How often have you done something over and over until it becomes reflexive? Has that action ever become so repetitive that you lose track of what you’re doing while repeating this task?
Could that had been how CB Ellis Hobbs got sent packing to Philadelphia? I think while deciding to “trade down” “trade down” “trade down,” they accidentally threw in Hobbs in exchange for two fifth round picks.
OK, it’s a lame attempt of kidding. It’s obvious the Pats knew what they were doing when New England gave him to the Eagles. And truthfully, the decision doesn’t bother me. Heck, I’m all for it. Who wants to wear “27” this year?
I have a lot of respect for Hobbs. He is the definition of a football player. Ellis never backed down from a challenge, played hurt, held himself accountable, and accepted blame without making excuses. I respected his efforts on the field.
I just wasn’t satisfied with his performance on the field. I’m not saying he’s a bad player. But Hobbs was in over his head as the team’s top corner.
As a number two cornerback, Ellis did the job well. He was what Jimmy Hitchcock and Tyrone Poole was to Ty Law. You didn’t want them regularly covering Eric Moulds, but they could handle Peerless Price.
New England’s coverage problems last year were obvious: 27 passing touchdowns allowed (second worst in the league). 12 completions of 40 yards or more (tied for second worst). The second worst red zone defense. It’s not all Hobbs’ fault, but he was a part of the problem.
The lack of a pass rush definitely contributed to the secondary’s struggles. The unit had to cover far too long as opposing quarterbacks had all day while the pass rush resembled high tide instead of a tidal wave.
Ultimately the unit didn’t do the job. Whether it was injuries (safety Rodney Harrision and CB Terrance Wheatley) or just overall lack of ability (CBs Deltha O’Neal and Lewis Sanders), New England’s secondary was repeatedly picked apart.
In hopes of improving corner play, N.E. signed CBs Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden. They will also hope a year of experience for Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite makes a positive difference. And of course New England just drafted Darius Butler.
But that wasn’t enough as Hobbs was swept out like shards from the broken secondary.
Truth be told, Hobbs will be missed in the return game. He was a heck of a kickoff returner with three career touchdown returns. But there are enough candidates to replace him, whether Matt Slater, rookie Brandon Tate or someone else wins the job.
We’ll find out how much blame belonged to Hobbs when the season starts because nothing has been done to improve the pass rush this off-season so far. But for sure Ellis was part of the problem.
It would be nice if his departure has the effect safety Lawyer Milloy’s release did for the team. The Patriots won Super Bowl XXXIX that season. But I’m sure the Pats wouldn’t win anything as long as Hobbs is the team’s top corner.
