Talking NFL

The Patriots Super Bowl bandwagon blew out two front tires this past weekend, when the team was rocked by both Rodney Harrison’s 4 game suspension, and the news that Richard Seymour would start the season on the PUP list.

My thoughts on both losses (besides the obvious swearing & throwing pieces of small furniture around):

- The loss of Harrison doesn’t worry me that much.  Keep in mind that he’s missed 19 games to injury over the last 2 years, and that he’s 34 years old.  Plus they just got Asante Samuel back, who will add stability to the secondary.  James Sanders came on near the end of last year, and the Patriots drafted Rodney’s eventual replacement in Brandon Meriweather.  While it would have been idea to have Rodney tutoring him at the start of the season, he shouldn’t have too much trouble if called upon.

Also, the Patriots have been here before (cuting Lawyer Milloy in ‘03 right before the opener), and they still went on to win the Super Bowl.  At least this time they don’t have to worry about seeing Rodney line up for the Jets this week…

- However, the loss of Seymour concerns me a great deal.  He’s the key cog in that defensive line, a top player in the league, and will definitely be missed.  True, the Pats have Warren and Wilfork, but make no mistake that they benefited greatly from all the attention that must be given to Seymour.  It will be very interesting to see how the run defense in particular fairs in the first half of the season.  Especially considering they’re going up against Thomas Jones, LaDainian Tomlinson, Marshawn Lynch, and Rudi Johnson in the first 4 weeks.

Bottom line: the seemingly invincible Patriots juggernaut took a big hit this week, right in the middle of their defense.  Meaning that they have a weakness that can be attacked, just like every other team in the league.  

NFL, New England Patriots, Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison