News came via Ian Rapoport today that pass rush specialist Myron Pryor is set to return tomorrow while it looks like Ron Brace is done for the playoffs with an elbow injury.
Losing Brace does hurt the Pats as depth along the line was already thin, so basically they’re becoming a little stronger in pass rush and a little weaker in run stopping.
If the Patriots face the Ravens in the divisional round they probably could use Brace, since the 3-4 defense will surely be used a lot to stop Ray Rice. Although in the first meeting between the two teams the Patriots went with a Deaderick – Warren – Wilfork front. But we haven’t seen much of Deaderick lately.
The good news is that the return of a healthy and rested Brandon Spikes should be a boost to the 3-4 base.
As for Brace it was an up and down season for him, beginning when he couldn’t pass his physical and stayed on PUP for much of training camp. He showed some signs of life at times, namely the fourth down goal line stop against Adrian Peterson, however the games he played most in were the only two losses this season (@ Jets 67%, @ Browns 71%).
With the return of Ty Warren, Brace will likely be in a stiff competition with Deaderick in 2011. For now he can worry about getting his elbow healthy.
Did you know Myron Pryor had a 71-yard fumble return for a TD in college?