Ten quick-hit thoughts on the NFL:
1. The Packers have an NFL-best plus-13 turnover differential. They must be disappointed to be 5-4, but they are a team I think can make a move in the second half of the season.
2. JaMarcus Russell has been benched in Oakland and it comes as little surprise as he doesn’t seem to have the desire to be great. His NFL career got off to the wrong start when the Raiders inexcusably didn’t sign him before draft (teams can sign the No. 1 pick beforehand) and shifted the leverage to Russell, who held out.
3. At this point, Vikings receiver Percy Harvin would be my pick for offensive rookie of the year.
4. Seems like teams have caught up to Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He had eight sacks in the first four games of the season, but has just 3.5 over the last five contests.
5. The Dolphins earned respect for what they did earlier this week – losing top rusher Ronnie Brown for the season, traveling to Carolina for a Thursday night game, and posting a grind-it-out win to even their record at 5-5.
6. Dolphins fullback Lousaka Polite, a five-year veteran who played in college at Pitt, is an impressive chain-mover. He is 7 of 7 this season on third-and-1 rushing attempts.
7. In Week 2, I picked the Jets to beat the Patriots. This time around, I think the Patriots will better handle the Jets’ pressure and win a low-scoring contest.
8. Quietly, the Jaguars have hung around in the AFC playoff race (5-4). New personnel chief Gene Smith gets a tip of the cap for clearing out some of the problems in the locker room and building a new foundation, although one concern for the Jaguars is their lack of pass rush (just 8 sacks).
9. It seemed clear that Dick Jauron wasn’t going to take the Bills where they wanted to go, but firing a head coach during the season seldom leads to an in-season turnaround or a galvanized fan base. I would have let Jauron finish out the season.
10. My thoughts were with Chris Spielman this morning as I read about his wife, Stefanie, losing her 12-year battle with breast cancer.
1. The Packers have an NFL-best plus-13 turnover differential. They must be disappointed to be 5-4, but they are a team I think can make a move in the second half of the season.
2. JaMarcus Russell has been benched in Oakland and it comes as little surprise as he doesn’t seem to have the desire to be great. His NFL career got off to the wrong start when the Raiders inexcusably didn’t sign him before draft (teams can sign the No. 1 pick beforehand) and shifted the leverage to Russell, who held out.
3. At this point, Vikings receiver Percy Harvin would be my pick for offensive rookie of the year.
4. Seems like teams have caught up to Broncos linebacker Elvis Dumervil. He had eight sacks in the first four games of the season, but has just 3.5 over the last five contests.
5. The Dolphins earned respect for what they did earlier this week – losing top rusher Ronnie Brown for the season, traveling to Carolina for a Thursday night game, and posting a grind-it-out win to even their record at 5-5.
6. Dolphins fullback Lousaka Polite, a five-year veteran who played in college at Pitt, is an impressive chain-mover. He is 7 of 7 this season on third-and-1 rushing attempts.
7. In Week 2, I picked the Jets to beat the Patriots. This time around, I think the Patriots will better handle the Jets’ pressure and win a low-scoring contest.
8. Quietly, the Jaguars have hung around in the AFC playoff race (5-4). New personnel chief Gene Smith gets a tip of the cap for clearing out some of the problems in the locker room and building a new foundation, although one concern for the Jaguars is their lack of pass rush (just 8 sacks).
9. It seemed clear that Dick Jauron wasn’t going to take the Bills where they wanted to go, but firing a head coach during the season seldom leads to an in-season turnaround or a galvanized fan base. I would have let Jauron finish out the season.
10. My thoughts were with Chris Spielman this morning as I read about his wife, Stefanie, losing her 12-year battle with breast cancer.
On Saturdays throughout the season, the plan will be to highlight one Patriots player’s football journey. This week, it is cornerback Terrence Wheatley.
Wheatley, a 2008 second-round draft choice, is candid when he calls his initial entry into the NFL an “up and down” experience. Wheatley has played sparingly on defense this season (18 snaps), and last Sunday in Indianapolis he found himself in a new role on the kickoff return unit.
On where his journey started: “I think I was in the sixth grade. I always wanted to play when I was in the third grade, but my mom was like ‘you’ll get hurt.’ They were more track people, just growing up with it, so I was doing more track.”
What teams and players he followed: “Being born in California, I grew up watching the 49ers and Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, and then Steve Young later on. When I moved to Dallas, I was still a 49ers guy. I didn’t get on the Dallas bandwagon, but I didn’t tell anyone.”
On moving from California to North Carolina to Dallas: “We were in California, and stayed there until the ’89 earthquake. Then we went to North Carolina for a couple years, then Dallas, and went back to North Carolina, then back to Dallas. My dad is an engineer, so he was going where the work was. Sports was a way to go out and make new friends who have the same interests. When you’re in school, kids already have their friends established. My best friend now, I met him playing basketball.”
On playing high school football in Plano, Texas: “I went to the biggest high school in Texas. I think my graduating class was 1,800 students. It was like a college campus -- you had to pay for parking, we had six different buildings and an actual sports complex. We had four football fields and the stadium was the main stadium in the city. It held around 20,000, so I was used to playing in front of big crowds.”
On when his view of football changed: “Until my junior year of high school, I was always a track person. Even then, I wasn’t even going to play football. I was going to run pro track. I qualified for the Olympic trials out of high school. I was debating whether to skip college and go run pro track, or go through school and try the football thing.”
On attending Colorado and playing football: “That wasn’t my first choice. I wanted to go to Texas A&M. My dad being an engineer, I wanted to be an engineer, and they have one of the top engineering programs in the country. I liked the coach and went to one of their summer camps there and the coaches liked me. Two days before I was about to commit, they fired Coach [R.C.] Slocum, so I was like, ‘I guess I’m going somewhere else.’ I went to another camp in Colorado. After watching me run the 40, they offered me [a scholarship]. I didn’t want to play the BS game with other schools so that was good enough for me.”
On being drafted by New England in the second round: “During the draft process, I interviewed with so many teams. I didn’t know where I would get drafted because I knew everyone was concerned about the whole wrist thing. Bill [Belichick] put it best when he drafted me when he said, ‘He’s played with it for two years.’ It wasn’t like I just hurt the thing. Yes, it’s pretty crazy to think a guy can play football with a wrist that technically doesn’t move. I had 14 interceptions in college, had the school record in that, and the school record in kickoff return yards. But dealing with that, I really wasn’t sure where I was going to go. I interviewed with the Patriots probably more than anybody.”
On getting the call on draft day: “Dallas was on the clock. I was thinking that would be cool to be close to family, although I was thinking it would be stressful needing 50 tickets every game because I live right down the street. The phone rang and the Patriots said, ‘If Dallas doesn’t take you, we’ll take you.’ I thought it wasn’t a bad thing at all -- going to Dallas and staying close to the family or going to a team with the prestige of the Patriots.”
On his first two seasons with the Patriots: “It’s been up and down. There have been high times and low times. The journey has been interesting. It’s still not done yet. I still have a long way to go. It’s obviously a little disappointing when you get hurt and stuff like that. I’m slowly working my way back into it. Hopefully later on I will become the player everybody thinks I can be, hopefully I can get that shot, and everything works out. I’m just taking it day by day, enjoying the journey, the bad days, the days where you are kind of like ‘Oh man’ because the body hurts and you get frustrated. This is about the journey and what you learn every day. That’s what I try to focus on.”
Wheatley, a 2008 second-round draft choice, is candid when he calls his initial entry into the NFL an “up and down” experience. Wheatley has played sparingly on defense this season (18 snaps), and last Sunday in Indianapolis he found himself in a new role on the kickoff return unit.
On where his journey started: “I think I was in the sixth grade. I always wanted to play when I was in the third grade, but my mom was like ‘you’ll get hurt.’ They were more track people, just growing up with it, so I was doing more track.”
What teams and players he followed: “Being born in California, I grew up watching the 49ers and Jerry Rice and Joe Montana, and then Steve Young later on. When I moved to Dallas, I was still a 49ers guy. I didn’t get on the Dallas bandwagon, but I didn’t tell anyone.”
On moving from California to North Carolina to Dallas: “We were in California, and stayed there until the ’89 earthquake. Then we went to North Carolina for a couple years, then Dallas, and went back to North Carolina, then back to Dallas. My dad is an engineer, so he was going where the work was. Sports was a way to go out and make new friends who have the same interests. When you’re in school, kids already have their friends established. My best friend now, I met him playing basketball.”
On playing high school football in Plano, Texas: “I went to the biggest high school in Texas. I think my graduating class was 1,800 students. It was like a college campus -- you had to pay for parking, we had six different buildings and an actual sports complex. We had four football fields and the stadium was the main stadium in the city. It held around 20,000, so I was used to playing in front of big crowds.”
On when his view of football changed: “Until my junior year of high school, I was always a track person. Even then, I wasn’t even going to play football. I was going to run pro track. I qualified for the Olympic trials out of high school. I was debating whether to skip college and go run pro track, or go through school and try the football thing.”
On attending Colorado and playing football: “That wasn’t my first choice. I wanted to go to Texas A&M. My dad being an engineer, I wanted to be an engineer, and they have one of the top engineering programs in the country. I liked the coach and went to one of their summer camps there and the coaches liked me. Two days before I was about to commit, they fired Coach [R.C.] Slocum, so I was like, ‘I guess I’m going somewhere else.’ I went to another camp in Colorado. After watching me run the 40, they offered me [a scholarship]. I didn’t want to play the BS game with other schools so that was good enough for me.”
On being drafted by New England in the second round: “During the draft process, I interviewed with so many teams. I didn’t know where I would get drafted because I knew everyone was concerned about the whole wrist thing. Bill [Belichick] put it best when he drafted me when he said, ‘He’s played with it for two years.’ It wasn’t like I just hurt the thing. Yes, it’s pretty crazy to think a guy can play football with a wrist that technically doesn’t move. I had 14 interceptions in college, had the school record in that, and the school record in kickoff return yards. But dealing with that, I really wasn’t sure where I was going to go. I interviewed with the Patriots probably more than anybody.”
On getting the call on draft day: “Dallas was on the clock. I was thinking that would be cool to be close to family, although I was thinking it would be stressful needing 50 tickets every game because I live right down the street. The phone rang and the Patriots said, ‘If Dallas doesn’t take you, we’ll take you.’ I thought it wasn’t a bad thing at all -- going to Dallas and staying close to the family or going to a team with the prestige of the Patriots.”
On his first two seasons with the Patriots: “It’s been up and down. There have been high times and low times. The journey has been interesting. It’s still not done yet. I still have a long way to go. It’s obviously a little disappointing when you get hurt and stuff like that. I’m slowly working my way back into it. Hopefully later on I will become the player everybody thinks I can be, hopefully I can get that shot, and everything works out. I’m just taking it day by day, enjoying the journey, the bad days, the days where you are kind of like ‘Oh man’ because the body hurts and you get frustrated. This is about the journey and what you learn every day. That’s what I try to focus on.”
Sorting out the offensive tackle logjam
November, 20, 2009
Nov 20
8:40
PM ET
FOXBOROUGH -- With Matt Light close to returning to action -- he's been out since injuring his right knee Oct. 11 against the Broncos -- the question is how that would potentially shake up the lineup.
In "Bruschi's Breakdown", former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi made the point that a rotation is likely in the short term.
"In the past, when a player has had a long layoff, they are worked back into the rotation. Sebastian Vollmer has been playing so well lately, there isn't really a reason to immediately take him out of the starting lineup. If Vollmer wasn't playing as well, I'd say put Light in there now, but with Light coming back from a serious knee injury, to work him back gradually would be the right thing to do. When Light gets those game reps under his belt again, and starts to feel 100 percent, that's when the Patriots' coaches will have a tough decision to make. As of now, my sense is that Light will work back into the lineup in a situational role."
Friday at Gillette Stadium, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked if Light might be a fit at right tackle. The thinking might have been that with Vollmer playing well, perhaps Light could be inserted into the mix on the right side.
Belichick's answer made me think it wasn't a likely option.
"I'm not saying he can't do it, but I think he's better on the left side," he said.
So in the end, the feeling here is that Light will rotate in at left tackle when he returns to action -- probably Sunday -- and then a more definitive decision at the position will come either against the Saints or Dolphins.
