James Sanders downgraded to OUT

[mgteich]

1) I think that Butler gets more reps. That gives us six defensive backs for the dime, even without Wheatley, who would be fine in the dime.

2) I don't know why Springs would play any safety unless one of the starters is injured.

3) One question is the health of Wilhite.

4) In any case, Chung is our #9 defensive back as far as the dime. Even with two out, that leaves him with relatively few reps as the #7 active DB on the depth charts. If someone has an opportunity, I expect that player to be Wheatley.

BOTTOM LINE
With Sanders out, we have six solid defensive backs.
With Sanders and Wilhite out, we have five solid defensive backs plus Wheatley.

We've been playing a lot of dime coverage, where Bodden, Wilhite, and Springs were the corners and Merriweather, McGowan, and Sanders at safety (or hybrid LB/S). Wonder if we'll see more nickel with AD and Guyton at LB (instead of AD putting a hand down on the line) or whether Butler will be getting more reps this week. His performance on the most critical plays of the game last week probably went a long way toward earning BB's trust.

 

[mayoclinic]

Agree. Also, BB probably realizes that Josh knows fully well the weaknesses of Sanders and could exploit him. Go Pats. :singing:

With all the talk about McDaniels knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the Pats, almost the entire starting secondary (except for Meriweather) is new along with almost half of the defensive roster (Brace, Pryor, Sands on DL; Burgess, Banta-Cain and Ninkovich on LB; and McGowan, Chung, Bodden, Springs and Butler at DB, or 11/25 guys), not to mention new roles for guys like Mike Wright and Gary Guyton.

 

[mgteich]

If we lose this game, it will not be because Denver's great offense, with its great OC, beats our defense. The ball is in the hands of our offense. Brady is 1-5 againist Denver, with something to prove.

With all the talk about McDaniels knowing the strengths and weaknesses of the Pats, almost the entire starting secondary (except for Meriweather) is new along with almost half of the defensive roster (Brace, Pryor, Sands on DL; Burgess, Banta-Cain and Ninkovich on LB; and McGowan, Chung, Bodden, Springs and Butler at DB, or 11/25 guys), not to mention new roles for guys like Mike Wright and Gary Guyton.

 

[Pats726]

Sanders out as well.....

Just saw that so...will that mean Springs will play some safety OR???

 

[DarrylS]

Re: Sanders out as well.....

McGowan, Chung???

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Re: Sanders out as well.....

Just saw that so...will that mean Springs will play some safety OR???

Why? Not like Sanders was starting. His backup role will be filled by Chung.

 

[muzz]

Re: Sanders out as well.....

My neighbors will like that, there is sure to be less yelling going on here.

 

[SeanBruschi54]

Re: Sanders out as well.....

Its been all McGowan and Butler so why would they change from that now unless they feel moving Chung to cover Stokely or something.