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Tank Williams analysis

Email|Link|Comments (16) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 9, 2008 05:55 PM

ANALYSIS

The Patriots placed safety/linebacker Tank Williams on injured reserve today, ending his season, and this is a significant blow. The Patriots spent more than 10 of their first training camp practices with Williams working with the first-unit defense at inside linebacker, a reflection that he was a big part of their plans.

While Williams wasn't expected to be a full-time starter throughout the season, his work at inside linebacker added an interesting wrinkle to the team's defense. Because Williams was a hybrid safety/linebacker, the 3-4 alignment could have been viewed as a standard base defense, or a nickel package with an extra defensive back.

With more teams spreading the field with three receivers in the NFL, Williams figured to be a part of the Patriots' plans defending those clubs.

In addition to placing Williams on injured reserve, the Patriots also signed veteran cornerback Jeff Shoate.

The signing helps address injury concerns at the position, as cornerbacks Ellis Hobbs, Jason Webster, Mike Richardson and Jonathan Wilhite all did not play in Thursday's preseason opener. That left second-round pick Terrence Wheatley and nine-year veteran Lewis Sanders to essentially play the entire game at corner.

Shoate is a longer shot to make the club.

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16 comments so far...

Yea, really sucks...it looked like it when it happened. We may really need Seau now for depth at ILB. I hope this means that Aiken's injury may not be as bad as it looked. Aiken probably starts the season on the PUP.

Posted by ProvMan August 9, 08 06:13 PM

This is really a shame. I was excited to see what Tank would bring to the field. It seemed as though he would provide a nice addition to the ball club.

Posted by Construda August 9, 08 06:20 PM

Might the Pats now look at John Lynch?

Posted by QB12 August 9, 08 07:04 PM

Does anyone have John Lynch on speed dial?

Posted by Joe c August 9, 08 07:15 PM

This is a bit of a blow.
Does it open a door for John Lynch? Could he play spots at ILB too?

Posted by GlasgowPat August 9, 08 08:32 PM

Posts 3,4 and 5 you all read my mind. Lynch is a Pro Bowler and I hope they are at least talking to him

Posted by Patrick August 9, 08 10:18 PM

When will BB stop using first string players on special teams? This versatility stuff seems overblown! The PATs are better served using their investment more wisely. I.E., I hate to see Richard Seymour get hurt playing offense. This stuff is "cute gimick" but I suggest we stick with the specialists in each position!

Posted by reza August 9, 08 10:56 PM

Hi QB12, Joe c, GlasgowPat and Patrick, I thought of Lynch as well. I think the problem right now is that the roster limits (80), coupled with injury concerns at offensive line and cornerback, aren't providing the flexibility to make such a move.
--Mike

Posted by Mike Reiss August 9, 08 11:20 PM

I too think John Lynch would be a great addition as a hybrid type S/LB, with the loss of Tank Williams. He has the size & nastyness too fill that spot, as well as, the experience. Though I thought Tank was a great pickup, I think John Lynch, who has wanted to play in New England , would play better on a perenial winner versus playing for the donkies, oops Broncos... BB & Scott, hello John!!! Get him in now so he can learn the system.

Posted by Dwayne Milne Rapid City, South Dakota August 10, 08 03:54 AM

Wow, the love for lynch is amazing. I guess I am the only one that thought he was an overrated player he last few years. He made his last couple probowls on name. You don't get cut if you are good, his cut wasn't a salary thing, he sucks now. Pats wanted him 5 years ago when he was at then tail end of his prime.

Also he is too small to play the S/LB role...you guys need to relax. Just hope mayo is the real deal, Brushi and hopefully seau can hold the other spot.

Rodney will play ILB on passing downs, with Saunders and Meriweather at S. Ofcourse they all need to stay healthy or we are screwed.

Posted by ProvMan August 10, 08 09:34 AM

Ty Law time

Posted by jason August 10, 08 12:09 PM

...or Brandon Moore.

Posted by GlasgowPat August 10, 08 05:23 PM

Do other teams have the kind of IR "luck" the Patriots seem to get into every year? It's looked to me, the past few years, a number of free agent or rookie players with decent projections for the season are put on IR, limiting the Patriots depth.

Posted by Sam August 10, 08 05:56 PM

Boy, I sure do wish most of you were running the Patriots instead of that incompetent duo of Belichick/Pioli. They don't know anything compared to you guys - why isn't Kraft listening to reza?

Lynch? Have any of you seen him play the past 2 years? Probably not - he's got a name but he's got more miles on his treads than Madonna and his skills are worse than she sings.

Posted by Nooner August 11, 08 11:23 AM

Pioli doesn't decide who plays what position on the field. Now I hear that Hobbs is returning kick-offs again. All we need is to lose him for the season on a special teams injury. For those of you who think BB is god, I have news for you. He lost the superbowl with his poor game management!

Posted by reza August 13, 08 09:04 AM

Posted by reza August 14, 08 09:36 AM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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