Source: Aqib Talib suffered no structural damage to his knee | masslive.com
Well here’s a little bit of positive news to start the offseason, though it’s sure to spark the “well then why didn’t he go back into the game” crowd to life.
Thanks again for the outstanding coverage all season, Mike; you + Reiss are my 1-2 stops for updates. Dual question re: secondary — a) %-wise, how would you estimate the potential of Talib’s return and, b) do you see them exploring the strong safety route again in FA, given limited resources?
Thanks. I would say given the other needs I’m okay with the safety position between McCourty, Gregory, and Harmon. I think Collins is a viable replacement as the “Money” dime linebacker, a spot that we might’ve seen Adrian Wilson in this year if he was still the Adrian Wilson of old.
As for Talib, I think his injury issues knock him into the Patriots range in terms of how much money he might command. His injuries are certainly concerning, but when he’s healthy there are few cornerbacks that are better, and we saw the effect in the last two AFCCGs when he went out.
The trickle-down effect was catastrophic. So if they can afford him, I think they should bring him back and hope that another year in their offseason program, assuming he shows the same kind of dedication as last year when he won an award, can help get his hips especially into shape.
Those kind of corners are near-impossible to find. When you have one, even if he’s damaged goods, I think you need to try to keep him.
I’d put him at 60% to return right now, but there’s much to play out.
Do you really think there’s a chance Edelman leaves? I can’t see the Pats risking upsetting Brady again by letting his #1 target go for the second season running.
Sure, it’s not ideal, but with limited cap space and their conservative cap practices it’s not out of the question that another team blows Edelman away with a better offer. James Christensen mentioned Bill O’Brien and Houston as an option and I think they’ll be in play.
I do expect Amendola will take a step forward next year, hopefully he’ll be able to get healthy this offseason quickly. But he’s more expensive to cut than keep this season so he’ll be back and the Pats didn’t pay him that much dough to be Edelman’s back up.
I have no idea how it will play out, there are a lot of factors in play, but I don’t think it’s a slam dunk. And I don’t think the Pats view their slot receiver position as the toughest one to replace.
And we’re back at it…
Nice to take a little break yesterday and let the 2013 season fully marinate. The celebration and analysis of the campaign will slowly start to trickle in as we gain perspective.
Now, let the offseason begin!
Fun place to start is OverTheCap.com.
Pats have just $7.9 million in space for this offseason. The NFL average is about $16 million, so the Pats have less room than most.
But cut Dan Connolly, Adrian Wilson, and Isaac Sopoaga and that gets them up to $13.2 million.
Cut Vince Wilfork (just sayin’) and it goes up to $20.7 million. They could also extend him to reduce his cap hit, the more likely option.
There will definitely be holes to fill, but overall the Pats have a good young base, especially on defense.
I don’t think they should hesitate to explore any and every available option at wide receiver and tight end. The middle of the offensive line must be reinforced.
Edelman could go either way right now as I see it.
Talib has recurring injury issues and that should make him more affordable. His value to the secondary is clear.
I think he and Blount would be smart to stay and hopefully they both do.
Otherwise, welcome to another long, cold offseason.
Taking some time away from the fallout today to start turning the page to the offseason. Instead of rehashing the loss I’d prefer to just look back fondly on the rest of what was a highly-entertaining season that saw the Pats overcome more than they ever have.
I don’t need to hear excuses or watch people dance on the 2013 Pats’ grave. It was what it was, and it was a lot of fun despite the ending.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/taking-some-time-away-from-the-fallout-today-to/
…it’s tough. To battle all season, to make it to where you want to get to and lose this game, it’s very tough. You’re always proud of your team. Someone asked me if I’d rather not get to this point than lose it, and… no, I’ll take these games every year. We’ll come out, we’ll swing every year, we’ll try to get here. If we lose, we lose, but we gave our best.”
https://www.patspropaganda.com/pottsisstarksheart-its-tough-to-battle-all/