Bruschi: Never assume your role
Reporters sneaked in a couple minutes with linebacker Tedy Bruschi during the final moments of locker room access this morning and the 14th-year veteran was asked about his health, competing for a starting job, and his impression of the linebacking corps so far.
Bruschi missed a good chunk of training camp before returning last week and appearing as a reserve in the team's second exhibition game vs. the Bengals.
The 36-year-old linebacker gave a positive report on his health.
"I feel good," said Bruschi. "I think the best thing I feel about is my body, my body's doing well... (I've) been feeling good out there, been able to participate, not like the beginning of camp... now I'm just sort of in a progression like the other players, trying to get ready for the regular season."
Bruschi was asked about having to compete for his own starting job after appearing with the second-teamers during last week's game.
"I've been with every unit in my career," said Bruschi. "I've been with every single unit, so maybe it'd be different if I came in as a No. 1 overall pick and that's what I'd been my entire career, but I came in having to work my way in, so I know what it's like whether you play every down, or just play only first and second down, or just play special teams. I know what all those roles are like. I'm used to all of them and that helps.
"I've had so many years where, where you are in September is different from where you are in December. So I've learned that, ever since I was a third-down situational pass-rushing rookie that played on special teams, all the way through my entire career, that you never assume what your role is going to be. Just be ready when your coach calls on you."
As for Bruschi's take on the linebacking corps as a whole, he's optimistic.
"So far, so good," said Bruschi. "I don't think we've been doing terrible, we're making progress, week to week. Right now, it's not September, it's not October, so you really can't tell too much. From the four weeks we've had at training camp, I think the fans can look forward to seeing the linebackers make a lot of plays."
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Please retire.. You had a great run and I respect you so much, but you can't play anymore... You have not been able to cover anybody for 3 years... You are way too slow to play anymore.... Please retire
shut up Showtime. I generally don't post but I couldn't let this be the only comment in an article about Bruschi.
Sounds like a jets fan
Thanks Showtime - is tomorrow a good time for you?
I'd like to see him on the left side (4/3 alignment). I bet he'd hold the line at the point of attack better than anyone else they have tried over there and it might keep him out of coverage situations.
Hey showtime find another soapbox, no losers like you allowed on this one
I think he'll be relegated to limited duty or mop up type duty. I love the guy, but when Gary Guyton, a walk on undrafted FA looks more effective than you do, that is probably a good sign your days are numbered. I won't even reference Eric Alexander possibly being more effective than the smart Bruschi. It may be time. I am surprised he is possibly going to make BB cut him.
Lay off Showtime, imbeciles. He speaks the truth. I love Tedy but he should have hung it up after the stroke comeback. He hasn't made a big play (something he routinely did) in years. Take off the blue and red glasses, folks.
I'm with Showtime. He had a great Career, but he is all done. When do you play him? I guess only running downs, but that is about it...
Bruschis the man. Sure hes not as fast or as strong but he embodies what belichick wants in his players. He wont get cut. He may not start but you need smart guys on the field that recognize what the fuck is going on.
The only jersey I own is a 54 Bruschi jersey. But we all have to agree that Bruschi has lost his cover skills which makes him obsolete in Bill's defence. He was my favourite player for years but Showtime is right, please retire Teddy and leave on your own terms.
and no Bob I'm not a Jets fan because I speak the truth?
I don't know what he has left in the tank. He did have the 3rd highest total tackle count last year, behind only Mayo and Meriweather. So he must have been doing something.
Most think he doesn't have a spot if they use a 4-3 a decent amount also.
Does he have anything left? Who knows, but burgess hasn't shown me anything special rushing the passer in sub packages and bruschi was a DE for the Arizona Wildcats in college and tied the NCAA Division I-A career sack record with 52 QB sacks.
Wonder if the old man can still get after it?
Lifelong Patriots fan here. I have the utmost respect for Bruschi. His # 54 is the only replica jersey I wear as well. I expect to see Tedy turn the reins over to Guyton during the course of this year. Of course, it's obvious that his play has declined and HEART is not enough to overcome it. His play time will vary depending on the defensive scheme. He should remain on this team this year and at least be counted on as a mentor, solid backup and situational LB. The perfect scenario would be for Bruschi to retire following a NE Patriots Super Bowl victory this season. Hope to see him coach NE next year.
Until another ILB displaces him, he belongs on the roster. Sorry, but I'd still rather have Bruschi than Paris Lenon or even Eric Alexander.
