An Independent Patriots Blog
After more calls on Bodden: It seems Belichick sensed he wasn’t embracing slot corner role, going through the motions. That was it
Boston Herald/Ian Rapoport
Interesting, and obviously if you’re not “embracing your role” with the Patriots it’s a safe bet you won’t be there long.
Are Steelers too stubborn to learn from mistakes?
Must read alert! And this echoes what we’ve been saying all week. Will the Steelers throw a curve ball this week at the Patriots offense? Sure doesn’t sound like it from this article.
Here’s a fascinating stat, it’s not just about Brady…
Since 2006, the Steelers are 3-6 in games against Rodgers, Brady, Brees, Peyton Manning(notes), Eli Manning(notes) and Kurt Warner(notes). Moreover, they have allowed 30 points or more in five of those nine games and at least 20 in all of them. Those quarterbacks have combined for a stunning 106.3 rating (248 completions on 382 attempts, 2,955 yards, 23 touchdown passes and only two interceptions).
The girl in the hoodie at the far end looks like she can get off the line!
https://www.patspropaganda.com/the-patriots-auditioned-pass-rushers-during-their-bye-we/
Hmmm, now why would we see so many empty seats at Heinz field behind TFB…?
https://www.patspropaganda.com/hmmm-now-why-would-we-see-so-many-empty-seats-at/
Shocker! Patriots release Leigh Bodden
Just when you think the Pats are done with the blind siding moves for the season they drop a bomb like they did today by releasing Leigh Bodden.
We expected Bodden to return to the starting right cornerback job this season after missing 2010 with a torn rotator cuff, so it was somewhat surprising when reports first emerged from camp that he was playing more in the slot. At the time we wrote it off as the Pats trying to take advantage of Bodden’s skills, while ignoring the fact that perhaps he had just lost a step like corners often do once they pass thirty years old and was no longer able to keep up with the big, physical outside receivers.
However it’s worth noting that slot corner can be an even more difficult assignment for a cornerback as they don’t have the sideline to work with. To us it almost made more sense at the time to have Bodden in there, especially after Kyle Arrington had a solid year in replacing him in 2010.
While Arrington’s emergence might’ve played a part in Bodden’s release, it’s notable that it was actually Ras-I Dowling who was starting at RCB in the opener vs. the Dolphins. But even if Bodden had declined his performance was not the worst of the cornerback group and perhaps most shocking is that the final judgement was passed on Bodden after just six games, especially for a secondary that has been the weak link thus far for the Patriots.
So what does his release mean? First and foremost is probably that someone from the PUP list (Brace, Deaderick or Faulk) will be put on the active roster for this weekend. Second, that the Patriots did not want to pay a slot corner who doesn’t play special teams the kind of money Bodden was scheduled to make (eventhough they could still end up having to pay him anyway if he’s not claimed off waivers). Third, that the Patriots are confident that Ras-I Dowling and/or Antwaun Molden have shown enough potential to make up for the depth they lost by releasing Bodden.
With Dowling’s ever-growing injury history it’s curious that they didn’t just consider putting him on IR and giving Bodden more time to get his mojo back. Of course it’s probably safe to say Belichick wasn’t sure he’d ever get it back.
Add this one to the long list of head scratcher BB moves that we might never have complete clarity on.
PFF/Palazzolo: McCourty’s Sophomore Slump
Here’s an excellent article from Steve Palazzolo at Pro Football Focus breaking down Devin McCourty’s sophomore slump. It’s an in-depth look at what McCourty did well last year and what he hasn’t done well this year.
The most interesting part is that after being asked to play more press coverage early in 2011 the Patriots tried to return to the coverages McCourty excelled at in 2010, yet his struggles continued. His problems with tackling, likely related somewhat to the lack of padded practices, have only compounded his problems.
McCourty has been universally praised by the media for being upfront and willing to talk throughout his tough start to his 2011 season. With his work ethic we expect him to return to form at some point, we just hope it’s this season. Mike Wallace should provide an excellent challenge for him this weekend.
After McCourty showed himself to be one of the bright young CBs in the league last season, he has clearly taken a step back. At first it seemed the change in scheme was to blame, but his tackling struggles are also alarming. Belichick is always re-shaping his defensive scheme and if he once again calls for press coverage, McCourty must show he is able to play physically and win the battle at the line. If the game plan calls for more conservative coverage, McCourty must get back to his 2010 form with sure tackling, while also taking away deep plays as he’s shown he can. With 10 games remaining, McCourty needs to show improvement quickly or the “sophomore slump” theory will turn to questions of which season actually showed us the real Devin McCourty.
