When Adalius Thomas signed with the Patriots last year shortly after the Pro Bowl, it was hailed as one of the biggest signings in Patriot history.
To take a look back in early 2007, the Ravens play a 3-4 base defense, like the Patriots do. Everyone on the planet took notice of Belichick schmoozing with Thomas at the Pro Bowl (which Belichick had to participate in as AFC head coach because his team lost the AFC Championship Game), and sure enough, the subsequent rumors became reality when Thomas signed on with the Patriots on March 2.
Thomas played outside linebacker at
Baltimore, whereas the more urgent linebacker need for the Patriots was at inside backer. With Tedy Bruschi aging, Mike Vrabel better suited at outside backer, Junior Seau hurting but still wanting another shot at helping the Patriots in 2007, there had yet to be anyone out there to have†succeeded Ted Johnson. One had to hope beyond hope that Thomas was as versatile as Belichick said he would be. Would Thomas be able to fit into Belichick’s defensive scheme, even though Thomas achieved his success in
Baltimore as an outside backer?Those questions were answered early as Bruschi, Thomas and Seau rotated through the first half of the season, which had seen an explosive offense take the pressure of an aged linebacker corp. The inside was slow in coverage, but tough against the run. When Rosy Colvin went to IR from a foot injury, Thomas proved his versatility and was moved to the outside leaving old-timers Bruschi and Seau to cover the inside themselves.In 2008, the Patriots released Colvin which leads one to speculate that Thomas would remain on the outside. Thomas’ recent reps in mini-camp and the high first round draft pick of Jerod Mayo also support this theory.Seau is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery and may consider retiring rather then returning to the Patriots. This leaves Bruschi as the lone starter returning at inside linebacker. One of the big questions this year is how much gas Bruschi has left in his tank. He does not appear to have any lingering effects of his 2005 stroke, but age may be catching up with Bruschi as he is half a step slower. Bruschi is no longer able to make all the plays he did when the Patriots won three Super Bowls, but he still lead the team in tackles last year.Belichick needs to figure out how much depreciation of Bruschi’s skills the team can tolerate before needing to make adjustments. The eternal fan favorite Bruschi† still has his fiery spirit and his work ethic, but this year the Patriots will be depending on him more then the past two seasons.The Patriots acquired veteran Victor Hobson in the offseason and will move him from outside linebacker position he usually plays to inside in the Patriots defensive scheme.The Patriots selected two inside linebackers in this years draft with first round pick Jerod Mayo and Bo Ruud in the 6th. Mayo is more of a speedy and intelligent linebacker like Seau rather than a strong linebacker such as Bruschi or former Patriot Ted Johnson. So learning the Patriots system will be important part of his development. At inside linebacker, Hobson, Mayo and Ruud have the opportunity to learn from some of the best with Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas and Mike Vrabel all having played the position under head coach Bill Belichick and defensive coach Dean Pees. I see Hobson as a starter at the beginning of the season as he has more experience in the NFL and should do well in training camp. Mayo begins the season in rotating and allows him to gain experience and catch up to speed in the NFL and the Patriots system. Similar to last yearís rookies Patrick Willis or even Paul Posluszny, Mayo should be starting before the end of the season.Ruud is a definite for the practice squad, but if he performs well in training camp and shows the ability to learn quickly and do well on special teams could crack the roster come opening day.IN BILL WE TRUST!!
I agree that the Pats linebackers are old. Thank god. Let’s fhacking hope for a year of 0-16.