I'll say it. I thought McCourty played well.

[RayClay]

You're a brave man.

Yes, McCourty covers but this year he isn't making a play for the ball, neither to intercept or knock it down. Seems like he's in position most of the time but has developed Butler's disease. Maybe he's hurt. Maybe it gets better and maybe it doesn't. Who knows but he does not seem to be the same guy as last year. Still a keeper IMO, for now.

Well, he is coming off a separated shoulder, but also, their were some good passes thrown. Just pointing out we seem to be victimized by the education of Slater in the regular defense (lots of dancing free in the colts game also).

 

[RayClay]

Yeah, thats what i thought i saw. Slater was out there because we had Ihedigbo down and needed the 3rd safety, and well, him or Sergio Brown?
I think part of the logic with Slater is that he is certain to be active, so lets get him some safety reps so we have more depth.
Once Chung is back, I dont think we see Slater on D unless there are many injuries.

He definitely was playing some with Indhedigbo, remember this was early when Stallworth caught the bomb. I'm assuming my 3-4 play sample was within his 28 snaps early.

I do think BB is trying lots of combinations so he can have a tool chest of options when Chung comes back. Just resigned Moore to the PS too.

I have a feeling Slater is a good practice player who gets nervous in games, that would jibe with his career as a fumbler who got lots better and even showed a bit at receiver.

If BB ends up with a couple decent starters and 7-8 guys on special teams, practice squad and shadow roster who have had a christening in our secondary, maybe that's the best we can hope for.

I wondered why they didn't try Molden at safety. He has good size and speed and doesn't cover well IMO. I wonder if he could do better with the play in front of him? Not like the bar for success could be much lower.

Chung, Jones, Inigbo, Moore? Slater as hybrid LB/safety, or Tracy White or Kourvides.

As disappointed as i am with the prospects there, I assume BB is using this time and the easier schedule to work on some wrinkles we'll only see later. Sure beats having a stiff like A.D. bring down an otherwise talented team with bad chemistry.

 

[ATippett56]

As disappointed as i am with the prospects there, I assume BB is using this time and the easier schedule to work on some wrinkles we'll only see later. Sure beats having a stiff like A.D. bring down an otherwise talented team with bad chemistry.

The New England Patriots defensive secondary misses James Sanders, someone who knows how to properly align the defensive backs.

 

[AzPatsFan]

Oh god, that drivel again.

Go and root for some 5-11 team... that had played down to where the injuries took them and they belong.

 

[supafly]

Go and root for some 5-11 team... that had played down to where the injuries took them and they belong.

AZ---I know this comment wasn't direct at me, and I agree that the poster you are referring to can be a bit on the negative side. I've already told you in the other thread that I agree that this team is exceeding what many others teams would do, and that should not be taken lightly, but why do you keep bringing up this injury factor stuff? You are pretty well convinced that we've somehow overcome some insane amount of injuries. I think it has a lot more to do with the talent on that side of the ball, than it does with injuries. I realize that they're not 100%, and are playing banged up, but at least we've escaped any serious injuries for the most part.

You are bringing up the injuries in the secondary? The secondary sucked when the year started.

I honestly don't see how it's any different than any other season in terms of injuries, but I will agree that Belichick has done a great job of coaching at the players that he has, and that's a good point. I'm just not getting the whole "injuries of numerous proportions thing," as the defense has been the same all year long. I don't think we can fairly and honestly blame injuries 100%.

I think in the end you are just trying to stick up for your team, and that is a very good quality to have...