Quote:
Originally Posted by BostonTim
Funny situation. The response on PatriotsPlanet is a strong majority quite upset at losing Vrable. I am very sorry to see him go. Here its seems a majority are upset at getting him.
You may or may not find this helpful. Belichick and his tree are strong advocates for the kind of Veteran Leadership that George Allen pioneered.
You have a young team and Pioli strongly believes in veteran leadership. Vrable is one of the smartest players in football (currently a candidate to head the players association and at least possibly your player rep) and this will allow him to be a leader in general and especially, if you are going to adopt a 3-4 component, as a leader in particular. LB's are the cornerstone of the 3-4 and Mike has played, and mastered all the nuance of all four of the linebacker slots in the 3-4. He would be invaluable in the transition process. RIGHT NOW, not next year. This is his final year on his existing K, so you should provbably look at this as a 1 year transitional move.
IMO Mike was the greatest FA signing in Pats history (The first game I ever went to was Game 3, Year 1 of the American Football league, 1960) and I've been a Pats fan since day 1. Vrable has been a rock solid player for 8 years. Always plays, very few injuries. he was fine last year and surely can contribute now.
I know you'll worry about the price you pay, but I don't think you need worry about the concept.
Cheers, BostonTim
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Good post, Tim.
Personally, I'm not worried about the concept at all. I'm sure he can contribute now.
My concern is that he won't be contributing when we need him most, whereas a 10 year younger draft pick does have that potential, no matter how small.