ICB's Training Camp Competition Previews: CB

icecoldbruschi · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 9608 Location: Titletown

CB: Leigh Bodden vs. Shawn Springs vs. Terrence Wheatley vs. Jonathan Wilhite vs. Darius Butler

This is perhaps the most fascinating training camp competition. There are about 10 ways or so that this could go. To tell you the truth, it wouldn't even surprise me if one of these five guys didn't even make the team.

For all the negative criticism that the team got last season, the passing defense was not as bad as people make it out to be. They ranked 11th in the league at yards per game, and this was without a superior pass rush. I think that the loss of Ellis Hobbs could actually be bigger than most people think. We will have to replace the loss of the guy stating opposite him as well in Deltha O'Neal.

I read recently that some source said that Bodden was the most talented CB to play in Foxboro since Ty Law. I am not sure if this is true or not, but its certainly encouraging. Bodden looked awful in Detroit last season, but then again, everyone looks awful when playing for the Lions. Bodden looked great in Romeo Crennel's defense two years ago on his way to 6 INT's. Bodden looked to be one of the rising stars in the NFL. Hopefully, he can regain that form this season in a Patriot uniform.
Odds to Start: 65%

Shawn Springs is exactly the type of veteran free agent pickups that the Patriots' success has been built upon recently. Springs still has some left in the tank and looks to be hungry for a Super Bowl title. Springs has the ability to play at CB or FS and his versatility will be crucial. However, I think the most important role that Springs will play is the "T.O. stopper." During his time in Washington, Springs has made a habit of making Owens' life a living hell by playing extremely physical. He may be the most important factor in helping us stop the Bills' passing attack this season.
Odds to Start: 50%

I like Wheatley's game a lot and I think he's going to be a great player in Foxboro. Wheatley looked particularly impressive against the Colts WR's before breaking his arm. I truly believe that game could have broken him out into something special. Wheatley has great speed and ball skills and is not intimidated by anybody.
Odds to Start: 55%

Jonathan Wilhite had a pretty good rookie season, particularly when you compare that to the relatively low expectations which fans had for him. However, the main thing that I have been concerned about with him is how much potential he will ever have. Wilhite is already 25 years old in his second season in the league. Although he has decent ball skills, I'm not sure he will ever have the elite speed to play against top-notch WR's. After playing at nickel for most of his rookie season, he stepped up at the end of the season in the #2 CB spot and looked pretty good. Like I said, a lot depends on his ability to improve.
Odds to Start: 25%

Darius Butler is blessed with tremendous athleticism, work ethic and a passion for the game. He has great skills as a corner and above all else, this guy is just a football player in every sense of the word. Butler even played WR for UConn last season just to get on the field more and help his team win. I am not sure how much he will play in his rookie season behind the other 4. I think we see him get in on the return game much more and eventually work his way into the lineup at nickel/dime later in the season.
Odds to Start: 5%

My Prediction: I am actually not as high on Bodden as most, but I still think he starts. I have Wheatley as the #2 guy and leading the team in INT's. I think we see a lot of Shawn Springs this season regardless, particularly against physical WR's like Owens and Brandon Marshall. Wilhite and Butler will battle it out for the remaining playing time.
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ElReyDeLosReyes · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 12:29 pm Post subject:

Shawn Springs/Leigh Bodden

I wouldn't be surprised if Leigh Bodden didn't start too.

But Shawn Springs just has to start, c'mon he's facing TO.
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icecoldbruschi · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 9608 Location: Titletown

Donut · Joined: 13 Jan 2008 Posts: 11529

I agree w/ you ICB. I think TWheats wins this job. I'm very
high on him. He is going to eventually be our #1 CB. I'm not sure if he will lead in INT but He'll be a stud.
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SoxNats07 · Joined: 21 Jul 2007 Posts: 10015

I'm thinking it's Wheatley and Bodden. Although I wouldn't be surprised if there was a ton of rotation at CB, so that in the end no one is really a starter.
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DON ZAGRU

ElReyDeLosReyes · Posted: Fri Jul 10, 2009 5:21 pm Post subject:

Shock6822 · Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Posts: 8101

Initially: Bodden/Springs. End of the year: who knows. Ideally, Butler/Wheatley.
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GoldenboyGB · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 10451

Bodden played in a system he was not going to work in and him being with the Pats is due to Matt Millen being a idiot and not fixing his cap number.

Bodden should win that number 1 job hands down and if he doesnt we might have a little problem.

Wheats-I doubt he is marked as a starter right now and he will probably have to fight for the spot against Springs. Can he do it? Yeah but its going to take a healthy performance from him to do so.

Springs-He will likely get the nod towards the beginning of training camp but he will not last 16 games and if he does great. Will likely play the Lewis Sanders role.

As the days have gone on and the more I thought of if Wheatley and Bodden were the starters would Bill honestly put in Springs to just cover Owens,Colston, and other good WRs when the Pats come along them? Thats not how the Pats work. They dont assign one man to cover one WR.

If Wheatley wins the job it will be his pulling him out to let Springs cover better WRs even though there is a chance that WR wont be lined up on that side. Whats the point? If Wheats is better than he will start over Springs if its vice versa Springs will start.
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icecoldbruschi · Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 9608 Location: Titletown

PatriotsWin! · Joined: 10 Jan 2007 Posts: 15899

I think Wilhite is ahead of Wheatley at this point. I think Springs and Bodden get to start though.

There you go ICB, hope we're cool now Mr. Green

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Elmatic on the sig

GoldenboyGB · Joined: 05 Apr 2007 Posts: 10451

rabbisson · Joined: 26 Dec 2004 Posts: 28134 Location: #PoWwWwWvidence

It'll be Wheatley and Bodden this year, but in the future it'll be Wheatley and Butler. Two All-Universe cornerbacks.
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SoxNats07 · Joined: 21 Jul 2007 Posts: 10015

Yfz01 · Joined: 18 Jul 2008 Posts: 8305

Wilhite is ahead of Wheatley right now - it appears. A lot of confidence in Wheatley on this board but I think Springs and Bodden are the #1 and #2 until / unless there is an injury. I expect all of those guys to see a lot of playing time.
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Lil Uno with the sig.

finn54 · Joined: 06 Jan 2007 Posts: 11856

I'm genuinely interested to know why people think Wheatley will start ahead of Springs. Is it simply because he's a 2nd round pick? Or because he made 2 nice plays against Indy?
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