Pierre Woods

Rob Ninovich isn’t a consistent pass rusher. Shawn Crable was cut in favor of Pierre Woods, who was cut in favor of Eric Moore. 

For goodness sakes CB Kyle Arrington is sometimes rushing the passer with a hand on the ground! 

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 13"

Without them, the roster is thin at outside pass rushers with OLBs Tully Banta-Cain, Pierre Woods, DE Rob Ninkovich, and rookie Jermaine Cunningham. 

While Burgess Favres (v: to be indecisive between retirement or playing another year), Patten was sure that he was done. Physically David had it in him, but the desire was gone. He walks away with much of his health intact with plenty of opportunities before him. A lot of players aren’t as fortunate as Patten to leave on his own terms and without an injury that will affect his quality of life. 

Continue reading "Quick Cuts"

It’s still possible New England re-signs Derrick Burgess or Pierre Woods, but that wouldn’t erase the need for a player that can get to the quarterback after just 31 sacks as a team last year. There are plenty of hybrid-type players in this draft, but the Pats favor big (up to 6-5 250 pounds) ‘backers on the outside. They’ll relax the standards late in the draft, but I doubt they’d make an exception early with an undersize prospect. An ILB is possible if a player slides. 

Continue reading "Draft Evaluation: Linebackers"

As for everyone else (DE/LB Derrick Burgess, DE Jarvis Green, P Chris Hanson, LB Pierre Woods, RB Chris Taylor, and TE Ben Waston; LB Junior Seau retired) , the Pats can do better, although I would make an exception for Green. 

Continue reading "Home Takes Priority"

Head coach Bill Belichick knows he has to make changes to the Patriots in order to reverse the sliding trend. Fortunately, two were made for him. 

LB Junior Seau announced his second retirement. This time he says it is permanent. He wants to spend his days surfing. And defensive coordinator Dean Pees, whose contract expired, won’t resign and will pursue other options. 

Continue reading "Free Agents"

get plugged in to start next to LB Jerod Mayo, moving Gary Guyton to the outside? Or is Seau in for Pierre Woods on the outside? That decision is up to the coaches. 

If Seau gives the defense a refresher on tackling, that would be great. The way Denver RB Knowshon Moreno ran through the arms and hands reaching for him embarrassed the D. It would be nice to see a defender shed a blocker and blow up a ball carrier. Or better yet, Seau could teach Mayo and Guyton how to shoot gaps for tackles behind the line. The air punch celebration after the play is optional. 

Continue reading "Seau Back In the House"

was the first to rip at the ball cradled in Buffalo returner Leodis McKelvin’s arm before LB Pierre Woods finished the job. That turnover led to the game-winning touchdown, the third time Merriweather was in on a game-winning turnover (interception vs. NY Jets and forced fumble on a sack vs. Seattle). 

Continue reading "Killer B's"

Just wanna give props to LB Pierre Woods for forcing the fumble that led to the game-winning touchdown. You go boy! 2. Watching the Patriots in the vintage uniforms had me thinking of Ray Agnew, Fred Marion, Pat Harlow, and Robert Perriman instead of the current players. Update the jersey to the 80’s version and change the facemask from gray to red, and you have the best uniform in the league with the greatest team sports logo in the history of sports.

Continue reading "Pick 6: Week 1"

When the team played a 3-4, Guyton was in there with Jerod Mayo, Adalius Thomas, and Pierre Woods. 

But if called upon, Guyton can switch to OLB. As the season winded down last year, Guyton shifted out when injuries added up and Junior Seau was brought back. The versatility to stay on the field gives Guyton plenty of chances to make plays. 

Continue reading "Breakout Player"

Unless it was a blitz, no one was able to beat a blocker-one-on-one. OLBs Pierre Woods and Rob Ninkovich were disappointing. It’s a bad sign of a lack of potential at the position. 

Continue reading "Pick Six: Preseason Game 4"

And while the coaches believe in Pierre Woods, he is not a good pass rusher. 

Maybe the answer is Paris Lenon. The free agent from the Detroit Lions has experience playing inside and outside. The problem with Lenon is we don’t know if he can handle the job. Paris spent a lot of time hurt during training camp and only got on the field for the first time last week. 

Continue reading "Linebacker Fall-back Plan"

ccomplished than the list of true linebackers: Jerod Mayo, Tedy Bruschi, Gary Guyton, Shawn Crable, Pierre Woods, Erick Alexander, Vinny Ciurciu, Paris Lenon, and sometimes Tank Williams. 

Continue reading "4-3, or Not 4-3? That Is the Question"

Not Pierre Woods or Shawn Crable. Burgess has done it before and done so at a decent rate. Head coach Bill Belichick and the coaching staff often gets the most out of their players. 

If Burgess can be half of what Randy Moss became after being traded from Oakland to New England, the Patriots got a heck of a player and another steal of a disgruntled Raider. 

Continue reading "A Burgess Believer"

While the numbers have been whittled down some, he’s losing ground to Pierre Woods and Tully Banta-Cain. Recently Rob Ninkovich was added to the mix. Crable was my favorite entering camp, but he’s been unable to establish himself. 

Continue reading "PUP-ies"

Instead they streamlined the competition down to the favorites: Banta-Cain, Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable. 

But Belichick always keeps his eyes open for a player that could help the team. Last week they showed interest in DE Stryker Sulak. Ultimately the Patriots signed Rob Ninkovich. 

Continue reading "Ninkovich in the Cards"

Instead the holdovers from last year (Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd), plus the return of Tully Banta-Cain, will conduct a battle royal until someone emerges. 

There’s still the possibility of a move to add another contestant to the competition. Besides a late veteran arrival, rookie DE Stryker Sulak, a sixth round draft pick waived by Oakland, is visiting with the Patriots. Whatever the case, steps must be taken to improve a pass defense that had just 31 sacks and allowed 27 passing touchdowns. 

Continue reading "Camp Countdown"

He looks to be more like insurance if the youngsters don't emerge.

All signs point towards Pierre Woods being the starter on opening day. Woods was solid while filling in for Adalius Thomas, until being lost with a broken jaw against the Steelers. Note I said "solid" and not "spectacular" or "great", Patriots fans will still be looking for him to really emerge.

Continue reading "Top 5 New England Patriots Training Camp Battles"

ic Alexander, Tedy Bruschi, Tully Banta-Cain, Vinny Ciurciu, Shawn Crable, Gary Guyton, Jerod Mayo, Pierre Woods, Vince Redd, Paris Lenon, and Adalius Thomas as the roster LBs (rookie Tyrone McKenzie is on injured reserve for the year). 

Continue reading "Deep Thoughts"

That leaves Pierre Woods, Tully Banta-Cain, Vince Redd, and Shawn Crable the remaining contestants for the job. For now. 

Trade talks for Oakland DE Derrick Burgess is nothing new. But the recent release of Dallas’ Greg Ellis is another veteran that potentially could be signed. Craig’s release creates room for a veteran signing. I have a feeling something will happen. 

Continue reading "Closing Speed"

Either someone on the roster steps up (among Pierre Woods, Tully Banta-Cain, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd, or Angelo Craig), New England completes a trade (with Oakland’s Derrick Burgess a current possibility), or the Patriots wait for teams to make cuts (Dallas’ Greg Ellis will be available if the Cowboys are unable to trade the 11-year veteran). 

Continue reading "Brady Back, but Patriots Still Not Complete"

Of the candidates between Pierre Woods, Tully Banta-Cain, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd, and Angelo Craig, Crable is the favorite by default. Woods doesn't pass rush well, Banta-Cain is a liability in pass coverage, Redd and Craig are unknowns, and Crable never saw the field before going on injured reserve.

Continue reading "Finding Bargains"

ing outside linebacker.

Unless the projected starter is on the roster (who would you pick between Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, Darrell Robertson, Vince Redd, Angelo Craig, and Tully Banta-Cain?), the Pats seem likely to draft an OLB with their first pick.

Continue reading "The Unexpected, As Usual"

>Currently on the Patriots roster there are seven outside linebackers: Mike Vrabel, Adalius Thomas, Pierre Woods, Shawn Crable, Vince Redd, Darrell Robertson, and Angleo Craig. After Vrabel and

Continue reading "A Difficult Search for Patriots-type Players"

The Pats are just 15th in rush defense and will miss a few key players. LBs Tedy Bruschi and Pierre Woods are out. S James Sanders is doubtful. And DE Ty Warren is 50-50. Last week New England had their problems trying to control Seatle's 19th-ranked ground game. How will they fare against a run-first offense?

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 15"

Then Shawn Crable goes on IR. Next up was Adalius Thomas apparently breaking his arm. Pierre Woods takes his place. The word is Woods broke his jaw tackling Pittsburgh's tight end on Sunday.

Next the light house from Gillette Stadium falls on Tedy Bruschi and it's lights out for the unit's leader. After that a piano being hoisted up to the owner's box crashes on top of Mike Vrabel. Both Vrabel and the piano lose several teeth in the accident. By now we're into the bridge of the song "Yakety Sax," the song played to close "The Benny Hill Show."

Continue reading "Younger Depth at Linebacker"

that in mind, New England decided to move forward with Thomas and stock the depth chart with youth. Pierre Woods was already on the roster, Shawn Crable was drafted in the third round, and Vince Redd was added as a rookie free agent. 

Continue reading "A Patriots-Colvin Reunion"

With Thomas done for the year, the Jets will go after Pierre Woods and whoever plays in place of Thomas.

Wait a Second-ary -Favre looks a lot more comfortable running the Jets offense now. How well can the Pats' banged-up secondary defend a smooth-running offense with New England's pass rush compromised?

Continue reading "Hours Before Kickoff: Week 11"

The only back-up left is Pierre Woods, and I'm not high on the kid.

Considering all that Thomas did for the team, it's not going to be easy to replace his presence. Woods seems the play the run well. They can sub in DL Jarvis Green in pass rush situations. And rookie LB Gary Guyton could play a larger role in pass coverage as he shifts outside part-time.

Continue reading "Patriots Mounting Injuries Aren't Funny"

a 48-yarder.DL Le Kevin Smith made the most of his limited playing time by recovering a fumble.OLB Pierre Woods got a quarterback hit on a play that led to an interception.

Maybe the Patriot

Continue reading "Youth Serving"

Sorry to Brett Favre you, but we've moved on. Your younger replacements are here to stay (Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable). You, my friend, can stay away.

Elsewhere, I did a national preview of

Continue reading "Reruns?"

It's possible Shawn Crable could make Pierre Woods expendable.

Others hope to hold on: LBs Bo Ruud, Gary Guyton, Vince Redd, and RB BenJarvis Green-Ellis (man I love that name) might onl

Continue reading "Less Competition, More Intensity"

e was good in coverage but he surprised me with consistent pressure and did well shedding blockers. Pierre Woods was OK with pressure in the first half but was nearly unblockable in the fourth quarter when he got a sack and batted a pass.

Continue reading "Go to the tape"

There's a purpose to their being on the field. I'll keep a close eye on the pass rush as well. Pierre Woods should create consistent pressure against first teamers, dominant if facing the second string.

Continue reading "Near and Favre"

urting it earlier in the game, when you get two hands on the ball, you're supposed to make the catchPierre Woods landed on top of a Ahmad Bradshaw fumble but failed to secure it, allowing Bradshaw to roll Woods over and strip the ball away while under the scrumOn the touchdown pass to Tyree, Asante Samuel went for the interception. Samuel looked in position to reach around with one arm to bat the ball away, forcing a third downBut that pales in comparison to the pass that was thrown right at Samuel during the final drive. The pass was high, but Asante was all alone and should had come down with the ballJarvis Green and Richard Seymour had Eli Manning in their grasp but failed to bring him down. Credit the Giants offensive linemen for not giving up and knocking Seymour and Green off their quarterback, but Eli will be their story of the one that got awayAs mentioned earlier, Merriweather had a chance at a game-winning pick, but like the other opportunities during the season, the rookie didn't catch the ball

Continue reading "The reveiw of XLII"

to work and make an impression.

One person who got some props in place of OLB Mike Vrabel was OLB Pierre Woods. Belichick credited Woods with improved performance. If that's the case, I'd say it's about time. In comparison, former Pat and current San Francisco 49er Tully Banta-Cain was ahead of Pierce in regards to his development. By his second year, TBC was embarrassing reserve tackles during the preseason. And when Banta-Cain was pressed into duty because of injury, he had a respectable season, producing 5.5 sacks.

Continue reading "Sigh of relief"

He would fit right in with 6-4 Mike Vrabel and Bo Ruud, and 6-5 Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable.

Continue reading "Taylor Made"

to the Pats and he can have and equal effect for New England's defense as well as groom the like of Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable.

Based on how badly the Dolpins got burned by their former pl

Continue reading "Taylor Trash"

Pierre Woods was one. Stephen Neal was a college wrestler and had never played football before. Both are on the Patriots roster because after they were passed on, New England brought them in as rookie free agents and both have found jobs with the team.

Continue reading "Rookie Free Agents"

Slaughter will be competing with home grown linebackers Pierre Woods and Eric Alexander for a roster spot. A better route would be to try to sign unrestricted free agent Teddy Lehman from Detro

Continue reading "The Patriots linebacker quest"