PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Patriots Pull a Michigan Linebacker Switcheroo

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The Patriots performed a Michigan linebacker switcheroo this week, letting go of pass rusher Shawn Crable and bringing back special teams guy/run stopper Pierre Woods.

Woods was working as a groundskeeper at Michigan’s Big House when he got the call from the Pats. I have to imagine the motivation for a guy who was staring head on at a reverse Rudy (who went from groundskeeper to player for those who don’t love Sean Astin flicks) will be high. 

Imagine yourself, having lived your dream for four seasons, then finding it come to a sudden end. He must’ve felt like he was just hitting his stride as he came into this season before getting cut, having one work out with the Chiefs then finding himself painting lines on the field where he once won glory.

So I have to think that we’re going to get a highly motivated Pierre Woods.

What’s the logic behind this move? Well, as @SkinlessJSN and I discussed on Twitter Woods will immediately bring Special Teams experience. But secondarily I think we could take over as the OLB in the base 34 defense on run downs for Jermaine Cunningham. Cunningham just might be a stronger pass rusher than Crable was, and Woods just might be a stronger run stopper than Cunningham is. 

If those variables are correct this move will make the Patriots better. And that’s all Bill Belichick tries to do.

As to whether or not Woods is in shape enough and ready to hop right in and play 15-20 snaps on defense remains to be seen. The Pats probably won’t be in the 3-4 much this week with Peyton Manning coming to town.

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http://www.hulu.com/embed/kF0dJXn7ZY5P_kXjjZ2qvQ

Hey look, it’s another time the Patriots lost to the Colts! This time was in 2006 and my sister had scored free tickets to this game and the Colts ruined it for her! 

Losing Rodney Harrison in this game would loom large the rest of the season. Put it this way, everytime Hot Rod was healthy at the end of a Patriots season they were playing in the Super Bowl.

(Source: http://www.hulu.com/)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/hey-look-its-another-time-the-patriots-lost-to/

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It is with great sadness that I report Shawn “Crazy Legs” Crable has been released. Again. While I adopted Crazy Legs as my personal boo this season I have to be honest, I haven’t really been all that impressed with him.

He’s gotten some significant playing time the last few weeks, and the Steelers game was by far the most snaps he’s seen. But he didn’t really look like he was making much of an impact, despite recording his first half sack. I was willing to give him more time to develop but it looks like Coach BB wasn’t.

Now Crable could still be back on the practice squad. Or the Pats may have released him so they could re-sign him to another long term deal (probably a long shot if even possible), but the major question, assuming Crable is gone for good, is who becomes the DPR on the left side of the nickel packages?

It seems as though the Pats were keeping Jermaine Cunningham a little fresher for run downs after he had some DPR duty earlier in the season. He’s the number one candidate. Or a combo of him and Rob Ninkovich depending on who’s fresher. Tully Banta-Cain is already manning the right side of the pass rush formation.

There isn’t another linebacker on the roster who can really step into the spot, not even on the practice squad. So the move is an interesting one.

There’s definitely going to be some changes to the pass rush package. Assuming Crable’s gone, which I can’t entirely do right now. It’s too soon.

Mike D’s late addition: Good point by Pats guru @DanteSterling, perhaps we could be getting more Dane Fletcher. To be honest I’ve been more excited by Fletcher’s play than Crable this year, granted they’ve been performing different roles. But Fletcher was a sackmaster in college. I hope we’re going to see more of him, even if… dare I say… gasp… it’s at Crable’s expense…

https://www.patspropaganda.com/it-is-with-great-sadness-that-i-report-shawn/

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Patriots DVOA Chart (thru week 10)

The offense had a great week, but the defense was clearly hurt by the 4th quarter prevent defense. Special Teams continues a slow decline, could have a break out versus the Colts.

See the full rankings here.

(Mike D’s note: I flipped the defensive DVOA to positive to make it a little easier to read.)

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-dvoa-chart-thru-week-10-the-offense/