As the debate rages on as to whether or not the Patriots dynasty is coming to an end, we're quickly beginning to realize that the loss of defensive back Asante Samuel has put a substantial dent in the team's pass defense. Currently, the Patriots are near the bottom of the NFL in terms of opponents' completion percentage, yards per pass attempt and passing touchdowns allowed, due in large part to guys like Deltha O'Neal getting abused on national TV. Jim Donaldson of the Providence Journal writes today about how the Patriots are currently paying the price for letting Samuel get away.
The Eagles signed Samuel to a six-year, free-agent contract worth more than $55 million, of which $20 million is guaranteed. Guaranteed, Patriots owner Robert Kraft would think that's a bargain now, if only the Pats could have retained Samuel and still remained under the cap. There's no question that the Pats miss him. Not as much as they miss injured quarterback Tom Brady, mind you. But quite a bit -- as was obvious Sunday night in San Diego, when Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers repeatedly burned New England's overmatched secondary with deep passes.At one point on Sunday night, NBC flashed a graphic on the screen showing how the Chargers had thrown three passes at O'Neal's side of the field, and completed all three for well over 100 yards and a touchdown. Naturally, they kept going back to the well until it dried up ... and it never did.
That should probably be expected when you replace a pro bowl player in Samuel -- not to mention a solid depth guy in Randall Gay -- with a guy like O'Neal, who was cut by the Bengals.
Meanwhile, in Philadelphia, Samuel has already picked off two passes and is currently tied for third in the NFL with nine pass defenses.
Obviously, re-signing Samuel would have been easier said than done with the salary cap. Whatever the reason for his exit, the Patriots defense is far weaker without him, and they certainly should have been able to find a better replacement than Deltha O'Neal.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
10-14-2008 @ 3:59PM
Jamie L Starr said...
I know football is a team sport, but being a corner is rough, I been there. I think Delta O'Neal is a wonderful athelete and good ball player, but however they all have them days. D O'Neal, and oh even A Samuel....
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10-15-2008 @ 10:20PM
Adam Gretz said...
Excellent point, Jason.
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10-16-2008 @ 10:12AM
Fred Smorgasbord said...
It's too early to say that the Pats dynasty is toast. This year is likely kaput, but with Brady back next season, who knows. Having said that, I will enjoy this season watching real competition from other teams for the Lombardi. Usually, the season is over before it begins thanks to the Patriots.
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10-16-2008 @ 4:47PM
Jason Ellis said...
With what little pressure the Patriots line has been putting on the opposing quarterback, most corners won't be able to cover anyone for very long. Even Ty Law in his prime would have had trouble with what little support he is getting from up front. Pressure has as much impact, if not more, on pass defense as the secondary.
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10-17-2008 @ 1:56PM
lowridersteeler said...
AH THE CHEATERS ARE DONE SO STICK A FORK IN THEM CAUSE THEY ARE DONE,CANT WIN IF YOU CANT CHEAT, SO JUST BY HAT SIMPLE REASON THEN THE CHEATERS WONT WIN MORE THAN 4 GAMES THIS YEAR AND WONT MAKE IT TO THE PLAYOFFS FOR MANY YEARS ,YOU GUYS ARE GOING TO BECOME THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THE NFL,JUST REMEMBER JUST BEFORE BILL AND KRAFT CONSPIRED TO CHEAT AT ALL COSTS ,THAT THE FRANCHISE WAS SECOND RATE AT BEST ,AND SINCE THE CONTROVERSY, THEY ARE WORSE THAN SCUM, THEY ARE BELOW SCUM,THEYARE SCUM EXCREMENT, PAY BACK IS A &ITCH ,AND ALL CAN DO IS LOL AT THE CHEATERS HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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10-18-2008 @ 10:23PM
carl said...
Luckily you drive a low rider that way you can drive under all that scum increment and get a good mouthful as we beat your azz again. Get off the cheater chit! There is no Santa! Just a whole bunch of sour grapes!
10-19-2008 @ 11:12AM
lowridersteelers said...
carl;the only person with the sour grapes in his mouth sounds like u,and as far as the cheaters chit,well that isnt going to happen,as long as the cheaters are in a league of honest players i for one will to my very last breath let u have right between the eyes,i guess tha t saying is right on the truth hurts ,well to bad sour puss,stick a fork in ur team cause they are done ,and it wont matter if brady comes back,once u cant i guess u cant win hahahahaha!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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11-13-2008 @ 9:49PM
LuvDeezNutz said...
Delta O'Neil is too slow on his break. He was a speed corner, and now that his speed is fading he is not so good. He does not read routes so well, and that is made obvious by the fact that the Receiver will have the ball in his hands by the time O'Neil even starts stepping in his direction. The Patriots front seven is not helping the matter either, and the fact that they lost Thomas is just salt in the wounds.
Hopefull they will use their first round pick on a CB thats good enough to start his rookie season.
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