NFP Diner Morning News: Lombardi - Pats load up on defense

[MoLewisrocks]

I tend to value Mike more for who he knows than what he knows, but some interesting observations including about Burgess and his potential here based on Mike was with him in Oakland. He also states that Carter is still a possibility, and he rates that at 80% chance.

If he’s healthy, Burgess is a top-flight pass rusher. He can race the corner, but he also has the ability to play with power and push back soft-setting tackles. Even though he’s not very big in terms of girth, Burgess can play big in the pass-rush game and will fit in well with the Patriots’ nickel schemes. Will he have a role on first or second down in base? Probably not, but he’ll be a huge part of their nickel packages. And based on the skill level of their offense and their scoring potential, they might be in their nickel defense quite often.

Diner morning news: Pats load up on defense | National Football Post

 

[captain stone]

I agree with your take on Lombardi; his stints as personnel chief were not very successful. But I do agree with his take on Burgess. His ability to play in space, however, is a mystery, and will perhaps ultimately determine how often he plays in non-passing situations.