Pats Pulpit's list of 5 non-Patriots we want on our team

by MaPatsFan on Jul 8, 2009 6:32 PM EDT in Opinion Comment 22 comments

Well, after my offseason, homeristic rant known as Pats Pulpit's list of 5 Most Overrated Players, I thought I'd change it up a bit and ask y'all for your Top 5 list of non-Patriots you'd like on our team. If you want to take into account the current needs of the team (ie: we need a pass rushing OLB), that's cool. The opposite is true: feel free to pick a player even if the need is already more than taken care of, ie: Tom Brady is aboard, but I really like Peyton Manning on the Patriots (hold on, I need to wash my hands after typing that).

Rival fans, if you feel the desire to participate, there's a few options: a) put some Patriots laundry on and write your list as a Patriots fan would, or b) make your Top 5 list from any player in the NFL, but I DO request that you include at least ONE Patriot (hey, this is a Pats site, right?). Just let us know your team affiliation if it isn't readily apparent (ex: I think I can figure out peytonsthebest from the username and shake n bake's avatar of Bob Sanders kissing the Lombardi might be a dead giveaway. ;-)).

So, without further delay, here's my list of the Top 5 non-Patriots I'd like on my team:

Gary Brackett, LB Colts - Love this guy, absolutely love this guy - except when he's playing us. In our 2007 matchup, I remember Brady throwing a pass over the middle and Brackett making a one-handed circus catch for an interception. While we seem to be getting strong at ILB, can you imagine Brackett and Jerod Mayo taking care of the inside? They're both young and have many years left. Sick, just sick.
Larry Fitzgerald, WR Cardinals - Fitz is insane, just a ridiculously talented young receiver. And he seems to have his head on straight. He's very humble when interviewed and truly appreciative of the gifts he has. From a deep threat perspective, can you imagine DB's trying to choose between Randy Moss and Fitz? That's a heart attack waiting to happen for a defensive backfield coach.
Adrian Peterson, RB Vikings - It's hard to deny this guy's talent. One of the most prolific running backs in the NFL, he's currently burning up the field with 1,341 and 1,760 yard seasons. How about 22 touchdowns in those two seasons? And he's only 24.
Joey Porter, OLB Dolphins - I'm going to get crushed for this one, but ask yourself this: could you turn down 17.5 sacks in one season? I think Porter is a loudmouth jerk, but Coach Sparano doesn't seem to mind. Belichick? He'd have none of that and I'm sure Porter would tone it down. We need a pass rushing threat at OLB and Porter could be that threat.
Dallas Clark, TE Colts - Clark doesn't burn up the field statistically, but has career yards per carry of 12!! Basically, put the ball in his hands and he'll will make something happen. At 6-3 252 lbs, he's smaller than what you'd think of for that position, but he's damn dependable and is consistently a threat when on the field. I've always wanted a good reception TE for the Patriots and Clark would fit the bill.

Have at it folks. Let's get your lists up!!

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My Top 5

In no particular order of preference…

1) Adrian Peterson (RB, Vikings) – You pretty much summed that one up. He’s just fun to watch and would add an explosive element to an already explosive offense.

2) Nnamdi Asomugha (CB, Raiders) – I’m not sure I spelled his name right, but I think you know who I’m talking about. I was bummed when he signed that monster contract with the Raiders (I thought he wanted to get out of there?), as I wanted the Pats to consider making a run for him. We could use a guy that shuts down his side of the field in our secondary.

3) Reggie Wayne (WR, Colts) – Screw the Colts. Screw them. They’ve had good WR’s since forever, and they still have Peyton Manning, so let’s take Reggie Wayne away from them and see how he does with Tom Brady throwing to him opposite Randy Moss (Larry Fitzgerald works too, but I’ll try to switch it up here).

4) Ed Reed (S, Ravens) – The player Bill Belichick wants to adopt. A film rat and a major ball hawk. He can do special teams. This guy playing in a Pats uniform would be awesome.

