McCourty played 97% of the D-snaps.
Chung played 88%.
Harmon played 66%.
The math supports you.
It also implies that the "Big Nickel" was the Pats default alignment for 2017.
Yeh. How did that work out?
Interesting to see what kind of Defense Flores installs or is it same old ("sacks are not really important and a ton of yards but not points defense") that caught up to us in SB52. Does anyone disagree that it might be time to change gears on that?
My point is wampum or trade capitol. We need an infuse of talent especially on the D. Our middle of the D Line is mediocre at best. Our LB corps ROTS. We have some talent in the back end when they get it together, but need to replace Butler. We need upgrades. Who can the Patriots trade that might be redundant?
Chung is kind of a LB/S/Slot CB so he is more valuable.
McCourty was a CB. At 5'10" and 186 lbs, he might be the smallest safety in the NFL. He'll be 31 this summer. Could the 6'1" 204lb Eric Rowe convert to McCourty's job and still start Harmon at FS?
Cousins, the help we need is not coming from top tier FAs. We will be scrapping the 2nd and 3rd tier. That means slightly older or rehabbing talent.
In the middle of the Draft where we always are, looking at a kid like Flowers or even our luck with UDFA like Butler, Andrews and Jones, the Draft help takes a few years to blossom (Time vs. Tom). The blue chippers in the first round are drafted to be starters. The Saints took our pick for Ryan Ramczyk, and the Drafted Lattimore which were two key players on their sudden play-off Team.
So my theory is, I see not much help on the FA market other than a full court press for Zach Brown , the rehabbing Trent Murphy (a younger rehabbing Murphy could replace our rehabbing Hightower who will not play 16 this year as a given) and perhaps a Talib if he is let go.
This year's Draft is intriguing in positions we need. How do we move up or if not, create CAP space to secure at least one top FA,........ say an Ansah?
Thought? Would you trade Hightower and McCourty to Matt P and the Lions for their first round pick (number 20) if they would do that? Upgrade for the Lions and trusted disciples for Matt P.
CAP savings and a first rounder BB could take or trade.
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