Prior to the game against the Ravens we posted five areas we’d be curious to watch when it came to the Patriots personnel area. Following up below…
1. Darius Butler Back?
Nope, they’re still going with Arrington though I thought I saw Butler in there late. I haven’t lost hope with Butler, but clearly he hasn’t turned it around just yet.
2. Brace vs. Deaderick
Deaderick got the nod at LDE, the position where Brace has been playing all season so it’s safe to say that Deaderick has passed him on the depth chart for the time being. The Pats held the Ravens to under 100 yards rushing and that was a huge key in stopping them, so regardless if Deaderick got turned a couple times, as a whole the Pats run D was strong.
3. Meriweather at 34 FS?
With James Sanders out it’s hard to tell if Meriweather is completely out of the dog house. Though after that hit on Heap, which BB looked none too pleased with, he could be back in it.
4. Hernan Expanded Role
As expected Hernandez was a frequent target of Brady. I’m willing to forgive his drops in overtime. He’s the youngest player in the NFL and he just learned how much he needs to stay focused.
5. OLB Snaps?
Jermaine Cunningham and Rob Ninkovich were out there a lot. Can’t wait to see Mike Reiss’ defensive snap totals because it seems like TBC has been reduced to a DPR role. I can’t believe Patriots Nation isn’t doing backflips right now that we found an OLB in the draft who is playing a lot and playing well. Each game I like Nink and Cunn more.
