T.J. on Zach Thomas

Trust me you don't want Zach Thomas playing for the Pats next year. His history of migraine headaches and injuries made him almost completely unavailable to the worst team in the NFL last year. I know, I live in South Florida, and I heard the daily reports why he missed almost the entire season.

I agree with Ted. I can't see how 2009 Zack Thomas is an upgrade on last year's LBs.

I love how once it was announced that Thomas would be cut, everyone started shouting how perfect he would be in New England. Duh? Parcells is getting rid of him because he wants to institute the 3-4. Why we would we want a 35 year old 4-3 middle backer who doesn't fit our system?

Can we get an update on how Ted Johnson is doing?

I hope you are doing well Ted!!

Thanks

With the Patriots history of bringing on talented vets who then thrive in their system, I wouldn't doubt for a second that Belichick can find a place for him at a good value.

Maybe it's time for the Patriots to switch back to a 4-3 defense.
The Giants won the Super Bowl because they dominated the line of scrimmage with a great pass rush from their defensive line.
Given the Patriots' complex defensive schemes, trying to build up a younger linebacking corps won't be easy.
Vernon Ghoulston could step right in on the line.
Would Wilfork be able to switch to defensive tackle?
Maybe Pepper Johnson would make better defensive coordinator.
After all, the Patriots have now lost two years in a row on the final drive of the AFC Championship game and the Super Bowl.

That's why the PAtriots should go back to a 4-3. They have lots of talented OLB and DL, but not really any really good MLB anymore. Going to a 4-3 would limit your big weakness being exposed--and in a 4-3, Thomas could still produce at a quality rate.

I hope TJ is doing well....i still wear your jersey on game day!!

You're in our hearts and prayers Ted Johnson! I hope your doing well.

Ted's comment that Zach Thomas played the 4-3 his "entire career" is not entirely true. I believe he played the 3-4 under Nick Sabin for two years. I think there are probably a few scenerio's which the Patriots would consider prior to signing him; A) as a replacement for a retired player i.e. Tedy Bruschi or Junior Seau. B) if he is fully healed from his concussions/migraines and C) they think he is an upgrade at middle linebacker based on their current roster.

That's an interesting perspective from Ted Johnson. On one hand, Zach is exactly the type of player that the Patriots like. He's smart (been called the smartest player in the NFL by Peyton Manning and Phil Simms) and he's tough as nails. There isn't anyone in the NFL that works harder or wants to win more than Zach.

The Dolphins did play a hybrid 4-3/3-4 under Saban in Miami and Zach did well. The guy's a tackling machine, but maybe he would be better suited for another team.

Add a 35 y/o linebacker with his best days behind him to an aging defense?
Duh? Anybody home?

Anyone recall a few years back when Pats went all the way: with young athletic linebackers who could make plays for a whole game. Can we have that again?
Please . . . .

1 Year removed from back to back pro-bowls and nobody wants him in New England? If hes cheap and can do some 3rd down situations we'll take him.. have you all forgooten how he creamed us 2 years ago? why is Ted Johnson even being asked? 35 doesn't make you dead look at Seau.. I'd take him back again next year..

Based on their current roster, which likely includes one or more likely retirees, I think it makes sense for the Pats to go more with the 4-3. I still can't figure how Pierre Woods got onto the field long enough to mess up an easy fumble recovery in the Super Bowl. Woods was used only on special teams all season, and that he choked in a big game should not surprise anyone, least of all the coaching staff. Nor do I understand how Eric Alexander ended up starting in the AFC Championship Game the year before. It 's obvious that teams have seen the Belichick defense often enough to understand it, whereas they might have been fooled in the past. The Pats should consider simplifying the overall defensive scheme to open up the pool of players who are capable of playing it. At this point, perhaps the only people who are being fooled by the scheme are the Pats themselves.

The PATS need a stopper; coming out of free agency this year is: Lance Briggs.... sign him, as he is the best LB in the free agent field this year. Knows the 3-4, and would be a a super compliment to Colvin & Thomas ....

The best pressure the defense got on the Giants in the Super Bowl was when Adalius--who was a buzzsaw in XLII--lined up as the DE in a 4-3 defense. If Zach Thomas comes to NE, and either spells Bruschi or replaces him, should Tedi retire, there is a lot to be optimistic about. Thomas had problems because the DLine at Miami was Taylor and nothing else. The Pats have plenty else. This is a fit.

Sounds like Ted knows what a retread is.

If he fits the profile, such as many players with prior concussion, the Pats have the medical resource to fix him. If they can't the problem will surface early and they will cut him. It must be a performance based contract. Johnson suffered from a myriad of problems, most players problems are not so complex.

Couple of people mentioning to change the defensive scheme because the LBs are getting old or to fit the playing style of more free agents out there. I don't think BB is going to change his plans to fit any player. Based on his history it would be a complete turnaround if he started planning with certain players in mind. Yes, he uses players based on their strengths but i don't think he's going to do anything drastic to fit any player or group of players. Remember when back in the day he used to make mediocre players great by putting them in positions to succeed? Remember when he was easily confusing people because there wasn't any one superstar to stop but a bunch of good players theyhad to watch out for? This season was great, but did anyone notice that the team had a completely different look when Moss was taken out of the game, intentional or otherwise.