Thread for two unlikely heroes: Bolden & Freeny

[long distance]

Two unsung heroes still remain of the historic TNF. Not marquee heroes but still - I think that both
Brandon Bolden and Jonathan Freeny deserve a special mention too.

Freeny stepped up somewhat already vs Dolphins and he build on that vs Texans. He looks more decisive, confident. Maybe the extension has something to do with it. Of course new D as well. High was missed - but not painfully.

It goes without saying they are both UDFAs.
I was in the cut them camp myself this preseason (like basically everyone here).
So here's my chapeau to them (and their coaches):




RB BRANDON BOLDEN FORCED THIRD FUMBLE ON A KICKOFF
RB Brandon Bolden forced a fumble on a first quarter kickoff that was recovered by S Duron Harmon at the 22-yard line. It is Bolden’s third forced fumble on a kickoff.
He forced a fumble on a kickoff vs. Cincinnati (10/5/14) that was returned 9-yards for a touchdown by DB Kyle Arrington. He also forced a fumble on a kickoff at the New York Giants (11/15/15).


so its not like BB is keeping him only for his initials ...

 

[Tunescribe]

Freeny's performance has been pretty average in a reserve role; he's not a starting-caliber MLB. He occasionally will make a play but routinely gets pushed around, making his tackles after gains. Hightower is an impact player whose presence is missed.

 

[Nikolai]

He's no Hightower, but I thought Freeny was a lot better Thursday night. Mind you, I didn't do a formal film review, but according to the eyeball test, he was pretty active in the play.

 

[patsfan13]

Bolden is' cut' by the fans every preseason, there is a reason BB keeps him on the squad.

 

[Froob]

Did the same Texan fumble the kickoff twice or was that another guy?

 

[pats_premi]

I think Freeny is the Matt Chatham of the 2016 team. He can fill some specific role if there is no other options available. He sucked at the rushing the passer against the Dolphins, and he was adequate in pass coverage against the Texan.

I think the biggest difference against the Texans was inside pass rush by Anthony Johnson.

 

[RobertWeathers]

Freeny is a fine role player but when he needs to play for long stretches is exposed.

 

[RobertWeathers]

I think Freeny is the Matt Chatham of the 2016 team. He can fill some specific role if there is no other options available. He sucked at the rushing the passer against the Dolphins, and he was adequate in pass coverage against the Texan.

I think the biggest difference against the Texans was inside pass rush by Anthony Johnson.

He played very well on Thursday night.

 

[VrabelJr]

Freeny is no Gary Guyton, and for that we should all be thankful.

 

[captain stone]

Jonny Freeny is easily - very easily - replaceable.

 

[chasa]

bolden is right up there with lawfirm as a player that doesn't get enough love.

Lawfirm was my favorite RB during his stay(he outclassed riddley and i dont care what anyone says)

Bolden is the perfect BB player, and a wonderful patriot.

 

[NG Pats Fan]

Why did we let jonathon Casillas go again? We could have had him for only slightly more than freeney. He's currently the captain of the Giants D

 

[meatface]

Did the same Texan fumble the kickoff twice or was that another guy?

it was not the same guy both times

 

[meatface]

Why did we let jonathon Casillas go again? We could have had him for only slightly more than freeney. He's currently the captain of the Giants D

hind sight is 20/20, he didnt really stand out here

 

[Fencer]

I was in the cut them camp myself this preseason (like basically everyone here).

You exaggerate, at least in the case of Bolden, but good for you for reversing your view.

Looking @ the current roster by position... is a roster thread from May. There was considerable support for Bolden.

BB on Bolden, a Bolden-specific thread from 2015, was also quite favorable.

 

[Sciz]

Why did we let jonathon Casillas go again? We could have had him for only slightly more than freeney. He's currently the captain of the Giants D

I think it's just the size thing again. Casillas apparently does a bunch of stuff well if he's a starter and captain, but he's also listed 28 pounds lighter than Freeny. Belichick appears to be perfectly fine with ignoring the forum's calls for a "coverage linebacker" and just using Chung in that role instead.


On the topic of Bolden...it wouldn't surprise me if he's the next guy to be extended, but I think there's also a chance they try to replace him with Benny Cunningham from the Rams when both are free agents this offseason. They're very similar players, but I wonder if the team might see a little extra value in Cunningham's kick return ability.