5) DeMarcus Ware (OLB, Cowboys) – Sorry, MaPatsFan, but I can’t stand the sight of Joey Porter, and I’d probably throw up if he ever came to the Pats. If it’s sacks we’re looking for, I’d rather have Ware and his 20 over Porter and his loudmouth 17.

by NESilver on Jul 8, 2009 7:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I hate Porter

by Z-money12 on Jul 8, 2009 8:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Quick 5

1. Adrian Peterson – Best back in the game right now. Strong and fast. Sucks safeties into the box leaving Moss, Welker and Galloway open. No need for RBBC with this horse.

2. Larry Fitzgerald – Moss and Galloway are getting long in the tooth. This guy is the future. Or Randy Moss and a time machine. What no time machine? Then Fitz.

3. Nnamdi Asomugha – guys don’t even bother throwing to his side. Why would you when the other side is sooooo open.

4. Antonio Cromartie – was injured last year. I think his 2007 numbers are closer to his ability and I want to shut down BOTH sides of the field. Thank you.

5. DeMarcus Ware – I can’t stand Joey Porter either (or the way he disappears from games), and we need a guy who can plant the QB when all of his targets are gone.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jul 8, 2009 9:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hate to repeat, but some guys are THAT good.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jul 8, 2009 9:11 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

heres mine

1. Nnamdi asomuga, CB

2. bob sanders, SS- if he had the defense troy p. has, how better do you think he’ll be?

3.lofa tatupu, MLB

4. Chad greenway, LOLB- because he plays the left side, and he’s a tackling machine

5. Matt Forte, RB- adrian peterson has a very good OL, Matt was the best offensive threat the bears have had in the last few years.

by patriotguy on Jul 8, 2009 9:47 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure I saw this idea earlier...

On the top 5 players you’d like to kick in the nuts list ON STAMPEDE BLUE!

Great idea for a post. There should also be a post for favorite non-Colts players.

courtesy of Ironwind. But, hey, I’m game. Here goes:

1. Wes Welker: God, I can’t believe I’m actually saying this, but that midget’s got game. It would also save us the trouble of having to train in a new slot receiver when Gonzo takes over as the permanent #2 WR.

2. Tom Brady: We could use a decent back-up QB, and I’m pretty sure he’s got some clipboard-holding experience (as well as dry-cleaning holding).

3. Adrian Peterson: I mean, why not?

4. Teddy Bruschi: Just to Brett Favre your Pats-lovin’ asses.

5. Eli Manning: Man, that just makes for a good photo-op, doesn’t it?

by peytonsurdaddy on Jul 8, 2009 11:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

LOL!

by patriotguy on Jul 9, 2009 1:33 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Cool, didn't catch Ironwind's note

Credit where credit is due, though

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Jul 9, 2009 7:06 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hopefully trying to not repeat previous thefts...

1 – Devin Hester. Belichick likes special teams; Hester’s the best returner around. He fills a need – the best Patriot kick returner from last year is now an Eagle, and in the punt game Faulk’s solid, but Hester is genuinely dangerous.

2 – Brian Westbrook. Kevin Faulk-like abilities but feature back athleticism. Issues around durability would be solved in part by the backfield-by-committee approach.

3 – Troy Polamalu. Athletic enough to generate the missing pass-rush by himself, with added threat of interceptions. I’d imagine Hoodie would love the versatility of Polamalu, and it would be fun to see where he would be lined up. His selection also removes him from a likely playoff rival.

4 – Kassim Osgood. (Yes, truly). Is he equal or better than any other gunner? If so, why not take him rather than someone who’ll sit behind Brady or Moss-Welker-Galloway-Lewis. Also fills the hole left by the departure of Larry Izzo.

5 – Mario Williams. 30+ sacks in 3 years, and showing signs of improvement. Athletic enough to rival Julius Peppers, and signficantly younger. Fast enough to be an OLB at 4.65 for his 40; a very Belichick-friendly 6’7" tall. Even if you like the starting D-line as it is, Hoodie would get him on the field.

by Comedic.Sans on Jul 9, 2009 2:26 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Fix your weaknesses

Assuming Brady stays healthy this year, and with the acquisition of productive players like WR Joey Galloway and RB Fred Taylor, the Pats should be more than fine on the offense.

