Some quick hit stuff, things we wanted to touch more upon after the podcast….
– Arrington’s poor showing at slot corner was a wake up call for me. In theory it seemed like he would be a great fit there and assured to slide inside to make way for Bodden. But it’s clearly not his strength. Covering the slot can be even more difficult because the cornerback does not have the sideline to work with. So if/when Bodden gets back do we see him as the base RCB who then shifts inside to nickel? Or does Bodden just become the straight nickel back?
– DBut finally showed a little something to me against the Lions. Maybe it’s because he’s no longer using the clear face shield?
– I don’t think we’re seeing Wilhite again for a while, if at all. Just a gut feeling.
– I’m worried about the right guard spot, even when Connolly is healthy. I know I’m not the only one hoping Marcus Cannon is able to get on the field this year. Might be a long shot to expect anything out of him this year. At the very least I expect he’ll be PUP’d.
– I just don’t see Nate Solder or Matt Light moving to right guard.
– Agree very much with Mike Reiss’ take on how someone else besides Brady needs to step up on the Patriots offense. Looked to me like Hernando came pretty close. Perhaps the potential game breaking ability of RIdley and Vereen could help that too.
– I’m not worried too much about Ochocinco just yet. They could get by on Branch and Welker for the first quarter of the season. Assuming Welker is not injured.
– My excitement is really starting to build over seeing Wilfork and Haynesworth* side by side in a real game. It should really open things up for everyone else.
– Still really wish Gary Guyton was just the nickel linebacker. He’s always healthy and filled in at various spots when needed, but I still think he’s easily defeated by run blockers.
– If Brandon Spikes came back this week it would erase the bad memory of Detroit instantly. Though it’s already pretty close now.
– Brandon Tate needs to have a huge week. He’s starting to get that deer in the headlights look about him. His fate could be one of the toughest for BB to determine.
– Is it possible Meriweather is not a Patriots a week from right now? Stranger things have happened on past Labor Day weekends, that’s for sure.
– Seemed clear to me the Pats wanted to get a better look at Mark Anderson versus the Lions, and he didn’t do much that I made note of other than whiffing on a sack and watching the QB scramble for a first down. He’s one of those tough bubble guys, and you don’t want to cut a pass rush guy when the biggest issue you’re trying to fix is third down defense.
