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- Jun 12, 2006
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We need more speed at ILB. Tedy, Vrabs, and Seau are all wonderful, but we were half a step behind TEs and WRs over the middle all season. TEs are getting faster every year.
Despite AD's versatility, he played the vast majority of his snaps at OLB. Will he assume Willie's old position, which both Colvin and Vrabs have played of late? Or will they put him in Tedy's old roving ILB role? I could see that too! I'm confused.
Vrabs isn't getting any faster, so moving him to ILB leaves us vulnerable in the middle, IMHO. He's such a good edge setter and rusher, I'd guess they try to keep Vrabs on the outside.
Anyone have the link on that great thread summarizing the attributes of the 4 LB positions in the Pats scheme? Time to dust it off!
Speed is good but not critical. It is more important to be stout against the run. The Indy game was a once in a lifetime event and they are a very unique team, our roster should not be built around stopping the Colts offense.
Ideally we get a 5th LB who is capable of taking 1st and 2nd downs at ILB and the we use a rotation.
Percentage of snaps
Thomas - 80%
Colvin - 80%
Vrabel - 75%
Bruschi - 70%
TBD - ILB - 50%
Alexander - 10%
Woods, Mays, Others - 10%
As a preamble, I don't think they should bring Seau back unless it is in a rotation. I am not convinced he can stay healthy.
But these stats paint an interesting story and highlight the importance of stopping the run. The stats also point out how well the defense played as season long.
With Seau
- PPG Against - 14.6
- Rushing Yards Against - 79.7
Without Seau
- PPG Against - 18.1
- Rushing Yards Against - 116.7
Year End Totals
- PPG Against - 16.4
- Rushing Yards Against - 99.1
Game Rushing PPG
1 99 17
2 51 17
3 144 17
4 71 13
5 62 10
6 75 6
7 45 7
8 53 27
9 117 17
10 43 0
11 153 13
12 77 21
13 131 21
14 105 7
15 144 21
16 171 23
WC 70 16
DIV 148 21
CONF 125 38
99.15789474 16.42105263