But if your pass defense continues to struggle in the regular season, and disintegrates in the postseason as it has done repeatedly now, you will again face an early playoff exit. So here’s who you should like:

1. DeMarcus Ware, DAL – If you want to make the life a little easier for your secondary by pressuring the QB, he’s your man. With the WareWolf you’ll easily double your sack total of last year.

2. Corey Webster, NYG – As close to a shutdown corner as you’ll get this side of Deion Sanders. Topped the NFL with 21 passes defensed and lowest completion percentage for opposing WRs.

3. Quintin Mikell , PHI – run-stuffing SS who will keep offenses honest when they try to run the ball on a secondary that owns the air.

4. Jason Witten, DAL – Who wouldn’t like to have the best TE in the game today on their offense?

5. Tarvaris Jackson, MIN – People will go nuts over this pick and question my sanity, but hear me out. You need a back-up QB, no question. TJ may not be the happiest guy with the Vikings right now, with the most overrated quarterback in NFL history being brought in to replace him. But the guy did post a 95.4 passer rating in 8 games last year, 4th best among NFL starters. Imagine what a year or two under the wings of Brady could do to this kid. And that is the single guy on this list with more than 0% probability that such a move might actually happen.

Four NFC East picks plus my avatar should provide enough clues to my affiliation.

by One.Cool.Customer on Jul 9, 2009 5:56 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hate TJ

The guys has real talent, but zero dedication to film study or trying to improve between the ears. Tom is an excellent role model for guys that WANT to improve. I don’t think TJ is that guy. Might as well have said Michael Vick.

by SlotMachinePlayer on Jul 9, 2009 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Better Defense, Unstoppable Offense

My goal in this was to improve the defense and make the offense as close to unstoppable as possible. This was actually a lot harder to narrow down than I expected, but I think the results would be fantastic.

1. Ed Reed, FS Bal – In my opinion he is the best defender in the league. As stated before, he is a true student of the game and I can only imagine what Belichick would be able to come up with for a game plan with Ed in the defensive backfield.

2. Nnamdi Asomugha, CB Oak – Bill’s game plan just got a lot easier, as now he doesn’t have to worry about half the secondary.

Those are the two players that I had absolutely no doubts about, the next three I waffled a bit over between them and other players.

3. DeMarcus Ware, OLB Dal – Considered a few different OLBs here. Ware is obviously a sack master and that is going to come in handy with our offense getting us big leads and teams trying to play catch up. The thing that separated Ware from others is that he is also pretty solid against the run.

4. Adrian Peterson, RB Min – The RBBC has worked for us, but who wouldn’t want to watch Peterson run wild every weekend? He’s the only reason any non-Vikes fan would watch a Vikings game (unless their team was playing the Vikes, of course). Can you imagine the Play-Action with this guy in the backfield?

5. Jason Witten, TE Dal – I was a little surprised that I picked him over some sexier guys, but he helps the offense in the passing AND running game. Really wanted to pick Larry Fitzgerald here since he is as complete of a receiver as there is in the league, but the dual threat of Witten won out in the end.

by FanInTheSouth on Jul 9, 2009 9:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Another great idea!

My goal is to improve weaknesses (run game and stopping the run) and to add to the already effective passing game resulting in an absolutely SCARY offense.

1) Brandon Jacobs, RB, Giants – You can pretty much count on his getting you that 2 yards on 3rd and 2.

2) Randy Moss, WR, Pats – Ok, you said I had to pick 1 patriot. I can imagine the threat with Reggie to the left, Randy to the right and Gonzo/Clark in the slot. I still can’t believe how fast Moss is. ugh.

3) Mike Scrifes, P, Chargers – If for no other reason than just to take him away from San Diego. And if he can pin opponents within the 15-20 yard line somewhat consistently that’s gravy.

4) Amobi Okoye, DT, Texans – Our D needs some help getting off the field. Just 2 more stops per game and we reach the promised land.

