The need for Gonzo is glaring..

[maust]

*tourch

 

[maust]

I will not cry in the slightest if the Patriots end up with Caleb Downs as their first round pick next year.

I guess I just see this as a really incomplete team, and I don't expect them to be good, but I can see how a couple more additions in some key areas *next* year, and you might actually have something resembling a contender.

I have to remember some people legitimately see this current team as a playoff team when I see some things written here.

I too see this as an incomplete team, we are viewing the early stages of a work in progress and there's a lot of damn progress that needs making. That said, the 2nd tier of the AFC is far from impressive which puts the Pats and their soft schedule in position to maybe become playoff fodder. Do I see it happening? Not really, I'd call it a puncher's chance just to get there. A 7-9 win season isn't unrealistic based on their opposition, subject to change without notice. The high side of that win total could get them in the playoffs. It just won't be for long. Anyone who sees them as a legit playoff team as of right now is smokin' some rare bud

 

[UGAPatsfan]

I will not cry in the slightest if the Patriots end up with Caleb Downs as their first round pick next year.

I guess I just see this as a really incomplete team, and I don't expect them to be good, but I can see how a couple more additions in some key areas *next* year, and you might actually have something resembling a contender.

I have to remember some people legitimately see this current team as a playoff team when I see some things written here.

Caleb went to our HS. Lead them to a state title.

Was like watching a man play vs children.

Though there were some other D1 studs on that O-line and D-line.

He’s a good kid.

 

[jimnance]

Cmon. didn't any of you ever play any sports?
Hammies are very tricky. Easy to get reinjured. Better to make sure it's 100% than to risk reinjuring and being out for months.
I don't care how long it takes. Wait til he's 100%. There are a lot of injuries a cb can play with at 90%. Hammy is not one of those. Bad hammy, can't back.pedal among other things.
I love how all these pencil pushers are so quick to label athletes as soft when they get injured. Maybe get a little more knowledgeable on the subject before you shoot your mouth off. Sorry for the rant,y'all. But be better.

 

[Real fan 02]

Some folks thought that going into camp there were two major weaknesses: LG and backup CB.

This hasn't changed. At least, Vrabel tried with regard to LG. he had SIX OG's coming into camp, but none made the 53.

Many here whined and cried that we need a CB to compete with Austin for reps, especially given that Jones wasn't often injured. Poster thought that James was the answer and that Dial or Bolden was our #6 CB/STer. When this was brought up for discussion, we were told to trust Vrabel and that he certainly must have a plan, Well, James was found wanting and much worse than Austin. Bolden and Dial are gone (Dial on IR) and our NUMBER ONE deficiency is that lack of a backupo comer to compete with Austin for reps (and perhaps back up Jones).

Why DJ James was released is a head scratching move to me...

 

[Real fan 02]

Some folks thought that going into camp there were two major weaknesses: LG and backup CB.

This hasn't changed. At least, Vrabel tried with regard to LG. he had SIX OG's coming into camp, but none made the 53.

Many here whined and cried that we need a CB to compete with Austin for reps, especially given that Jones wasn't often injured. Poster thought that James was the answer and that Dial or Bolden was our #6 CB/STer. When this was brought up for discussion, we were told to trust Vrabel and that he certainly must have a plan, Well, James was found wanting and much worse than Austin. Bolden and Dial are gone (Dial on IR) and our NUMBER ONE deficiency is that lack of a backupo comer to compete with Austin for reps (and perhaps back up Jones).

This poster thought that with the thinking an all pro would be available so every one else slots in thier respective positions on the depth chart.. this poster had said we should have been in on jaire Alexander or another veteran.. now without gonzo we are seeing the deficiency at cb depth.. for all things considered the OL has actually been pretty solid through 2 games. However on the secondary you remove 3 starters from last season.. Gonzo, peppers and Dugger and what you see is what you get. I expect us to draft a S to play next to Woodson or sign one in FA.. there's no viable option in FA currently so guys are going to have to step thier games up.

 

[KCSVEN]

Of course, having a pro bowl caliber true shutdown CB will be a major help. You'd have Gonzo, Barmore and Williams playing at pro bowl level, that's 2 more than last year. Against Miami they had to play a deep safety or 2 every play, with Gonzo they could have had him on Hill, which made those deep in and out holes in the zone defense go away.

However, the main issue is Linebackers in coverage. They are terrible, zone or man. Not sure how they fix that Gonzo or no.

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

However, the main issue is Linebackers in coverage. They are terrible, zone or man. Not sure how they fix that Gonzo or no.

Bingo. Great post because we have to address the main issue. The only short term fix I know is Mapu or Duggar. I don't know if Duggar is the same guy physically. Mapu got some playing time last game, I assume they are working Mapu into the lineup as a LB (he previously was a safety).

 

[Gumby]

Why DJ James was released is a head scratching move to me...

I just checked and couldn’t find any team that had even signed him to their PS. NFL.com says status = “Cut”.

You may be scratching your head but apparently 31 GMs + Vrabel-Wolf aren’t interested.

 

[Real fan 02]

I just checked and couldn’t find any team that had even signed him to their PS. NFL.com says status = “Cut”.

You may be scratching your head but apparently 31 GMs + Vrabel-Wolf aren’t interested.

Thanks for that intel gumby.. going back to last off season I've been pounding the table for us to have gotten at least another proven veteran at CB. Yes the addition of Davis was great. However we still could have used another CB.. I think what transpired is during camp there was alot of depth.. dial, DJ James, Austin as depth guys. Obviously Gonzo wasn't hurt. This is what has adversely impacted coverage..

 

[Real fan 02]

Of course, having a pro bowl caliber true shutdown CB will be a major help. You'd have Gonzo, Barmore and Williams playing at pro bowl level, that's 2 more than last year. Against Miami they had to play a deep safety or 2 every play, with Gonzo they could have had him on Hill, which made those deep in and out holes in the zone defense go away.

However, the main issue is Linebackers in coverage. They are terrible, zone or man. Not sure how they fix that Gonzo or no.

What simply the presence of gonzo does for a defense and how an opposing OC has to call plays can't be more significant.. we can talk about LBs in coverage, safeties.. but the issue is not having Gonzo.. everyone now has to play beyond thier talent scope. He at the very least takes away half the field and could allow the defense could have more solves for thier deficiency in other areas. Fred Warner or Ray Lewis in his prime or any all pro MLB you can think of cannot cover a RB like acahne with 4.2 speed...

 

[Real fan 02]

Bingo. Great post because we have to address the main issue. The only short term fix I know is Mapu or Duggar. I don't know if Duggar is the same guy physically. Mapu got some playing time last game, I assume they are working Mapu into the lineup as a LB (he previously was a safety).

I do like Marty being inserted more.. Ellis is a down hill LB.. I like Marty's versatility and ball skills.. he should be playing more...

 

[One-If-By-Sea]

Thanks for that intel gumby.. going back to last off season I've been pounding the table for us to have gotten at least another proven veteran at CB. Yes the addition of Davis was great. However we still could have used another CB.. I think what transpired is during camp there was alot of depth.. dial, DJ James, Austin as depth guys. Obviously Gonzo wasn't hurt. This is what has adversely impacted coverage..

Last game the LBs on the RBs was the worse coverage faux pas. If Achane does not step out of bounds that is two TDs by "LBs on RBs".

 

[sb1]

I too see this as an incomplete team, we are viewing the early stages of a work in progress and there's a lot of damn progress that needs making. That said, the 2nd tier of the AFC is far from impressive which puts the Pats and their soft schedule in position to maybe become playoff fodder. Do I see it happening? Not really, I'd call it a puncher's chance just to get there. A 7-9 win season isn't unrealistic based on their opposition, subject to change without notice. The high side of that win total could get them in the playoffs. It just won't be for long. Anyone who sees them as a legit playoff team as of right now is smokin' some rare bud

That's where I'm at as well. 7-8 wins and hopefully the arrow pointing up and the window starts to open again. More games from Maye like on Sunday will help.

 

[Real fan 02]

Last game the LBs on the RBs was the worse coverage faux pas. If Achane does not step out of bounds that is two TDs by "LBs on RBs".

Agreed. Your right on that assessment. Was just making a point that a RB like achane surrounded by 2 guys on the outside with elite speed is going to be a tall task for even the likes of a prime ray Lewis, or Fred Warner to handle in space. Ideally you'd like the safeties or someone like Marty to handle that assignment..

 

[Real fan 02]

That's where I'm at as well. 7-8 wins and hopefully the arrow pointing up and the window starts to open again. More games from Maye like on Sunday will help.

The way the AFC is taking shape this is going to likely be a year The Patriots can put themselves in a good position to be in the hunt for a play off spot.

Here me out.. the Texans definitely have taken a step back, the chiefs will get right but they took a step back, Burrow is out for the season.. Denver nix hasn't improved, the chargers, Buffalo, Baltimore are the upper echelon afc teams.

We need to stack up wins especially at home. I've accepted that the secondary minus gonzo are going to give up plays.. this team will go as far as Drake takes it..

 

[JoeSixPat]

I expect he'll be back for the Buffalo game, but whether Gonzales is out there or not, if the team doesn't tackle, he's not going to make a difference.

It might be wise for him to just get out on the field for a few snaps against Pittsburgh though. Vrabel seems to be leaving that door open to him.

He's putting his health and next contract first and foremost by sitting for now, but knows there comes a time to show what he can do.

When NFL owners are doing anything they can to profit from the players, I don't have any qualm with a player like Gonzales doing the same for himself.

 

[Gumby]

Thanks for that intel gumby.. going back to last off season I've been pounding the table for us to have gotten at least another proven veteran at CB. Yes the addition of Davis was great. However we still could have used another CB.. I think what transpired is during camp there was alot of depth.. dial, DJ James, Austin as depth guys. Obviously Gonzo wasn't hurt. This is what has adversely impacted coverage..

While looking to see if anyone grabbed him; I saw his draft report briefly from his 6th rnd selection by seahags.
Mensurables seemed ok.
I can’t see most TC or preseason games, so have no opinion how he looked, but that no one grabbed him in this CB needy world; either he has a shadow roster promise (turning down other ps offers) & is hanging out sweeping floors or no one interested.

 

[BennyBledsoe]

I don't think he's soft. I would just class him as unreliable. If you create your whole gameplan around having him available, you're inevitably going to be let down.

 

[Zuma]