Lifelong Patriots fan here. I have the utmost respect for Bruschi. His # 54 is the only replica jersey I wear as well. I expect to see Tedy turn the reins over to Guyton during the course of this year. Of course, it's obvious that his play has declined and his HEART alone is not enough to overcome it. His play time will vary depending on the defensive scheme. He should remain on this team this year and at least be counted on as a mentor, solid backup and situational LB. The perfect scenario would be for Bruschi to retire following a NE Patriots Super Bowl victory this season. Hope to see him as a NE coach next year.
Lifelong Patriots fan here. I have the utmost respect for Bruschi. His # 54 is the only replica jersey I wear as well. I expect to see Tedy turn the reins over to Guyton during the course of this year. Of course, it's obvious that his play has declined and HEART is not enough to overcome it. His play time will vary depending on the defensive scheme. He should remain on this team this year and at least be counted on as a mentor, solid backup and situational LB. The perfect scenario would be for Bruschi to retire following a NE Patriots Super Bowl victory this season. Hope to see him coach NE next year.
Agree with MarkZ.
At ILB, as far as I can tell, we'll have Mayo and Guyton and maybe only one more. Candidates are:
Paris Lenon
Eric Alexander
Tedy Bruschi
Against those two, my vote is absolutely for Bruschi.
I'm not counting the 6'2", 255 lb Ninkovich, who I think makes it as as special teamer, utility/situational guy/deep reserve.
I'm a rather devout Bruschi fan and no doubt that puts a bit of bias into me but it sure seemed like Tedy said exactly the things anyone should want to hear from any player. He makes no presumption that he has any role with this team and intends to do his best to earn it. Like me, he trusts the coaching staff and team management to make the best decisions for this team - and who wouldn't given their incredible performance at just that task.
I want Tedy to perform as best possible and I want the team to win games. I still think there's some of that which is in synch.
Honestly I'd be surprised if this wasn't his last season and my surprise and expectations have absolutely no bearing on the reality the coaches have demonstrated routinely they make the best decisions for this team - eventhe hard ones. What I believe is Tedy has given this team an impressive level of devotion on and off the field. He's made differences in many aspects and owns a very serious piece of the championships and high caliber performances of this team. I hope he makes it and pulls out a few more big plays before it's done and I know that however he walks away from this game, he can do it with a tremendous amount of pride and enormous amount of fan appreciation.
Go Pats!
Randy "Zip" Pierce
haha... Sorry, the little boys can't handle the truth... You two morons really think he can still play???? Seriously??? I respect him and love what he meant to this team, but it's time... Take the blue and red glasses off and understand. This is a business and putting the best team on the field. Tedy can't do it anymore.
#10--how'd you sneak that f-bomb past the censors?
I remember Tedy getting drafted, and recall his college 'Desert Swarm' defense. And I remember him muffing that punt return that Parcells had him back to receive. Tedy for me has earned the nickname Tedy Ballgame for all of the big plays and big games that he was part of. He may be the old guard, but he isn't done until both Bill and Tedy agree that he's done.
please become a coach or somthing else. Bruschi has been a great player but he nolonger is physically able to preform. he should teach the young guys how to play
When the bullets start flying, Bruschi will be there. Experience and good football instincts always count for something. He'll be factor this year.
Having said that, I wish the Pats had snagged Mauluaga in the second round. Why stockpile picks next year when one of them could have been used for Mualuaga. Oh well, even a genius like Belichick isn't right 100% of the time. A few years ago, we missed the boat on Lofa Tatupu; this year it was Mualuaga.
HE WAS AT ONE POINT A TOP 5 LINE BACKER BUT IS A SHELL OF HIS FORMER SELF.LETS JUST GO 4-3 AND NOT EVEN PRETEND ,AND BY THE WAY WRIGHT HAS PLAYED VERY WELL FOR NE.
Ayuh. The day last season ended, I began PRAYING that Coach Bill would FINALLY grasp that his LB's've been KILLING us for 4 YEARS...and get RID of Bruschi and Vrable.
I take a back seat to NO man in my worship of EITHER...but it is WELL past time.
Every year the Pats (like other teams) have to pull someone off the street to play when someone gets injured. Why don't these teams just go with their back ups? This is because they would rather have a veteran who played well (like Bruschi) even if they haven't been playing. Here you have a veteran guy who is still able to play and brings leadership. He will not be cut because that would be foolish, plain and simple. This area has always had an abundance of fans whos sole joy is to predict failure or doom, what for? Enjoy life, take your underwear off your heads, the tinfoil off your windows and try talking to a girl before life has completely passed you by. These are the same people who said the season over when Bledsoe went down and Pedroia can't hit a curve.
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