In "Bruschi's Breakdown", former Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi made the point that a rotation is likely in the short term.
"In the past, when a player has had a long layoff, they are worked back into the rotation. Sebastian Vollmer has been playing so well lately, there isn't really a reason to immediately take him out of the starting lineup. If Vollmer wasn't playing as well, I'd say put Light in there now, but with Light coming back from a serious knee injury, to work him back gradually would be the right thing to do. When Light gets those game reps under his belt again, and starts to feel 100 percent, that's when the Patriots' coaches will have a tough decision to make. As of now, my sense is that Light will work back into the lineup in a situational role."
Friday at Gillette Stadium, Patriots coach Bill Belichick was asked if Light might be a fit at right tackle. The thinking might have been that with Vollmer playing well, perhaps Light could be inserted into the mix on the right side.
Belichick's answer made me think it wasn't a likely option.
"I'm not saying he can't do it, but I think he's better on the left side," he said.
So in the end, the feeling here is that Light will rotate in at left tackle when he returns to action -- probably Sunday -- and then a more definitive decision at the position will come either against the Saints or Dolphins.
FOXBOROUGH -- Running back Fred Taylor (ankle) was the lone player ruled out for Sunday's game by the Patriots, as 13 others are questionable.
Defensive ends Ty Warren (knee) and Jarvis Green (knee) are among those questionable, which means they have a 50-50 chance of playing. Also, left tackle Matt Light (knee) has been upgraded from doubtful at this time last week to questionable.
The team's full injury report:
Out
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Questionable
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Probable
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)
On the Jets' side, they ruled outside linebacker Vernon Gholston (hamstring) out, while safety Jim Leonhard (thumb) is questionable.
Defensive ends Ty Warren (knee) and Jarvis Green (knee) are among those questionable, which means they have a 50-50 chance of playing. Also, left tackle Matt Light (knee) has been upgraded from doubtful at this time last week to questionable.
The team's full injury report:
Out
RB Fred Taylor (ankle)
Questionable
WR Sam Aiken (hip)
LB Eric Alexander (groin)
TE Chris Baker (shoulder)
OLB Tully Banta-Cain (groin/rib)
NT Ron Brace (ankle)
WR Julian Edelman (forearm)
DE Jarvis Green (knee)
C Dan Koppen (knee)
LT Matt Light (knee)
RB Sammy Morris (knee)
G Stephen Neal (head)
LB Rob Ninkovich (knee)
DE Ty Warren (ankle)
Probable
QB Tom Brady (right shoulder)
CB Shawn Springs (knee)
TE Benjamin Watson (back)
On the Jets' side, they ruled outside linebacker Vernon Gholston (hamstring) out, while safety Jim Leonhard (thumb) is questionable.
FOXBOROUGH – Sights and sounds Friday from Gillette Stadium:
Jarvis Green on his return to practice. Defensive end Jarvis Green was hurrying out of the locker room to get a haircut, but stopped briefly to discuss his return to practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery over the team’s bye week. “That was no dog and pony show,” he said, hopeful that he will be able to suit up Sunday. In addition to Green, outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain expressed similar optimism on his potential availability after suiting up for parts of practice Friday.
Moss hears Revis chatter. Veteran receiver Randy Moss responded to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, telling Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald: “I don’t feed into talking and all that crazy stuff. I’m a 12-year vet. So that stuff don’t bother me. My biggest thing is, when you talk like that, you better back it up. So, we’ll see. We’ll see what goes down."
Best practice squad in 10 years. Asked a question about the team’s practice squad by Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly, coach Bill Belichick took the opportunity to praise his personnel men, Nick Caserio (director of player personnel), Jason Licht (director of pro personnel) and Jon Robinson (director of college scouting). He called the practice squad probably the best group he’s had in his 10-year tenure as coach. He also pointed out rookie free agent Brian Hoyer, late-round draft picks like Julian Edelman, and free agent Rob Ninkovich as examples of how the personnel staff has done a good job finding players this year.
