A little over a week ago, The Boston Globe said a source close to LB Tedy Bruschi knows the linebacker wants to return for next season. And earlier this week, Pro Football Weekly said S Rodney Harrison's recovery from a torn quadricepts is going so well he wants to come back in '09 as well.
I'd welcome both back with open arms. The experience they provide would benefit to the defense. But do I want them back as starters?
One of the prevailing opinions of New England's defense last year was it was old. That's an exaggeration. The defensive line is a veteran unit with Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, and Ty Warren all experienced and under 30. The secondary was a blend of old and young at the beginning, but became a green unit after the Harrison injury and the demotion of CB Deltha O'Neal.
The linebackers were old. By the start of next season, Bruschi will be 36, Mike Vrabel 34, and Adalius Thomas 32. Rookie Jerod Mayo is the only under-30 starter, and fortunately it will be a while before he crosses that threshold.
While I value the intangibles Bruschi, Thomas, and Vrabel bring to the table, it's important to note that Mayo was the best player on the unit by far. Even more telling is that two of the three wise men finished the season on the sideline.
Bruschi isn't the same player he was in his prime. He used to be a playmaker, particularly in pass coverage. From 2001-2004 Bruschi had 20 passes defensed and 10 interceptions, four returned for touchdowns. In his last four, those numbers plummented to eleven passes defensed and one interception. He can use all his moxie to think a step ahead, but he runs two steps slower now, so he can't get there in time.
I doubt his injury will slow him down any further. The Bruschi source said Tedy could had played in the playoffs if the team needed him. And the Patriots could use him in 2009, but hopefully as a reserve.
It's early, but rookie free agent Gary Guyton showed a lot of promise in limited playing time. He has the size and speed to play effectively in a 3-4. I can see a future ILB duo of Mayo and Guyton for years, maybe becoming dominant. But injuries happen. Guyton missed the Arizona game and barely played in the season finale against Buffalo. Whether Bruschi is an injury replacement or plays a smaller role as part of the rotation inside, having him around for depth would be valuable to the team.
Junior Seau, I love ya man, but I hope Bruschi is the reason you stay on your surf board all year long.
Harrison is a different story. Rodney was off to a good start. He was on pace for a 100+ tackles and at least two interceptions. If he recovers completely from the torn quad, he can join James Sanders and Brandon Merriweather and the three will battle it out over who starts. Whoever the third safety is, it won't be a drop-off in play when he subs in for either one.
But it's clear that Harrison passed along some valuable lessons to Merriweather. The former Miami Hurricane had a break-out season, finishing second on the team in tackles and leading the Pats in interceptions with four. Overlooked is his willingness to deliver a bone-crushing hit. Brandon just missed a few SportsCenter moments, but sometime soon Brandon will flatten an unaware receiver and make his teammates think twice about going through Merriweather's zone.
The competition at safety could become even more interesting if Tank Williams makes a full recovery and retuns to action. During the preseason the 6-2 220-pounder played close to the line a lot in a S/LB hybrid role. If he's back, the safety position becomes a huge strength for the Patriots.
It's a very good thing if Bruschi, Harrison and Williams all can come back and play. But Bruschi's best days are behind him. He best role would be as a reserve. Harrison hasn't shown signs of slipping yet. But if he does, Rodney will have to take a seat next to Bruschi.
