Let’s put it this way: They were 31st last year. They can’t be worse.
New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston
And that sums up expectations for the 2012 Pats D.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/lets-put-it-this-way-they-were-31st-last-year/
I would keep an eye on Trevor Scott, who didn’t get much fanfare as a Patriots free agent signing, to have a big impact. It’s early, but he looked very comfortable in the Elephant end/outside linebacker hybrid role.
NFL Players Association plays defense – Sports – The Boston Globe
As we wrote a couple months ago, Scott is an interesting player to keep an eye on. He did a number of things for the Raiders before injuring his ACL in 2010. Now, 2 years removed from the injury he should finally be back on track. He’s one player I think will contribute early and often in 2012.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-would-keep-an-eye-on-trevor-scott-who-didnt/
Tom Brady was mentally exhausted with Moss by the end of his tenure (from a sense of the need to feed him the ball to keep him engaged). By the end of Moss’ time in New England, I felt he was the type of player who could turn at the flip of a switch, and because he was such a magnetic personality, it had ripple effects in the locker room. I view Lloyd as a safer play in that regard.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/tom-brady-was-mentally-exhausted-with-moss-by-the/
Secondary expectations for Patriots – BostonHerald.com
Secondary expectations for Patriots – BostonHerald.com
There are so many questions for the Patriots secondary this year. Who will stay healthy? Can Devin McCourty bounce back? Is there really an answer for our second starting safety on the roster? What happens if Patrick Chung gets hurt again?
Regardless of the answers it will be tough for them to be much worse than they were last year.
As the Patriots evolved, so did Ninkovich and he continued his stellar play all the way to the Super Bowl. He’s doing a job that often takes three roster spots to fill, and in a league that embraces specialists–whether pass rushers, nickel cornerbacks, or slot receivers–Ninkovich’s value has been as a jack-of-all-trades.
Love for Ninkopoop!
Secret Superstar: Rob Ninkovich, LB, New England Patriots | ProFootballFocus.com
https://www.patspropaganda.com/as-the-patriots-evolved-so-did-ninkovich-and-he/