Contact: [email protected]
  Backyard Banter
  • Home
  • Backyard Banter Podcast
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 54: Kyle Crabbs - Build my own chair at the table
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 53: James Koh - Divorce the information from emotion
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 52: Will Brinson - That's how it'll have to be
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 51: Charles McDonald - Not an escape from reality
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 50: What you've learned - For you, by you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 49: Jourdan Rodrigue - Let's see what you think then
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 48: Justin Twell - Long process to come back
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 47: Justin Lonero - It's time to relearn life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 46: Scott Bischoff - Life presented the greatest challenge possible
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 45: Al Zeidenfeld - Little steps along the way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 44: Jason Romano - Just a different dream
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 43: Matt Harmon - But here we are (Season 1 finale)
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 42: Gregg Rosenthal - I have to make it work or else
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 41: Jon Moore - Determiner of what I want
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 40: Uncle Chaps - Just have fun with it
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 39: Bob Harris - The best addiction I've ever had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 38: Scott Fish - Everybody working together to make this big
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 37: Jene Bramel - Ask the questions you want answered
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 36: Mike Tagliere - Never going to leave this candy store
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 35: Ben Cummins - Starting at ground zero
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 34: Field Yates - It's the nature of what we do
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 33: Chris Heil - I gave it everything I had
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 32: Sal Stefanile - Just make them notice you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 31: Adam Levitan - Accept an alternate lifestyle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 30: Matthew Freedman - It's not built for everyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 29: George Kritikos - If your heart's not in it people notice
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 28: Marcas Grant - Certainly never expected this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 27: Steve Palazzolo - I understand the questions that come
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 26: Matt Miller - To build bridges not burn them
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 25: Graham Barfield - A human game played by humans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 24: Pat Daugherty - I just said yes to everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 23: Eric Galko - There's always work to be done
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 22: TJ Hernandez - In some roundabout way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 21: Alex Gelhar - Homework for the rest of your life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 20: The Fantasy Footballers - Because we were fans
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 19: Jessica Kleinschmidt - The scariest person you deal with is yourself
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 18: Evan Silva - A willingness to work hard
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 17: Jeff Risdon - It's hard to be in the middle
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 16: Cecil Lammey - Because I didn't ask for anything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 15: Patrick Claybon - If you shine people will see you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 14: Denny Carter - People want to know you
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 13: Adam Rank - Honestly just don't go away
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 12: Adam Pfeifer - Being happy is doing this
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 11: Mark Schofield - You get one drive in this life
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 10: Liz Loza - Ride the horse in the direction it's going
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 9: Matthew Berry - I've done it without being negative to anyone
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 8: Matt Franciscovich - Persistence is a huge deal
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 7: Matt Williamson - I got lucky, but I made my own luck
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 6: Eric Stoner - Passions are best left as hobbies
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 5: Josh Norris - You don't have to have an opinion on everything
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast Episode 4: Rumford Johnny - Elevate somebody or get out of their way
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 3: JJ Zachariason - No one cares because you're not established
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 2: Matt Waldman - Popular doesn't necessarily make it good
    • The Backyard Banter Podcast episode 1 - Sigmund Bloom
  • Fantasy Hipsters
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 28: We''l see you in a bit.
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 27: "Ehhh how about you people relax with that one"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 26: Mail Satchel - Davante Adams debate & "friends of the show"
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 25: NFL Network's Top 100 Players This or That
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 24: Mail Satchel - Surviving without Charlie and Tight Ends to Watch
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 23: Jeremy Maclin reaction, news recap and did Harmon pull off that hat?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 22: Mail satchel - WE ARE THE PODCAST OF THE PEOPLE
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 21: Reception Perception review of sleepers, breakouts and surprises
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 20: Evan Silva destroys our MFL10 hopes and dreams
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 19: Mail satchel - Will Brandon Marshall thrive with the Giants in 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 18: We Are Pretty Mad
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 17: Mail satchel - Rompers, clean eating and the 2007 NFL Draft class
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 16: NFL depth chart breakdowns and being sick of bad Eddie Lacy jokes
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 15: Mail satchel - Drafting too many rookies, breakouts and bell-cow RBs
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 14: French press vs. pour over coffee & mock draft review with James Koh
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 13: Mail satchel - Los Angeles Chargers the hipster's team of 2017?
