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Leigh Bodden Undergoes Surgery Today
Leigh Bodden on Twitter:
Up early in the morning for Surgery Hungry as hełł I couldn't eat after midnight.... I knew I should have set the alarm and ate at 11:50 [@3 hours ago]
GOT THE INFAMOUS ROBE WIT THE ASS OUT So I'll holla at y'all! Thanks again for all the support [@2 hours ago]
Despite Embarrassing Situation, Brandon Spikes Should Not Be Punished For Video Scandal
by Greg Knopping on Sep 2, 2010 9:09 AM EDT
in Opinion/Analysis
13 comments
As you've probably heard, Patriots inside linebacker Brandon Spikes has been involved in a video scandal, involving him and another woman and a website called Chatroulette. That's as far as I'm going with this one, as like I've said, you've probably heard the story by now.
Originally, I opted not to report on the situation. But upon further thinking, I think something needs to be said. While what Spikes did was embarrassing, stupid, and immature, he did it while at his college days. The video was before he turned pro. But according to NFL Spokesman Greg Aiello, the league is "looking into" the Spikes situation.
Really? Could the situation affect the league's image. I suppose. Is there anything Spikes did wrong since entering the league itself? Absolutely not. Had the video turned up while he was playing at Florida, he could have subject to their disciplinary system. But because it turned up when it did, he was not. That still doesn't mean he should be punished for something that by the time he entered the league, was 100% out of his control.
What I wouldn't be opposed to is Spikes having a meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. After all, Goodell has to protect the league's image, so meeting with Spikes is probably a good idea, to ensure that type of thing wouldn't happen again (although I doubt it would anyway).
New England Patriots Links 9/02/10 - Preseason Week 4: Patriots At Giants
by Marima on Sep 2, 2010 7:38 AM EDT
in Xfinity Sponsored Posts
17 comments
Mike Reiss offers his list of what to watch when the Patriots face the Giants.
1. Young secondary without Leigh Bodden. Cornerbacks Devin McCourty and Darius Butler, the projected starters now that Bodden is out for the season with a torn rotator cuff, had tough performances last week against the Rams. One of the important aspects of playing the position is to have a short memory. This is a chance to see how McCourty and Butler grade out in that area.
2. Brian Hoyer and the quarterback position. To this point, the 2009 undrafted free agent has proved that the backup spot is in good hands. He's played approximately 67 snaps and in 11 drives and helped produce five touchdowns. He is 17-of-31 for 205 yards, with no interceptions. In addition to Hoyer, this figures to be the best chance to evaluate rookie quarterback Zac Robinson for a possible spot with the team, likely on the practice squad.
3. Tyrone McKenzie at inside linebacker. The 2009 third-round draft choice has not received an extended opportunity through three preseason games as rookie Brandon Spikes has seen the majority of work. McKenzie looks like the fourth inside linebacker on the depth chart, and this figures to be his best game-specific chance to show the coaches he might deserve consideration for a move up the ranks.
4. Running game and Laurence Maroney. The Patriots have been rotating their running backs throughout the preseason and Maroney has been used the least (on the field for just 12 snaps). He has not played the last two games. Does this mean Maroney is slipping down the depth chart? Or is it simply a case of the Patriots limiting his injury risk? The game against the Giants might help provide the answer to those questions.
5. Sorting out the second-unit offensive line. With the final roster cut to 53 scheduled for Saturday, a few of the back-end roster spots could still be up for grabs, specifically on the offensive line. Rookies Ted Larsen (center/guard) and Thomas Welch (offensive tackle) and second-year players Ryan Wendell (center/guard) and Rich Ohrnberger (center/guard) are some of the key players to watch in that area.
17 comments | 2 recs |
The Truth About The Patriots Pass Rush
by MikeDussault on Sep 1, 2010 7:16 PM EDT
in Opinion/Analysis
48 comments
If you're a Patriots fan you're probably sick of hearing about their biggest problem being their inability to generate pressure on the quarterback. Many seem to think that all the Patriots need to do is add a Demarcus Ware-type and they'll be back amongst the elite defenses in the NFL.