5) Jake Long, T, Dolphins – Tony Ugho is not Tarik Glenn (I will catch crap for this pick). I hope I’m wrong about TU, but I want to see more from the LT… I think Jake is pretty darn good plus he’s also young.

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jul 9, 2009 10:42 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jacobs

I actually wrote my list with 6 players and had to choose between Jacobs and Peterson. Love Jacobs because he’s so unique amongst RB’s because of his size. It’s hilarious watching DB’s hanging onto his ankles as he runs! Ultimately went with Peterson – tough choice, though. Good list!

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Jul 9, 2009 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jacobs makes me drool...

"I throw, you catch. It's NOT that hard!"
Peyton Manning, SNL, 2007

by peytonsthebest on Jul 9, 2009 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Absolutely

Brandon Jacobs is just a beast of a running back – I bet he was one of those kids who towered over everyone else and was already shaving by 6th grade.

He and Nnamdi Asomuga are the only guys I ever ‘drooled over’. I was pretty disappointed when Asomuga signed with the Raiders – I was hoping Al Davis’s senility was a bit further advanced and that he’d let him go.

Keep the faith!

by Marima on Jul 9, 2009 5:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lofa Tatupu

I really, REALLY want him as a patriot. excellent covering LB, VERY smart with great tackling skills, and he’s 27.
Also the son of former New England Patriot fullback Mosi Tatupu.

by patriotguy on Jul 9, 2009 1:53 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DeAngelo Williams, RB Carolina
OK, you can call me a little bias but after being fortunate enough to see him play at Memphis I feel and wholeheartedly believe he would fir perfectly into the Pats’ system. Arguably one of the best between the tackles runner and more than to speed to shoot through holes and rack up the yardage! Plus he ran for over 1200 yards…SHARING CARRIES!!!!! ’Nough said!!!

Larry Fitzgerald, WR Arizona
He has great hands, an excellent rout runner, quiet but solid leadership and the speed and athleticism to give defenses a migraine. Imagine, Randy and Fitz deep, Welker short and DWills poundin and grindin it out on the ground. That is an offense that can easily 19-0.

Troy Polamalu, S Pittsburg
C’mon, is there any reason to not have him on your list or on your defense. What’s there not to like.

Antonio Gates, TE San Diego
The Pats really need a stand-out TE that can do it all; why not have one that been tops in team receptions the last 2 or 3 seasons.

Bob Sanders, SS Indianapolis
Troy takes care of the air, and with run game securely on Sander’s stout and able shoulders teams would hard pressed to move the ball. Uncoachable intelligence, “football smarts”, hard hitting, reliable…he makes any defense better.

by FtWayPatsFn on Jul 9, 2009 9:42 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Nice list

Cool picks here, like it!

Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit

by MaPatsFan on Jul 9, 2009 10:04 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

My Picks

1. Shawn Merriman (ROLB)
Yes he is coming off an injury, but before that he was one of the best pass rushers and was good dropping into coverage. He can put his hand down in a 4-3 formation. I hope he returns to his pre-injury form because he was an exciting player to watch, even when getting pancaked by MJD, haha.

2. Ryan Clady (LT)
Matt Light seems to be losing a step in his old age, so who better to replace him than a one year vet who only gave up 0.5 sacks in his rookie year.

3. Adrian Peterson (HB)
No doubt about it, the best running back in the league. What team wouldnt want him standing behind your QB, whether your QB is Tom Brady or Alex Smith.

4. Darrelle Revis (CB)
Developing into a great coverage corner, and the two reasons I chose him over Asomugha is age 23 to 28 (i’d prefer the extra 5 years from Revis) and we take something away from the Jets too.

5. Ed Reed (FS)
With Jerod Mayo taking care of the run at the MLB spot, I would love to have this ballhawk in the backfield to take care of the pass. He can pick off any ball whether its underthrown, overthrown or pinpoint accurate. He somehow always ends up where he ball is and can force the turnover with the pick or the hardhit. Hes not afriad of the contact.

by Patsfanbrowny on Jul 10, 2009 6:08 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs