Around The AFC East: New England Patriots

by Matty I on May 22, 2009 12:30 PM EDT in 2012 Miami Dolphins News

We'll wrap up this week's ATAFCE with the Patriots. To do so, we welcome in "MaPatsFan" from Pats Pulpit.

Matty I: What was the fan reaction in New England over Jason Taylor's return to Miami? And what do the Patriots plan to do now at outside linebacker to replace Mike Vrabel?

MaPatsFan: From a purely football business perspective, I wasn't happy JT went to Miami. It means we have to again face him twice a year; Matt Light (in charge of protecting Brady's blind side) is not a happy man. Taylor's been a beast against us in the past which is one of two reasons I believe Belichick went after him: a) Hoodie respects him as a player and b) take him away from a division rival. Plus, he'd look so good in red, white, blue, and silver. ;-)

From a purely humanistic perspective, I wasn't disappointed he went back home. If Mike Vrabel were to become available in the next few years, I couldn't see him ending his career in any other place but New England. It's only fair I apply the same logic to Jason Taylor. He belongs in Miami and he deserves to end his career there.

Speaking of Mike Vrabel, OLB Adalius Thomas displayed some decent pass rushing capabilities last year, when he wasn't injured that is. We're still not where I'd like to see us which is why New England is in talks with Oakland for DE Derek Burgess. Burgess could easily transition to an OLB in our 3-4 and turn into that pass rusher we've been lacking for so long. I'm a huge fan of "forget the edges, go after the QB". Generate pressure and the QB doesn't have time to make good decisions.

My Take: There's no denying that Jason Taylor has been a monster throughout his career against the Patriots. I'd bet Tom Brady - coming off of a serious knee injury - isn't a big fan of Taylor's return to Miami, either. As far as the Pats are concerned, these recent Derek Burgess rumors are interesting. I think Burgess could certainly transition to a 3-4 pass-rushing OLB - which is why I'm hoping these talks fall through.

Be sure to head over to Pats Pulpit to see my response to MaPatsFan's question about - what else - Jason Taylor (including a guarantee I made about JT in 2009).

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1st!

by Brian5517209 on May 22, 2009 12:43 PM EDT reply actions

if Adalius plays like he did in Baltimore

or if they get Burgess
then that would be scary
please for the love of God Al Davis don’t barter with the team that cheated you out of the 2001 season(Jan 2002) Super Bowl

by Brian5517209 on May 22, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions

Burgess is a good pass rusher

and he’d be a good fit with NE as a 3-4 OLB. It pains me to say that it would be a great move for the Pats to get him.. lets just hope Al Davis is indeed out of his mind and demands 3+ first rounders for Burgess lol..

I’m incredibly scared that Belichick is dealing with Davis.. It’s like negotiating with a 3 year old.. they just agree with the last thing you said.

Phinsider HOF C/O 2009
Winner of Four 2008/2009 Matty Awards
Matty I says, "its all fun and games until somebody goes to jail and gets raped"

by Little Nicky 21 on May 22, 2009 12:59 PM EDT reply actions

Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa

nobody cares about Mike Vrabel lol

and JT with a bent over sailor ready to take it would have just put me over the edge….and i might have done something i didnt wanna do

Phinsider Hall of Fame Class of 2009
2-Time Matty Award Winner
Author of "ITM"....the original forefather to CKC
Epic 09' Predictions - JT comeback player of yr / Ronnie Brown 1500 yards
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by Rzayo24 on May 22, 2009 1:02 PM EDT reply actions