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This week should give Aqib Talib another opportunity to test his mettle against one of the league’s better wide receivers. Andre Johnson may not have the weaponry around him or a top-flight quarterback to get him the ball, but even at the age of 32 he continues to be one of the more productive receivers in the league. Johnson has accumulated 1,002 yards and scored five touchdowns this in an offense where no other player has caught more than 40 passes. Talib has fared well against the opposition’s top option, but he’s battling a hip injury and will need to be something close to full strength to keep it going this week.

The matchup between Aqib Talib and Andre Johnson is one of many things to watch for when the Patriots play the Texans | masslive.com

https://www.patspropaganda.com/this-week-should-give-aqib-talib-another/

Do you think fletcher might get more playing time over hightower

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Dont’a Hightower is certainly catching a lot of flack this week after getting yanked against the Broncos. Some have even gone so far as to call him a bust, but I think it’s a little early to give up on Hightower.

First, he’s really playing out of position as a weak-side or nickel linebacker. Ideally he’s a strong-side or middle linebacker. 

He certainly looked flat against the Broncos and I’m excited about Dane Fletcher (more on that on Friday) and think that there’s even a world where Hightower goes back to Strongside linebacker and Fletcher slips into the Will spot. 

That might bring Hightower back around. His biggest strength is his strength playing close to the line of scrimmage, using his size and quickness to defeat offensive lineman. 

Running in space trying to cover the deep middle of the field in Tampa 2 coverage? Not his thing.

The bigger question is whether or not the Pats would feel confident letting Spikes go and moving Hightower to MLB full time next year. I wouldn’t feel great about it. Spikes is an impact player in the run game and those are rare. And is Hightower really much better than Spikes in coverage?

Spikes might never be an every-down player, but he can be and do fine if needed to. He is an elite run-stopper and when you have elite players on your roster you should keep them.

As for Fletcher, I have a big article for B/R on Fletcher coming Friday. I’ve long been a fan of his and every time he gets a chance he seems to make plays. I think he deserves a shot at a role in the base defense. 

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https://www.patspropaganda.com/chandler-jones-named-afc-defensive-player-of-the/