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 12: NFL Draft rookie fits and a cast iron running back with Matt Waldman
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 11: NFL Draft preview and drumset vomit with Josh Norris of Rotoworld
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 10: Mail satchel - Dynasty debate, bad impressions and hipster bands
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 9: Perfect Prospect Parings — identifying NFL fits for draft prospects
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 8: Corey Davis, DeVante Parker and what to drink at your draft
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 7: Carlos Hyde, Laquon Treadwell and NFL Draft rookie big board part 3
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 6: Valuing Jordan Howard for 2017 and NFL Draft rookie big board part 2
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 5: NFL Draft rookie top-12 big board and in-depth beer interview
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 4: Kaepernick saga, Harmon shaves his beard and Franchise gets roasted
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast Episode 3: Eddie Lacy, Free Agency, music & beer and picking best QB roommate
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 2: Early Free Agency Fallout, Combine Standouts & Mailbag
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast - Episode 1: NFL Scouting Combine preview and washed vets
    • Fantasy Hipsters Podcast: Teaser episode introduction
  • Reception Perception: 2017
    • Reception Perception: Investigating any correlation between the results and draft prospect age
  • The 2016 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception: 11 flags planted for the 2016 season
    • Reception Perception: Nelson Agholor can bounce-back in Doug Pederson's offense
    • Reception Perception: Improved technician Donte Moncrief is set to explode in 2016
    • Reception Perception: Only one concern can hold Sammy Watkins back from his ceiling
    • Reception Perception: Bruce Ellington has a chance to flash this season with the 49ers
    • Reception Perception: Albert Wilson and the Diary of a Truther
    • Reception Perception: Willie Snead built an impressive resume we must not ignore
    • Reception Perception: Welcome the ascending Tyler Lockett to rarified status
    • Reception Perception: Kamar Aiken is the answer to the Ravens receiver riddle
    • Reception Perception: DeSean Jackson and Josh Doctson make the Washington wide receivers a strength
    • Reception Perception: Browns make a refreshing first pick in Corey Coleman
    • Reception Perception: The fruitless search for fatal flaws with Laquon Treadwell
    • Reception Perception: Why there will never be a cumulative or overall grade
    • Reception Perception: The changing variables for Torrey Smith point to a rebound
    • Reception Perception: 2016 media appearances
    • Reception Perception: Rashard Higgins - never tell me the odds
    • Reception Perception: Keyarris Garrett is a unicorn in this draft class
    • Reception Perception: Malcolm Mitchell is a top-10 receiver in the 2016 NFL Draft
    • Reception Perception: 2016 NFL draft prospects results
    • Reception Perception: Golden Tate won't be able to replace Calvin Johnson
    • Reception Perception: Jeff Janis, trump cards and sorting through the noise
    • Reception Perception: Top-four college receiver primer
  • The 2015 Reception Perception Project
    • Reception Perception Based Media Appearances
    • Reception Perception: Steve Johnson is the Surest Sleeper Around
    • Reception Perception: Target and Contested Catch Data for Sophomore WRs
    • Reception Perception: Success Rate vs. Coverage Scores for the Sophomore Wide Receivers
    • Reception Perception: Why we Must Consider the Entire Range of Outcomes for Sammy Watkins
    • Reception Perception: Data Results from Year 1
    • Reception Perception: Scanning Through the Dolphins Receiving Corps for Fantasy Answers
    • Reception Perception: Allen Robinson is Quietly on the Precipice of a Massive Breakout
    • Reception Perception: Michael Crabtree is Exactly What the Raiders’ Passing Game Needs
    • Reception Perception: Justin Hunter and Wisely Shopping the Clearance Bins
    • Reception Perception: How Kevin White Began His Ascension to the Top
    • Reception Perception: Sammie Coates Falls Along a Dangerous Archetype
    • Reception Perception: A Video Rundown of the Data
    • Reception Perception: New Browns Receiver Dwayne Bowe Bring Value to a Depleted Pass Game
    • Reception Perception: Expectations and an Odd Coupling Doomed Mike Wallace in Miami
    • Reception Perception: Andre Johnson Still has Plenty Left to Offer the Colts
    • Reception Perception: Randall Cobb Made the Right Call Sticking With the Packers
    • Reception Perception: Where Do We Go From Here, Percy Harvin?
