with all due respect, how can you say he lacks leadership without being in the lockeroom?
I can certainly understand what you're saying, but there have been a ton of character concerns with Spikes from his suspension in the NCAA's for attempting to gouge someone's eyes out on the field, to his suspension in the NFL for the PED issue. He also had the exposing himself on Chat Roulette issue, along with the porno tape and many stupid comments that don't really lead one to believe he's the brightest bulb on the Christmas tree.
Those issues aren't really as concerning to me as the injury issues that plagued him in the NCAA and throughout the 2010 and 2011 seasons (has started 28 of 48 games here so far), and the questionable decisions that he's made such as choosing to be the only player not to attend offseason workouts with the rest of his teammates. To me, these things do not exactly scream "leader" or point to the typical kind of player that Belichick and Kraft tend to sign to those bigger 2nd term pacts.
I'd say spikes is underated on this forum. most people would jump for joy if he got us a 5th round pick. guy could easily be the dif between a first round exit and a super bowl. remeber the fumble vs arizona, the pick in the 2011-12 afccg? or the hard hit on freddie jackson last season?
I don't think he's "underrated" on this forum, but I can respect your opinion. If he is able to play more like his end of year run in 2011 that lasted into last season of 2012, then he's going to be in fine shape to add as a run stopping LB for some team who overpays next spring. If he plays like he did in 2010 and most of 2011, then it's a different issue altogether.
His talents are obvious, as he brings a great run stopping ability to the field with him. Unfortunately he's only a 2 down player and has weaknesses that do not equate for the kind of 3 down LB that is often needed in today's NFL. He is very slow and is taken advantage of when the opposition properly plans against him, taking advantage of his poor pass coverage skills.
That said, I would still love to see him retained at a fair price--but my concern is that Belichick will not agree with the value that he and his agent think he's worth. I'm personally not expecting him to return but would love to be wrong.
