Springs has the book on T.O., other receivers
FOXBOROUGH – After minicamp practice today, I had an interesting exchange with cornerback Shawn Springs. It started when he was asked if it is too early to be looking at cut-ups of Terrell Owens, given that the Patriots face the Bills in the season-opening game.
“It’s probably too early, but I actually don’t have to look at a cut-up of him. I can bring a notebook about this thick on him,” Springs said as he stretched his thumb and index finger apart.
Springs was then asked to detail more about his notebook on Owens.
“I keep notes on all receivers over the years. These guys are too good to go out there and not know them,” he said. “When I played Randy [Moss], I had a game-plan against him. Whether it was Marvin Harrison or going back to Jimmy Smith, or Chad Johnson. That’s one of the things – I’m a big note taker.”
I decided to roll the dice and ask Springs if I could see the notebook.
“No,” he said with a smile. “You might e-bay my notes and give it to some of these guys."
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It was worth a shot asking Springs....
Perhaps, you can ask him for some pages after Springs or some of the receivers in the book retire...
Good work, Reiss...
From the game notes for the Pats 52-7 victory over Springs' Redskins in 07.
"The Redskins effectively took away the Randy Moss long game but Moss still picked up another touchdown with 3 catches for 47 yards."
Only 3 receptions for Moss, one of which was a 35 yarder he reeled in despite tight coverage by Springs. I think the Pats got a steal signing Springs.
- Scuba Owl
I wonder if he refers to his Moss notebook during camp drills.
That might sell well after he retires.
That seems impressive that he keeps his own through notebook on receivers. Mike, is that a common practice among players to keep their own extensive notes, or is it more the norm to let the team do the prep work for opposing players and teams?
This is the other brilliant thing about the Springs signing -- for the young DBs, he will be like another coach. If you take Springs away, we may well have the youngest secondary in the league: of the core group of Bodden, Wheatley, Wilhite, Butler, Sanders, Chung, and Meriweather, the oldest is Bodden at 27. Having a veteran like Springs around will be huge for them.
Should have asked for just notes on Marvin Harrison who basically isn't going to play anymore.
Springs shows why he's the consummate Belichick-type player: a serious student of his game. It's not just athleticism but football IQ that has made this team so succesful this decade.
Springs and Bodden will more than prove their worth this fall. Let's just get our pass rusher and our D is ready to shut down anyone.
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