    • Reception Perception: Devin Smith and The Value of a Trump Card (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: The Siren Song of Dorial Green-Beckham (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Impending Free Agent Michael Crabtree
    • Reception Perception: Amari Cooper Under the Microscope (FBG)
    • Reception Perception: Sammy Watkins and Cordarrelle Patterson
  • Matt Harmon's in-season film review blog
  • Bio Page
  • Harmon's Fantasy Football Tiered Rankings
  • The Backyard Banter Quarterback Typology
  • Analyzing the Landing Spots for the First Round Wide Recievers
  • Reception Perception
    • Reception Perception: Cordarrelle Patterson and a Developing Story
    • Reception Perception: Jordy Nelson and Mastering the Little Things
  • Ramblings
    • Rebuilding a broken house: losing weight, changing my lifestyle and never looking back
    • Fighting through negativity bias and a wide receiver's drops
    • Saying Goodbye to Dixie
    • The #FreeAustinTice Campaign
    • My Reaction to Adrian Peterson and The Cycle of Abuse
    • Steve Smith: A Lesson in the Dangers of Emotional Football
    • The Arizona Cardinals Will Make the Playoffs
    • The Redskins Better Not Blow This Thing Up
    • The Commodification of NFL Players
    • Digging Deeper: Why Josh Freeman Failed with the Buccaneers
    • The Fall of Aaron Hernandez and the Patriot Way
    • Washington Redskins Injury Concerns
    • Carolina Panther's Draft Bungles
    • Stubbornness the Silent Coaching Killer
  • The Fantasy Gameplan Podcast
  • Draft Class Jersey Number Grades
  • The Eye in the Sky
    • The Eye in the Sky: The St. Louis Rams Should Commit to Sam Bradford for 2014
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why the Cardinals Struggle Against Tight Ends
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Mike Brown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Uncovering a Diamond in the Rough, Brandon Bostick
    • The Eye in the Sky: E.J. Manuel's Improvement All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Why Defending the Colts Offense is too Easy All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Picking Apart the Jets Defense All-22 Breakdown
    • Eye in the Sky: Texans vs. Chiefs (Week Seven) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Redskins vs. Cowboys (Week Six) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Panthers vs. Cardinals (Week Five) All-22 Breakdown
    • The Eye in the Sky: Colts vs. Seahawks (Week Five)
  • 2014 Free Agent Profiles
    • Josh McCown Free Agent Profile
    • Jason Hatcher Free Agent Profile
    • Jarius Byrd Free Agent Profile
    • T.J. Ward Free Agent Profile
    • Lamarr Houston Free Agent Profile
    • Darrelle Revis Free Agent Profile
    • Eric Decker Free Agent Profile
    • Jared Veldheer Free Agent Profile
    • DeMarcus Ware Free Agent Profile
    • Tyson Jackson Free Agent Profile
    • Jon Asamoah Free Agent Profile
    • Michael Johnson Free Agent Profile
    • Brandon Albert Free Agent Profile
    • Louis Delmas Free Agent Profile
    • Red Bryant Free Agent Profile
    • John Carlson Free Agent Profile
    • D'Qwell Jackson Free Agent Profile
  • BYOB Forums (Bring Your Own Banter)
  • 2014 NFL Free Agency Position Breakdowns
    • 2014 Quarterback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Running Back Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Fullback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Wide Receiver Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Tight End Free Agent Rankings
    • 2014 Offensive Tackle Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Guard Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Offensive Center Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Interior Defensive Lineman Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Edge Player Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Linebacker Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Cornerback Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Safety Free Agent Breakdown
    • 2014 Specialist Free Agent Breakdown
  • 2014 NFL Draft Content
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 75)
    • 2014 Tiered Colored Position Board
    • 2014 NFL Draft Tiered Prospect Big Board (Top 32)
    • 2014 NFL Draft Top 10 Quarterback Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Draft Running Back Top 10 Ranking
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Post Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Mock Draft--Pre Free Agency
    • 2014 NFL Draft Wide Receiver Top 10 Ranking
  • Sunday Mornin' Comin' Down
    • April 27th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 13th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • April 6th Sunday Morning Coming Down
    • March 30th Sunday Morning Coming Down
  • 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seventeen 2013 Power Rankings
