I’ve been holding off on doing any kind of real season previews until the real 53-man roster is set, and perhaps even now it’s still a bit premature, but here are some thoughts on where we’re at right now.
Meriweather
I’m surprised only from a depth and experience stand point. I guess it all goes back to “building a team, not collecting talent”. Meriweather had the aggressiveness that you’d like in the secondary. He could lay the wood. But most often it was a big hit that came a second or yard too late.
This move also makes the decision to release James Sanders even more curious. Doesn’t seem like the Pats are that cap strapped that they HAD to release One-Big-Play James. Perhaps this cap space was opened for a deal that will finalize tomorrow or Monday. We can’t forget they’re going to have to pay Mayo as shitload once he has 200 tackles, 3 sacks, and 3 interceptions and is named Defensive MVP. Cha-Ching. Pay the Mayo!
But as of right now the Patriots look like they have my favorite player in the secondary (Patchung!) as the sole veteran leader and I kinda like it.
Josh Barrett is intriguing. I figured he was a core special teams type, but it’s clear now he was auditioning at safety, at least in a rotational role with Sergio. I do expect there will be some kind of addition to the position.
Tarpinian
I have to say that I have not spent a lot of time focusing on Tarpinian. I still think if there’s an addition at right guard or safety he’s the one to go. Unless it’s a straight up trade for D-But.
Right Guard
I think Connelly is ready to go, but I think they’re trying to upgrade him via trade. Depth there is scary. And I don’t think we’ll ever see Solder at RG unless it’s an emergency. Which could be if Connelly goes down. Which has happened before.
Ohrnberger
They must like something about him. Perhaps grooming him at center? I don’t get it.
Grading my final 53-man projection
I had Ohrnberger, Moore, Meriweather, safety to be acquired via trade (still possible).
I didn’t have Tarpinian, Molden, Barrett, Ihedigbo.
49 out of 53, not bad.
Sunday
Trades? Butler has to be bait. I can’t see who else they’d be willing to give up.
Monday
6pm EST me and Frenz will be talking to WEEI’s Chris Price on the podcast. Celebrate Labor Day with us as we recap the weekend and look forward to the team we’re going to war with.