Oh boy, I’m glad someone wants to talk about Big Vince because I don’t think it’s gotten much mention anywhere else.
Yes, it’s true that ProFootballFocus has graded Wilfork negatively the last five consecutive games, and he really hasn’t stood out much recently with a big play. But it’s also worth pointing out the Greg Bedard of the Boston Globe, someone who studies the film closely, has liked Wilfork’s performances recently.
It’s really hard to evaluate Wilfork fully because he does so much and isn’t in a position to rack up a lot of numbers. But what I will say is that I wish the Pats could use less of Wilfork, especially on obvious passing downs. Wilfork can be dominant, but I think he’d be more consistently dominant if he wasn’t asked to play 90% of the downs. Ideally if we could get him back to even 75% he’d be more effective, especially in crunch time.
The problem is just that after him there isn’t a lot of talent on the interior defensive line. I like Kyle Love, but I don’t love him. And Ron Brace? Not showing a whole lot this year.
So again it comes back to my favorite talking point, that the Pats need an interior penetrator-type who can spell Wilfork in clear passing situations, and give them a much needed pocket-pushing presence.
It may be futile but I’m still holding out hope Myron Pryor could be that guy.