    • Week Sixteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fifteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Fourteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Thirteen 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Twelve 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eleven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Ten 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Nine 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Eight 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Seven 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Six 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Five 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Four 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Three 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • Week Two 2013 NFL Power Rankings
    • 2013 Season Preview Edition/Week One
  • 2013 Weekly NFL Previews
    • Super Bowl Preview
    • Playoffs- Conference Championship Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Divisional Round NFL Preview
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round NFL Preview
    • Week Sixteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fifteen NFL Preview
    • Week Fourteen NFL Preview
    • Week Thirteen NFL Preview
    • Week Twelve Picks
    • Week Eleven Picks
    • Week Ten Picks
    • Week Nine Picks
    • Week Eight Picks
    • Week Seven Picks
    • Week Six Picks
    • Week Five Picks
    • Week Four Picks
    • Week Three Picks
    • Week Two Picks
    • Week One Picks
  • Week in Review 2013
    • Playoffs- Wildcard Round in Review
    • Week Seventeen in Review
    • Week Sixteen in Review
    • Week Fifteen in Review
    • Week Fourteen in Review
    • Week Thirteen in Review
    • Week Twelve in Review
    • Week Eleven in Review
    • Week Ten in Review
    • Week Nine in Review
    • Week Eight in Review
    • Week Seven in Review
    • Week Six in Review
    • Week Five in Review
    • Week Four in Review
    • Week Three in Review
    • Week Two in Review
    • Week One in Review
  • 2013 Team Record Predictions
    • AFC Record Predictions
    • NFC Record Predictions
  • Rapid Reactions
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eleven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Ten
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Nine
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Eight
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Six
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Five
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Four
    • Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Three
  • The 2013 All-Surprise Teams
    • AFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
    • NFC 2013 All-Surprise Team
  • NFL Player Rankings (2013)
    • Top 10 NFL Quarterback Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Running Back Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Wide Receiver Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Tight End Rankings
    • Top 10 Offensive Linemen Rankings
    • Top 10 NFL Defensive Lineman Rankings
  • 2013 Season Archives
    • How to Fix 'em (2013 Offseason) >
      • Kansas City Chiefs
      • Jacksonville Jaguars
      • Oakland Raiders
      • Philadelphia Eagles
      • Detroit Lions
      • Cleveland Browns
      • Arizona Cardinals
      • Buffalo Bills
      • New York Jets
      • Tennessee Titans
      • San Diego Chargers
      • Miami Dolphins
      • Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • 2012 Season Archives
    • The Backyard Banter 2012 Season Awards
    • Fantasy Football Corner >
      • Week Twelve Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Eleven Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Ten Fantasy Football Tips
      • Week Nine Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
      • Week Eight Fantasy Football Rankings and Tips
    • NFL Power Rankings (2012) >
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 7
      • Week 6
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1
      • Season Preview Edition 8/18
    • My Weekly NFL Picks (2012) >
      • Super Bowl Pick
      • Championship Round
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17 Picks
      • Week 16 Picks
    • Week in Review (2012) >
      • The Super Bowl
      • Divisional Round
      • Wild Card Round
      • Week 17
      • Week 16
      • Week 5
      • Week 4
      • Week 3
      • Week 2
      • Week 1

Rapid Reactions Heading into Week Seven

By: Matt Harmon

QB Josh Freeman to start for the Minnesota Vikings
  • This is probably the right decision. The Christian Ponder era is finished in Minnesota and Matt Cassel showed that he is still just Matt Cassel against Carolina. The Vikings paid Josh Freeman upwards of three million dollars because they believe he can start and help them win some games, and the time is now to find out if that is truly the case. The Vikings sit at 1-4 and need to dig themselves out of that hole very quickly because the other three teams in their division are very good. Freeman’s big arm and athleticism should open the field up for Adrian Peterson to run wild and he may actually be able to get the ball to some of the weapons the Vikings added in the offseason. It is doubtful Freeman is the savior this team needs at quarterback, but he certainly provides more upside and ability than Ponder and Cassel could combine between the two of them. It will be interesting to see what the Vikings do if Freeman plays well for them since he is a free agent after this season. This situation is one that bears watching.   

