Good read from Oliver Thomas. James Anderson is certainly the kind of player the Pats could’ve used last year after Mayo went down. He should see plenty of action on passing downs, whether it’s spelling Mayo or being part of a pass coverage-heavy defensive package.
JAmes Anderson
I’m a little bit smaller than most of the other guys around here. So to make up for that, I have to be fast and be able to cover, so I take that as a strength, and I work on it.
Film study on new LB James Anderson – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Film study on new LB James Anderson – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
Good tool for the linebacker toolbox. Last year after losing Mayo they didn’t have a true coverage linebacker, though I think Jamie Collins will contribute in that role this year. Anderson is good insurance and should see some quality snaps against pass-heavy teams.
Patriots release Mark Harrison, Sign LB James Anderson
Pats added some much-needed linebacker depth today signing former Bear James Anderson. To make room they released WR Mark Harrison. Disappointed to see Harrison go, he had some great measurables but it once again proves that great size and speed don’t make for a great football player.
Anderson started all 16 games for the Bears last season, with four sacks and 85 tackles. At 6’3", 220 pounds he’s a little smaller than the Pats traditionally go at linebacker, but he has solid numbers in coverage and that’s likely where he’ll contribute most.
He and Steve Beauharnais should go head-to-head to be the fourth linebacker on the field, with Anderson being a slight favorite unless it’s at mike. Anderson played some strong-side linebacker as well, but he’s probably too small for that in the Pats’ system.
Between Mark Anderson and James Harrison, this move is really quite confusing at the moment.
Here’s your updated depth chart:
