Better Off Without Them

Some of the players featured in the 2011 New England Patriots calendar has been S Brandon Meriweather, S Brandon McGowan, RB Laurence Maroney, WR Randy Moss, and DE Ty Warren. Moral of the story: Trust souvenir calanders to track the days, not the roster.

There are always surprises after teams complete roster cuts following training camp. It was no different for New England, but the general opinion was some of the players cut would sign with other teams.

Several ex-Patriots didn’t spend much time in the unemployment line. The relevant question is whether New England is better off without these players. Comparing the production of these players with their new teams to how the Pats have done after six games, the overall evaluation says no.

And just to sate you curiosity, the calendar ends with WR Wes Welker and QB Tom Brady. They’re not going anywhere:

Meriweather, Chicago Bears – He’s a part of the 29th-ranked defense in the NFL (25th pass defense). Merriweather started four games for the Bears but was demoted recently as safety play for Chicago has been a major disappointment.

S James Sanders, Atlanta Falcons – An argument can be made that the experience of the 7th-year veteran is missed by the Patriots secondary. Sanders is a reserve for the Falcons whose greatest contribution to the Falcons is his knowledge of the game.

KR/PR Brandon Tate, Cincinnati Bengals – He didn’t stand out in preseason with New England but has done fine with Cincy. Tate is averaging 24.2 per kickoff return and 10.6 on punt returns, a yard behind the Pats on punt returns but almost three yards better on kickoff returns.

DE Ty Warren, Denver Broncos – Shortly after signing with the Broncos, Warren tore his triceps before playing a snap with his new team. Denver placed Warren on injured reserve in September.

CB Darius Butler, Carolina Panthers – I felt New England gave up too early on the athletic Butler. He was promoted to starter for the last three games and has three passes defended this year.

CB Jonathan Wilhite, Denver Broncos – He’s made a mark in a few statistical categories for the Broncos with two sacks, two passes defended and an interception.

TE Lee Smith, Buffalo; TE Will Yeatman, Miami Dolphins – As the Pats shuffle through TE Dan Gronkowski and using tackles as eligible receivers, the two blocking tight ends are parts of productive running games. The Bills are 4th overall with 141 yards per game while the Dophins average 115.8 yards.