QB Nick Foles takes first team reps in Eagles practice
  • Everyone wants to know whether the Eagles should stick with Nick Foles or hand the job back to Michael Vick. The decision is easy for this week; you stick with Foles. Vick was playing well enough in this offense to keep his job prior to his injury, but realistically Vick is old, will not be back with this team next year, and the Eagles know they can do better. His injury presented the perfect opportunity to get Foles on the field, and Foles rewarded them with a lights out performance against a strong Tampa Bay defense. The Eagles now have all the incentive in the world to conveniently wait until Vick is one hundred percent healthy before making a decision at quarterback. If Foles plays poorly they can go right back to Vick, but if Foles continues to play at or even near the level to which he played at in Tampa Bay the Eagles should clearly stick with him. Even though they are in the race for the NFC Least division crown, the Eagles should still be looking to the future throughout this season, and it would be a crime if they left the 2013 season without having a firm grasp on what role Foles plays in their future. I like Foles, but I seriously doubt that this coaching staff views him as the long-term franchise quarterback they covet. However, they need to see what they have in him and if he shows he belongs, the Eagles have a cheap, high-end backup on their roster. There are certainly different advantages that Vick and Foles both bring to this offense when they are behind center, but the decision is an easy one; roll with Foles. 

Packers place WR Randall Cobb on the injured reserve/designated for return list
  • When Randall Cobb took a shot to his knee against the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday it certainly looked like some damage had potentially been done to his knee ligaments. However, the fallout seems to be a bit less extreme as Cobb “only” has a fractured fibula. By placing him on the IR-designates to return list, the Packers leave the door open for Cobb to return to play the final three weeks of the regular season. For a team that believes it will be playing well into the month of January, this is obviously the best-case scenario. The Packers get to fill Cobb’s roster spot until he returns, but filling the role he plays in this offense will be much more of a challenge. The other Packer receiver injured on Sunday, James Jones, looks like he sustained a much less serious injury, and could even play this week. Jones is a fine player, and you never want anyone on your team injured, but it is not even comparable how much easier it would be to replace Jones’ contributions to this team than it will be to replace Cobb’s. Cobb is primarily a slot receiver, but his versatility and quickness causes all kinds of more problems than the traditional slot receiver does for defenses. There is still plenty of firepower on the Packers offense, and they have a strong running game to lean on, but no doubt this injury will hurt Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. I would imagine that tight end Jermichael Finley will see more snaps in the slot to compensate for the loss, and he does excel in that role, but Cobb is likely the hardest piece to replace in the Packers offense outside of Rodgers. 


Patriots LB Jerod Mayo has surgery on his torn pectoral muscle, could be headed to IR
  • This Rapid Reaction will be updated if Mayo does indeed go on IR and misses the rest of this season, but for now, lets play the hypothetical. The Patriots already lost the man they could least afford to lose on defense when they placed Vince Wilfork on IR, but now could be poised to lose their second most important defender. Jerod Mayo has played on all but ten of New England’s defensive snaps, is a team captain, and by far their best linebacker. Mayo is the only linebacker who is fast enough to play in coverage, and is Bill Belichick’s mouthpiece on the field. Brandon Spikes and Donta Hightower are good players in their own roles, but if they are forced to play extended snaps they will be exposed, especially in coverage. Spikes and Hightower are slow, and cannot be asked to cover running backs or tight ends like Mayo is. I would imagine that second round pick, Jamie Collins, would be the beneficiary in snap counts if Mayo were out rather than Spikes or Mayo. Collins was drafted with the idea of working better athleticism into the Patriots linebacking corps. Combine this news with Aqib Talib’s hip injury from Sunday and we could see a New England defense that has been exceptional this season take a major step back. Belichick finally has developed all the young talent the Patriots have drafted over the past few years, but with all these injuries to major veteran players, it is hard to see the Patriots defense sustaining their early season success.

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.