Archives for January 21, 2014

Terrence Knighton dominating the middle of our line is what happened.

Well,  I think they need to focus on upgrading the third defensive end spot as competition for Michael Buchanan. A fill-in guy who can serve as the designated pass rusher.

Chandler and Nink aren’t going anywhere. Someone in the model of Mark Anderson in 2011 would be a good start. Who knows, maybe Buchanan takes a big step forward. Not really expecting Jake Bequette to do anything but he’ll get another look this summer.

The interior is vital as well (get ready for another offseason of me banging this drum), but it really depends a lot on health. If Kelly/Wilfork/Armstead all return, they will join Siliga and Chris Jones to form a pretty promising and versatile tackle squad. 

But who knows how healthy they’ll all be. Expecting same old Wilfork and Kelly might be a stretch.

I think the problem against QBs like Peyton who get the ball out quick is all about having disruption in the heart of the line and that’s what they must get more of. Chris Jones and Armstead could be very interesting to watch for this role. 

Thanks. I would say given the other needs I’m okay with the safety position between McCourty, Gregory, and Harmon. I think Collins is a viable replacement as the “Money” dime linebacker, a spot that we might’ve seen Adrian Wilson in this year if he was still the Adrian Wilson of old.

As for Talib, I think his injury issues knock him into the Patriots range in terms of how much money he might command. His injuries are certainly concerning, but when he’s healthy there are few cornerbacks that are better, and we saw the effect in the last two AFCCGs when he went out. 

The trickle-down effect was catastrophic. So if they can afford him, I think they should bring him back and hope that another year in their offseason program, assuming he shows the same kind of dedication as last year when he won an award, can help get his hips especially into shape.

Those kind of corners are near-impossible to find. When you have one, even if he’s damaged goods, I think you need to try to keep him.

I’d put him at 60% to return right now, but there’s much to play out.

Sure, it’s not ideal, but with limited cap space and their conservative cap practices it’s not out of the question that another team blows Edelman away with a better offer. James Christensen mentioned Bill O’Brien and Houston as an option and I think they’ll be in play.

I do expect Amendola will take a step forward next year, hopefully he’ll be able to get healthy this offseason quickly. But he’s more expensive to cut than keep this season so he’ll be back and the Pats didn’t pay him that much dough to be Edelman’s back up. 

I have no idea how it will play out, there are a lot of factors in play, but I don’t think it’s a slam dunk. And I don’t think the Pats view their slot receiver position as the toughest one to replace.