PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Leigh Bodden

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Shocker! Patriots release Leigh Bodden

Just when you think the Pats are done with the blind siding moves for the season they drop a bomb like they did today by releasing Leigh Bodden.

We expected Bodden to return to the starting right cornerback job this season after missing 2010 with a torn rotator cuff, so it was somewhat surprising when reports first emerged from camp that he was playing more in the slot. At the time we wrote it off as the Pats trying to take advantage of Bodden’s skills, while ignoring the fact that perhaps he had just lost a step like corners often do once they pass thirty years old and was no longer able to keep up with the big, physical outside receivers.

However it’s worth noting that slot corner can be an even more difficult assignment for a cornerback as they don’t have the sideline to work with. To us it almost made more sense at the time to have Bodden in there, especially after Kyle Arrington had a solid year in replacing him in 2010.

While Arrington’s emergence might’ve played a part in Bodden’s release, it’s notable that it was actually Ras-I Dowling who was starting at RCB in the opener vs. the Dolphins. But even if Bodden had declined his performance was not the worst of the cornerback group and perhaps most shocking is that the final judgement was passed on Bodden after just six games, especially for a secondary that has been the weak link thus far for the Patriots.

So what does his release mean? First and foremost is probably that someone from the PUP list (Brace, Deaderick or Faulk) will be put on the active roster for this weekend. Second, that the Patriots did not want to pay a slot corner who doesn’t play special teams the kind of money Bodden was scheduled to make (eventhough they could still end up having to pay him anyway if he’s not claimed off waivers). Third, that the Patriots are confident that Ras-I Dowling and/or Antwaun Molden have shown enough potential to make up for the depth they lost by releasing Bodden.

With Dowling’s ever-growing injury history it’s curious that they didn’t just consider putting him on IR and giving Bodden more time to get his mojo back. Of course it’s probably safe to say Belichick wasn’t sure he’d ever get it back.

Add this one to the long list of head scratcher BB moves that we might never have complete clarity on.

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Top 5 Injured Patriots I’d love to see back at practice today

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Here’s my list of the Top 5 guys I’m praying to Hoodie are back at practice today. Or at least able to go on Sunday.

1. Albert Haynesworth – It will truly be a travesty if the Patriots are not able to take advantage of the struggling Jets offensive line. If Haynesworth plays and Nick Mangold does not Sanchez should take out some additional life insurance before kick off. There have been rumors that the Pats are holding Albert back for this game in particular. I don’t know if I necessarily buy that, though it seems like he’s getting close by the fact that he had a full pads practice last Wednesday.

2. Mike Wright – For similar reasons getting Wright back could be one of the biggest factors in how much of a Super Bowl push this Patriots team can make. Fanalysts can talk about “pass rushers” all they want, but until the Patriots have someone on the interior who can push the pocket they’re going to continue to struggle generating real pressure. Sadly I’ve all but written off Wright for the season, but it’d be nice to get him back at some point.

3. Leigh Bodden – Last time Bodden faced the Jets he picked off Mark Sanchez three times. Not to say that will mean much of anything Sunday, but Bodden needs to be out there to continue knocking off the rust. The trickle down effect through the secondary from having Bodden back would greatly improve what they can do. And put Kyle Arrington back in the slot where he’d been playing so well.

4. Aaron Hernandez – Really I could’ve put Hernando at number one but let’s face it, he’s a luxury at this point and it’s the defense that needs the most help. What we’ve seen in the two weeks since he’s been out is that he elevates the offense to another level. Gronk is an amazing player on his own, but when coupled with Hernando they’re pretty much unstoppable. Make no mistake, though he’s fourth here, I will jump for joy if he’s at practice later today.

5. Ras-I Dowling – Would it be too much for Ras-I to go a game without an injury? He’s shown some flashes out there, but it seems like every time he makes a play he’s injured a play later. It’s clear that they like him as an outside corner and not a Free Safety as many of us (me included) speculated. With all the big physical receivers that we’ve seen McCourty struggle with we could eventually see Dowling handling those guys in the future. If he can stay on the field. But it would be really helpful to have him on Plaxico in the red zone this weekend.

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I wouldn’t worry about Leigh Bodden not playing. I expect to see him in Game 1 agaisnt Miami on Sept. 12.

Chris Gasper

No one drives me crazy with their Pats stuff more than Gasper, but I’m going to hold him to this one. We need Bodden back. Here it is, Gasper, your one shot at redemption. Bodden better be out there vs. Miami.

https://www.patspropaganda.com/i-wouldnt-worry-about-leigh-bodden-not-playing-i/