PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Jonathan Wilhite

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Patriots release CB Jonathan Wilhite

Well I wrote earlier today we might not see Wilhite in a Patriots uniform again and it looks like that’s the case as they just released him. Looks like D-But’s odds of making the team just got a little better, but the health of Leigh Bodden and Ras-I Dowling comes more to the forefront now.

It’s clear that there’s still a need for a slot corner on this team, and right now it looks like Bodden outside in base defense, moving into the slot in nickel packages.

I really thought Wilhite could make a jump this year if he stayed healthy, but it looked like he already sustained a significant injury against the Lions. That might’ve sealed his fate.

Another Patriots whipping boy bites the dust…

https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-wilhite/

Why The New England Patriots Need Jonathan Wilhite Healthy

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Jonathan Wilhite is in his third season with the Pats and after a somewhat promising rookie year, where most of his mistakes were forgiven because he was a rookie, he became Whipping Boy of the Secondary in 2009.

You’ll probably notice Wilhite standing there, looking around confused, in any number of 2009 Patriots lowlights after the opposing team just burned him for a touchdown. The most famous one being the winning touchdown pass to Reggie Wayne against the Colts.

In 2010 Wilhite has been decent playing only the inside nickel cornerback position, but he’s missed the last three games with a hip injury. It might not seem like a big deal to not have him, but the trickle down effect has hurt the Patriots because Patrick Chung has been forced to take over Wilhite’s coverage duties.

Chung was having a breakout season until he himself dealt with a knee injury sustained against the San Diego Chargers, then upon his return he’s had to play nickel. Chung is best utilized as a versatile safety, who can cover or rush the quarterback and using him at nickel has limited his effectiveness. 

If Wilhite can return against the Jets we should seem some more impact plays out of Chung.

Patriots Pass Defense: Actually Good vs. Third & Fourth WRs

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My favorite football stats site Football Outsiders has some pretty nifty breakdowns of each teams pass defense versus each different receiving option on each team they faced. 

Here’s where the Pats rank on each:

vs. #1 WR: 27th overall

vs. #2 WR: 27th overall

vs. Other WR: 4th overall

vs. TE: 25th overall

vs. RB: 29th overall

Say what you will about slot corner Jonathan Wilhite but these numbers do point somewhat positively toward him.