He's been popular with the press this year. CB Ellis Hobbs' name made frequent appearances in the newspapers, usually attached to quotes. They probably like his outgoing personality and respect his candor.
More than anything else, they know Hobbs is in the crosshairs this year now that Asante Samuel is gone. Ellis is the most experienced holdover at the cornerback position and we'll be watching closely to see if he can become the team's top corner like the Patriots need him to be.
A third rounder from the 2005 draft, he gets props for becoming a starter, but the Iowa State product knows success isn't earning first string, it's performing at a high level as a first stringer.
So far he's been durable and tough. He played through the pain of a sport hernia for much of last season without saying a word about it. We only found out about it after Super Bowl XLII as he went under the knife.
It made for a fair explanation for why Hobbs did such a poor job covering New York Giants wide out Plaxico Burress on the game-winning touchdown. But if you're on the field, you can't make excuses. Hobbs was on the wrong end of that play. Ellis got owned.
It's a new year and now Hobbs is healthy. A It's time to put last year and that last play behind him. Hobbs must assume the primary role on the outside and play like he belongs there. That means frequently covering the opponent's best receiver.
It's not as simple as lining across from the receiver and playing him man-to-man. Coverages vary so Hobbs will play zone some as well. We give credit to the scheme designed by the coaching staff that puts players in position to make plays. Hobbs will have his share of chances to capitalize on opportunities. It will be up to Ellis to make plays.
If Hobbs fails, New England has options. Two rookies, Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite, are green, but could develop quickly if thrown into the fire. And free agents Fernando Bryant and Lewis Sanders are crafty veterans that lack elite credentials, but can get the job done. The Pats haven't given up on Mike Richardson either. Maybe Ty Law is on head coach Bill Belichick's speed dial.
But Hobbs can't concern himself with the players behind him. He has to step up his game and be what the Patriots need: a top flight corner.
Don't forget that in Super Bowl XLII, he's the only member of the secondary when presented with a chance for an interception, he actually caught the ball. Hobbs will have more chances to make plays. Let's see what he does with those opportunities.
Keywords: Asante Samuels, Bill Belichick, Ellis Hobbs, Fernando Bryant, Jonathan Wilhite, Lewis Sanders, Mike Richardson, New York Giants, Plaxico Burress, Terrence Wheatley, Ty Law
