Wilfork, Jones, Kelly and Ninkovich to carry heavy workload

[Brady6]

Wilfork, Jones, Kelly and Ninkovich to carry heavy workload

With just 7 DL on the current roster it appears these 4 players have a heavy workload on the horizon, I have some concerns, primarily about Wilfork and Kelly both being in their early 30’s and Ninkovich not far behind at 29, can they handle this workload over the long haul, will they breakdown, and what if we empty their tanks leaving them with nothing for the postseason.

I think we all hope for a healthy Armond Armstead, and some further development from Marcus Fortson, but I think we need to consider bringing a player like Marcus Benard or Justin Francis back.

I am unsure if this is possible however could we reach an injury settlement with Jermaine Cunningham, waive him, and then sign him to the active roster?

 

[mgteich]

I understand that we have reached an injury settlement with both Cunningham and Francis. I think that we need to wait 6 weeks until we are able to sign either of them. Of course, any other team can sign them in the interim.

Belichick has brought in some tryouts (a couple of NT's), plus AJ Francis. Perhaps one of them will be on the roster for Game 3, or even Game 2 (although they wouldn't be ready to contribute in Game 2).

Wilfork, Jones, Kelly and Ninkovich to carry heavy workload

With just 7 DL on the current roster it appears these 4 players have a heavy workload on the horizon, I have some concerns, primarily about Wilfork and Kelly both being in their early 30’s and Ninkovich not far behind at 29, can they handle this workload over the long haul, will they breakdown, and what if we empty their tanks leaving them with nothing for the postseason.

I think we all hope for a healthy Armond Armstead, and some further development from Marcus Fortson, but I think we need to consider bringing a player like Marcus Benard or Justin Francis back.

I am unsure if this is possible however could we reach an injury settlement with Jermaine Cunningham, waive him, and then sign him to the active roster?

 

[patchick]

With just 7 DL on the current roster

Did I miss a cut?

Wilfork+Jones+Kelly+Ninkovich+Vellano+Francis+Buchanan+Bequette = 8

 

[mgteich]

Francis was cut, when Kline was promoted.

Did I miss a cut?

Wilfork+Jones+Kelly+Ninkovich+Vellano+Francis+Buchanan+Bequette = 8

 

[Sciz]

Maybe my hopes for some five-LB subpackages will come true

 

[Brady6]

I understand that we have reached an injury settlement with both Cunningham and Francis. I think that we need to wait 6 weeks until we are able to sign either of them. Of course, any other team can sign them in the interim.

Belichick has brought in some tryouts (a couple of NT's), plus AJ Francis. Perhaps one of them will be on the roster for Game 3, or even Game 2 (although they wouldn't be ready to contribute in Game 2).

Good call MG, you’re correct they did reach a settlement with Cunningham today according to reports, I wouldn’t mind seeing him back on the team, he is not anything special but at least he can provide some depth at DT and DE.

Patriots reached an injury settlement with DE Jermaine Cunningham.

 

[Brady6]

Did I miss a cut?

Wilfork+Jones+Kelly+Ninkovich+Vellano+Francis+Buchanan+Bequette = 8

It is my understanding that A.J. Francis was released today.

Guard Kline promoted; Francis waived - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[patchick]

It is my understanding that A.J. Francis was released today.

Guard Kline promoted; Francis waived - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

Thanks, I clearly blinked at the wrong time! Can't take your eyes off this roster for a second.

 

[mgteich]

Of course, AJ could be re-signed on Monday or Friday, with Kline or Barker sent to the Practice Squad (if they pass waivers).

It is my understanding that A.J. Francis was released today.

Guard Kline promoted; Francis waived - New England Patriots Blog - ESPN Boston

 

[Brady6]

Of course, AJ could be re-signed on Monday or Friday, with Kline or Barker sent to the Practice Squad (if they pass waivers).

Maybe although the Dolphins were really high on him so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them step in.

 

[fnordcircle]

Maybe although the Dolphins were really high on him so I wouldn’t be surprised to see them step in.

They were trying to stash him on their practice squad so I'm not sure if they'd be willing to put him on their 53.

I'm actually bummed, I was excited by reports about how he had done and excited to have another DT on this team.

 

[Ring 6]

Wilfork, Jones, Kelly and Ninkovich to carry heavy workload

With just 7 DL on the current roster it appears these 4 players have a heavy workload on the horizon, I have some concerns, primarily about Wilfork and Kelly both being in their early 30’s and Ninkovich not far behind at 29, can they handle this workload over the long haul, will they breakdown, and what if we empty their tanks leaving them with nothing for the postseason.

I think we all hope for a healthy Armond Armstead, and some further development from Marcus Fortson, but I think we need to consider bringing a player like Marcus Benard or Justin Francis back.

I am unsure if this is possible however could we reach an injury settlement with Jermaine Cunningham, waive him, and then sign him to the active roster?

I think we need to see how the 4 LBs are used in sub. That may be part of the answer.
In any event, playing 7 DL is not unusual, its rare that more than that get into a typical game.
The issue is who steps in when injuries occur.

 

[Brady6]

Re: Re: Wilfork, Jones, Kelly and Ninkovich to carry heavy workload

They were trying to stash him on their practice squad so I'm not sure if they'd be willing to put him on their 53.

I'm actually bummed, I was excited by reports about how he had done and excited to have another DT on this team.

I hear you buddy, hopefully it is like MG said and just a temporary thing to have the extra OL in Kline on Sunday and then they bring him back on Monday.

 

[Brady6]

Re: Re: Wilfork, Jones, Kelly and Ninkovich to carry heavy workload

I think we need to see how the 4 LBs are used in sub. That may be part of the answer.
In any event, playing 7 DL is not unusual, its rare that more than that get into a typical game.
The issue is who steps in when injuries occur.

I agree, if they use a lot of 3-3-5 and odd LB formations it won't be a huge issue.

An injury to 1 of the starters could be catastrophic given the depth and inexperience behind them.

 

[Ring 6]

Maybe my hopes for some five-LB subpackages will come true

Nickel package

Hightower-Jones-Bequette-Ninkovich
Collins Mayo
Talib Arrington Dennard
McCourty Gregory.

That would be very interesting in certain situations.

 

[Ring 6]

I agree, if they use a lot of 3-3-5 and odd LB formations it won't be a huge issue.

An injury to 1 of the starters could be catastrophic given the depth and inexperience behind them.

You may see Hightower or Collins as a DE in sub. (Kind of same as 335 with them standing up and rushing)
We also have a new trend of moving DEs inside to DT in sub, which will cut down on Wilfork and Kellys snaps.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I just hope to see Wilfork on the sidelines for a decent chunk of those 20+ point victories

 

[patsfan-1982]

if they can rush the passer and the secondary can cover there wont be a heavy workload they can just get off the field, and that's what I am hoping for