Maroney compares running backs to “Voltron” cartoon. Drawing a large media crowd at his locker, running back Laurence Maroney talked about the team’s running back corps returning to full health. He compared the situation to Voltron, the cartoon character in which five pieces connect together to form one large robot. Sammy Morris went through a full week of practice for the first time since injuring his knee Oct. 18, and Fred Taylor is apparently making progress in his recovery from ankle surgery on Oct. 8.
Jarvis Green on his return to practice. Defensive end Jarvis Green was hurrying out of the locker room to get a haircut, but stopped briefly to discuss his return to practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery over the team’s bye week. “That was no dog and pony show,” he said, hopeful that he will be able to suit up Sunday. In addition to Green, outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain expressed similar optimism on his potential availability after suiting up for parts of practice Friday.
Moss hears Revis chatter. Veteran receiver Randy Moss responded to Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, telling Karen Guregian of the Boston Herald: “I don’t feed into talking and all that crazy stuff. I’m a 12-year vet. So that stuff don’t bother me. My biggest thing is, when you talk like that, you better back it up. So, we’ll see. We’ll see what goes down."
Best practice squad in 10 years. Asked a question about the team’s practice squad by Andy Hart of Patriots Football Weekly, coach Bill Belichick took the opportunity to praise his personnel men, Nick Caserio (director of player personnel), Jason Licht (director of pro personnel) and Jon Robinson (director of college scouting). He called the practice squad probably the best group he’s had in his 10-year tenure as coach. He also pointed out rookie free agent Brian Hoyer, late-round draft picks like Julian Edelman, and free agent Rob Ninkovich as examples of how the personnel staff has done a good job finding players this year.
Maroney compares running backs to “Voltron” cartoon. Drawing a large media crowd at his locker, running back Laurence Maroney talked about the team’s running back corps returning to full health. He compared the situation to Voltron, the cartoon character in which five pieces connect together to form one large robot. Sammy Morris went through a full week of practice for the first time since injuring his knee Oct. 18, and Fred Taylor is apparently making progress in his recovery from ankle surgery on Oct. 8.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -– Going through a full week of practices for the first time since injuring his knee Oct. 18, New England Patriots running back Sammy Morris said Friday that he felt “sore but good".
Morris, who has not played since injuring the knee on a 3-yard reception against the Titans, is not sure if he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
“We’ll see Sunday, kind of just taking it day by day,” he said. “We’re just trying to make the best decision."
Morris has spent the last month rehabbing with fellow running back Fred Taylor (ankle), and while he said he enjoyed Taylor’s company, he called it frustrating to be sidelined.
He had been building momentum prior to the injury, totaling 68 yards against the Broncos, and before that, he had a 12-yard touchdown run against the Ravens.
“As a running back, when something happens to your knees or ankles, you’re a little more cautious or scared about the extent of the injury,” he said.
Morris, who has not played since injuring the knee on a 3-yard reception against the Titans, is not sure if he’ll be ready for Sunday’s game against the Jets.
“We’ll see Sunday, kind of just taking it day by day,” he said. “We’re just trying to make the best decision."
Morris has spent the last month rehabbing with fellow running back Fred Taylor (ankle), and while he said he enjoyed Taylor’s company, he called it frustrating to be sidelined.
He had been building momentum prior to the injury, totaling 68 yards against the Broncos, and before that, he had a 12-yard touchdown run against the Ravens.
“As a running back, when something happens to your knees or ankles, you’re a little more cautious or scared about the extent of the injury,” he said.
FOXBOROUGH -- The Patriots are holding their Friday practice inside Gillette Stadium, and offensive guard Stephen Neal was not present for the media-access portion of the session.
Neal was knocked out of last Sunday's loss to the Colts with a head injury. He has not taken part in any practices since.
If Neal can not play Sunday against the Jets, his starting right guard spot would most likely be filled by four-year veteran Dan Connolly. It also would likely result in rookie Rich Ohrnberger -- a center/guard -- being active for the first time this season as the top interior backup.
The Jets blitz more than any team in the NFL, so pass protection and overall rhythm in the passing game will be key for the Patriots. Neal's status ties into that, and will be something to monitor leading up to kickoff.
Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (sprained knee) and running back Fred Taylor (right ankle) were the other players not spotted at the media-access portion of Friday's practice. With defensive lineman Jarvis Green at practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery during the team's bye week, it is a sign that he is close to a return. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) was also on the field for the first time since being knocked out of Sunday's loss to the Colts.
Neal was knocked out of last Sunday's loss to the Colts with a head injury. He has not taken part in any practices since.
If Neal can not play Sunday against the Jets, his starting right guard spot would most likely be filled by four-year veteran Dan Connolly. It also would likely result in rookie Rich Ohrnberger -- a center/guard -- being active for the first time this season as the top interior backup.
The Jets blitz more than any team in the NFL, so pass protection and overall rhythm in the passing game will be key for the Patriots. Neal's status ties into that, and will be something to monitor leading up to kickoff.
Linebacker Rob Ninkovich (sprained knee) and running back Fred Taylor (right ankle) were the other players not spotted at the media-access portion of Friday's practice. With defensive lineman Jarvis Green at practice for the first time since undergoing knee surgery during the team's bye week, it is a sign that he is close to a return. Outside linebacker Tully Banta-Cain (rib, groin) was also on the field for the first time since being knocked out of Sunday's loss to the Colts.
Five quick-hit Patriots thoughts on Friday:
1) Without Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour, many questions have been asked about filling a leadership void on defense. This was the adversity-filled week to find out, and second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo officially declared that a big part of the torch has been passed his way with his strong remarks Thursday.
2) After playing all but two plays in a sub package against the Colts, this week's game should feature more of a return to the base 3-4 alignment against the Jets' No. 1 ranked rushing offense. The outside linebacker spot opposite Adalius Thomas will be important to watch. If Tully Canta-Cain isn't healthy enough to play, it could thrust Pierre Woods back into the lineup. Woods hasn't played on defense in the last three games.
3) The Patriots need to be more efficient in the red zone, but their 25th ranking in that area is a bit misleading when considering the Buccaneers are the NFL's top red-zone offense. Would you rather be the Buccaneers (12 TDs in 17 trips) or the Patriots (18 TDs in 40 trips)?
4) With Jarvis Green (knee) unlikely to play and Ty Warren with a nagging ankle injury, and with the physical Jets running game to stop, this could be the week the Patriots call on rookie Ron Brace more along the defensive line. Brace saw his first action since Week 2 when he was on the field for the final two goal-line plays Sunday in Indianapolis.
5) Nine games into the season, the Patriots have already had five different players as a primary kickoff returner because of injuries: Laurence Maroney, Julian Edelman, Kevin Faulk, Brandon Tate and Matthew Slater. That hasn't helped them in the field-position game. The team's average drive start is the 24.9 yard line -- 13th in the AFC and 22nd in the NFL.
1) Without Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Richard Seymour, many questions have been asked about filling a leadership void on defense. This was the adversity-filled week to find out, and second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo officially declared that a big part of the torch has been passed his way with his strong remarks Thursday.
2) After playing all but two plays in a sub package against the Colts, this week's game should feature more of a return to the base 3-4 alignment against the Jets' No. 1 ranked rushing offense. The outside linebacker spot opposite Adalius Thomas will be important to watch. If Tully Canta-Cain isn't healthy enough to play, it could thrust Pierre Woods back into the lineup. Woods hasn't played on defense in the last three games.
3) The Patriots need to be more efficient in the red zone, but their 25th ranking in that area is a bit misleading when considering the Buccaneers are the NFL's top red-zone offense. Would you rather be the Buccaneers (12 TDs in 17 trips) or the Patriots (18 TDs in 40 trips)?
4) With Jarvis Green (knee) unlikely to play and Ty Warren with a nagging ankle injury, and with the physical Jets running game to stop, this could be the week the Patriots call on rookie Ron Brace more along the defensive line. Brace saw his first action since Week 2 when he was on the field for the final two goal-line plays Sunday in Indianapolis.
5) Nine games into the season, the Patriots have already had five different players as a primary kickoff returner because of injuries: Laurence Maroney, Julian Edelman, Kevin Faulk, Brandon Tate and Matthew Slater. That hasn't helped them in the field-position game. The team's average drive start is the 24.9 yard line -- 13th in the AFC and 22nd in the NFL.