After some significant research I've found that is actually the opposite of the truth. My findings after the jump...
48 comments | 3 recs |
If I am able to score Week 1 in New England, I will be taking the Minutemen rifle and firing as they do when the Pats score,"
New England Patriots Links 9/01/10 - With Bodden Out, Young Corners Need To Man Up Fast
by Marima on Sep 1, 2010 10:59 AM EDT
in Xfinity Sponsored Posts
29 comments
Ian Rapoport looks at just how valuable was Leigh Bodden to the Patriots.
According to ProFootballFocus.com, Bodden’s numbers were better than every other Patriots CB across the board.
Bodden allowed exactly 50 percent of the passes into his coverage to be completed (45 catches on 90 targets) for a total of 515 yards (11.4 yards per catch). Butler, meanwhile, allowed 36 catches in the 64 times he was thrown (56 percent) and he gave up 11.9 yards per catch. Similar.
But where the difference came was in "playing the ball," as coach Bill Belichick likes to say.
Bodden deflected 12 passes along with his five picks, while Butler only deflected three other passes besides his three interceptions. Let’s look at it another way.Opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating of 59.3 when throwing at Bodden, with Butler having the next best number of 67.6. Next came the departed Shawn Springs (94.1 rating into his coverage), then Jonathan Wilhite (115.3). Terrence Wheatley, who may now make the team after all, was 86.8, but with just 21 snaps and three passes thrown his way.
Wilhite’s other numbers were, well, not so sweet. The site says he watched as 65.7 percent of the passes thrown his way were completed (44 catches on 67 throws) for an average of 15 yards per catch. Yikes. In addition, he didn’t touch any other passes besides the two picks he made.
The worst news? Wilhite was beaten for six touchdowns, compared to Butler’s two and Bodden’s four… and both players had 240-plus more snaps than Wilhite.
Karen Guregian notes that if it were up to the players many of the starters would like to play in the final preseason game to get last week's debacle out of their heads.
Yeah, I think we’re all expecting to play," linebacker Tully Banta-Cain said. "Obviously, last week left a bad taste in our mouth, so we definitely want to get some good plays, and some good defensive football going so that we go into the season with a little more confidence knowing we’re capable of doing it, even though I don’t think last Thursday’s game tells the whole story of us as a team. It’s definitely not something we want to be remembering going into the season."
29 comments | 2 recs |
Vince Wilfork named Burton Award Winner
Patriots nose tackle Vince Wilfork was recognized as the 2010 New England Patriots Ron Burton Community Service Award winner at the New England Patriots Charitable Foundation’s Annual Kickoff Gala tonight.
"Since joining the Patriots in 2004, Vince has been generous both with his time and his infectious smile," [Patriots owner Robert] Kraft said. "He has been a willing participant in community activities conducted by the Patriots Charitable Foundation and has done incredible work raising money for diabetes research through the Vince Wilfork Foundation."
A look at the 2010 rookie class
by Ethan Hammerman on Aug 31, 2010 9:01 PM EDT
25 comments
That McCourty pick sure looks a lot better with Leigh Bodden gone now, right?
Here are my thoughts on this year's solid rookie class.
Devin McCourty, CB - He has looked very stellar for a rookie. He shows a great ability in press coverage and made a beautiful play against the Falcons anticipating a rout. He looked more like a rookie against the Rams, but these growing pains are all part of the maturation process. McCourty has also been solid as a special teamer, breaking off a couple of long returns against the Saints and serving as a great gunner when we punt the ball away. His athleticism is noticeable.
This year, I expect McCourty to be our starting cornerback with Darius Butler. His skillset is much more conducive to matching up with more physical receivers, and I think he has a lot of potential as a member of our young, talented secondary. Given Leigh Bodden's rotator cuff injury, he's certainly going to have to grow up quickly. I think he has the ability to do so, but he's not going to be perfect. Still, the secondary is more talented this year than it was last year, and I think the quartet of Butler, McCourty, Chung and Meriweather is going to develop invaluable chemistry now that will sustain them for years to come.
25 comments | 5 recs |
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