Safety James Sanders has slowed down and hasn’t exactly lit things up over the last two seasons with the Falcons and Cardinals, but I’m still puzzled why the Patriots released him in 2011. Given all the struggles they’ve had at safety in 2011 and 2012, and the thin depth each season, it’s hard to believe Sanders couldn’t have helped. Is Steve Gregory really an upgrade?
James Sanders
Patriots cut veteran safety James Sanders
For the second time this preseason the Patriots cut an old guard veteran at a position where their depth was already questionable. Both Sanders and Ty Warren had their injury issues this preseason, but where Warren no longer seemed a schematic fit, Sanders was credited just last week by Patrick Chung as being a calm, veteran presence who knew all the right calls and adjustments.
Hard to speculate why the Pats would drop him. Clearly letting him go early was to give him a chance to catch on elsewhere. But this now shines even more of a spotlight on Brandon Meriweather.
Could this open a door for James Ihedigbo? He didn’t exactly look like an All Pro against the Lions, missing a couple tackles while losing contain. And this move has to be at least a minor vote of confidence for Sergio Brown.
More than anything I think the signs are pointing to a safety acquisition in the next week, and given the cap considerations of Sanders’ contract it could be a significant player with a significant contract.
Stay tuned as always, there are sure to be lots more changes over the next 8 days. Meanwhile, thanks for the memories James Sanders, none bigger than last year’s game sealing interception of Peyton Manning.
(Source: https://www.youtube.com/)
We’re giving away two James Sanders signed pics in a co-promotion with The Meat Locker Sports Blog. Details here…
https://www.patspropaganda.com/were-giving-away-two-james-sanders-signed-pics-in/
PatsPropaganda & The Meat Locker Sports Promotional Giveaway!
We’re proud to announce that we’ve joined with the great guys of The Meat Locker Sports with a fun new promotion that comes with a nice giveaway for Patriots fans.
If you were a fan of this play you’ll like the prize:
That’s right. We have two autographs from James Sanders to give away and all you have to do to get one is tweet!
Here are the rules:
1. You recommend us to a friend–or several friends–over Twitter by composing a tweet like this…
Hello my fellow Patriot obsessed friend, you should follow @PatsPropaganda and @MeatLockerBlog for awesome commentary on the #Patriots and #NFL.”
2. If your friend then follows both of us–and keeps following for at least the duration of the promo–you and your pal will be entered with the chance to win one of these awesome photos!
3. The MORE NEW friends you successfully recruit and get to follow The Meat Locker and Pats Propaganda, the more chances you’ll have to win. There is no entry limit.
4. Winners will be selected randomly at the conclusion of the promo on Sunday, August 14th . The Twitter handles of the winning pairs will be advertised on both blogs.
5. Prizes will be mailed directly to your preferred address, free of charge.
Tweet away, CItizens of Patriots Nation! Win yourself a treasured keepsake from the “Prototypical Patriot” James Sanders!
Which one sticks out in your head more… The pick six against Roethlisberger or the game saver against Peyton Manning?
Sanders: “Oh man, I’m going to say the game saver against Peyton Manning. I’m glad Tom (Brady) is on our team, and we just have to go against him in practice. But going against Peyton, you’ve got to give everything you’ve got because he’ll get you if you’re not prepared. To go out there and have the opportunity to help the team win in the closing minutes of the game, I’m always going to remember that one. I have the ball, and to be able to pick off a future hall of famer and to help win the game… I’ll never forget that one.”
James Sanders (with props to @thereal_KDogg37 for the question to MeatLockerSports.com)
https://www.patspropaganda.com/which-one-sticks-out-in-your-head-more-the-pick/
MeatlockerSports.com: James Sanders the prototypical Patriot
MeatlockerSports.com: James Sanders the prototypical Patriot
Some interesting stuff in this article from James Sanders who we don’t often hear much from. Which pretty much confirms he’s the prototypical Patriot. It will be a big year for Sanders, as both he and Brandon Meriweather enter the last years of their contracts.
“Personally for me, I just want to improve my game each year. I know a lot of guys say it, but I just want to learn to become the best player that I can possibly be. I feel like I haven’t reached my full potential. I feel like I’m still learning more and more after each season. I just want to continue to grow in all facets of my game, run defense, pass defense, special teams… everything. I want to continue to strive to be a better player every year and I feel up to this point that I’ve been improving each year and I just aim to continue to do so. As a team, obviously the goal is to win a super bowl. I’ve come close a couple of times, but I haven’t had the opportunity to hold that trophy and get that championship ring and that’s something I still strive to earn.”
Sanders’ interception against the Colts to seal the win has to be a major career highlight for him.