Highlighting importance of sub packages
November, 20, 2009
Nov 20
8:11
AM ET
One day earlier this year, Patriots coach Bill Belichick made the point that the Patriots spent more than 50 percent of their 2008 defensive snaps in a sub package (5 or more defensive backs). The point seemed to be that for all the chatter of whether the team would run a base 3-4 alignment or base 4-3 alignment, any discussion should also highlight that the team is in sub packages more than any base set.
Through nine games of the 2009 season, the numbers back Belichick's point.
Last Sunday's loss to the Colts was a prime example of how the Patriots rely heavily on sub packages. Of 68 defensive snaps (including penalties), they were in sub 66 times, mainly because they were treating tight end Dallas Clark like a receiver. The last two defensive snaps, at the goal-line, marked the only time the Patriots were in any other defensive alignment.
Here is how the numbers break down this season based on press-box charting (includes penalties, small margin for error):
Sub package: 297 of 555 (53.5 percent)
Base defense: 247 of 555 (44.5 percent)
Short yardage: 11 of 555 (1.9 percent)
Through nine games of the 2009 season, the numbers back Belichick's point.
Last Sunday's loss to the Colts was a prime example of how the Patriots rely heavily on sub packages. Of 68 defensive snaps (including penalties), they were in sub 66 times, mainly because they were treating tight end Dallas Clark like a receiver. The last two defensive snaps, at the goal-line, marked the only time the Patriots were in any other defensive alignment.
Here is how the numbers break down this season based on press-box charting (includes penalties, small margin for error):
Sub package: 297 of 555 (53.5 percent)
Base defense: 247 of 555 (44.5 percent)
Short yardage: 11 of 555 (1.9 percent)
Stanback, Arrington gain some security
November, 19, 2009
Nov 19
6:49
PM ET
In promoting practice squad players Isaiah Stanback and Kyle Arrington to the active roster over the last two weeks, the Patriots did not just fill spots on their current 53-man roster. They have also ensured that both players will be with the team in 2010.
Both Stanback and Arrington inked two-year contracts.
Stanback's deal includes a $25,000 signing bonus and has base salaries of $460,000 in 2009 and $560,000 in 2010. There is also a 2010 offseason roster bonus of $25,000. That is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad and might reflect how the Patriots appreciated Stanback's contributions as their third quarterback while he was on the practice squad. While on the practice squad, Stanback traveled with the team as if he was on the active roster and helped with sideline management.
Arrington's deal does not include a signing bonus. It has base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010. There is a 2010 offseason workout bonus of $57,000, in addition to a $50,000 roster bonus in 2010. Like Stanback's deal, this is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad. One factor might have been the Cleveland Browns' interest in Arrington, as they were attempting to sign him to their active roster.
Practice squad players become free agents after the season. While Stanback and Arrington could have re-signed with the Patriots, the team would have faced competition for their services.
Both Stanback and Arrington inked two-year contracts.
Stanback's deal includes a $25,000 signing bonus and has base salaries of $460,000 in 2009 and $560,000 in 2010. There is also a 2010 offseason roster bonus of $25,000. That is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad and might reflect how the Patriots appreciated Stanback's contributions as their third quarterback while he was on the practice squad. While on the practice squad, Stanback traveled with the team as if he was on the active roster and helped with sideline management.
Arrington's deal does not include a signing bonus. It has base salaries of $310,000 in 2009 and $395,000 in 2010. There is a 2010 offseason workout bonus of $57,000, in addition to a $50,000 roster bonus in 2010. Like Stanback's deal, this is a generous contract for a player promoted from the practice squad. One factor might have been the Cleveland Browns' interest in Arrington, as they were attempting to sign him to their active roster.
Practice squad players become free agents after the season. While Stanback and Arrington could have re-signed with the Patriots, the team would have faced competition for their services.
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Mike Reiss first started covering the Patriots in 1997 with the team's official newspaper, Patriots Football Weekly, before moving on to the MetroWest Daily News in his hometown of Framingham. From 2005 to 2009, he covered the Patriots for The Boston Globe, while also writing on the NFL. He started his popular Patriots blog in 2004. Send any questions or comments for Mike to his mailbag. Follow him on Twitter here.
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