I always want to have 3 biggies.

mgteich said:

Some of both, as is always the case

However, personally, I always want to have 3 biggies.

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Are the three biggies cowart, guy and Allen?

Ochmed Jones said:

Are the three biggies cowart, guy and Allen?

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Perhaps that is true as of now. I'm not sure that Cowart is really a big DT. We'll see how much improves, and if that is his role. I suspect that Bill will add another for competition. If not, then Cowart is his man (as he technically was last year). I had wanted another biggie as part of the 53. Bill said "no; we have Cowart".

mgteich said:

Copeland is the replacement for Roberts.

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How so? Copeland is an edge rushing OLB and Roberts is an off ball, mostly run support ILB.

maust1013 said:

Make up for not having Collins, Van Noy and Calhoun maybe. No one could replace the impact of Elandon Roberts. Don't believe me? Just ask @ashley1992

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Why are people even bringing up Calhoun? I have no memory of him being involved in our defense after the first game. I think there was an injury in there somewhere but still...we got him for very cheap last offseason for a reason.

I have the tingly feeling that our base defense next year may be the big nickel. We have a lot of size in our secondary. I know Vader has failed with this defense before but tt's the type of defense that can stop both the Ravens and the Chiefs. We may need only one more linebacker.

Elijah said:

How so? Copeland is an edge rushing OLB and Roberts is an off ball, mostly run support ILB.

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my bad

As I have stated a dozen times already I believe that our #1, #2 and #3 needs on defense are up the middle: DT's and ILB's. We still have that need.

I guess that we should consider Copeland a roster "replacement" for Calhoun. (or is that Davis? or Rivers?) (or does it really matter much)? Copeland is a reasonable camp body likely competing with rookies. for the 55 man roster.
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In any case, I agree that we still need ILB's and DT's.

Elijah said:

Why are people even bringing up Calhoun? I have no memory of him being involved in our defense after the first game. I think there was an injury in there somewhere but still...we got him for very cheap last offseason for a reason.

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Calhoun made at least one big-time whiff of Fitz during Weak 17 that I recall, and "made" a couple of other whiffs during the season...very disappointing...that's why coffee is for Closers...

instant upgrade already!!

mgteich said:

Copeland is the replacement for Roberts.

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