why is it surprising? your pass defense is a pile of hot garbage, and Bodden is part of the reason why.
The Leigh Bodden era in New England abruptly has ended. A league source with knowledge of the situation advises PFT that the Patriots have released Bodden, an eight-year veteran. Bodden was in the second season of a four-year, $22 million contract. Per the source, the player and the team decided that the relationship wasn’t working out as planned, and that it was time to move on. He appeared in five games with one start this season. Bodden has a base salary of $3.9 million in 2011. Since the trade deadline has passed, he’ll be subject to waivers. If claimed, his new team would absorb the balance, which is $2.064 million. (He’ll be paid by the Patriots for Week Eight, even though he has been cut.) If he’s not claimed, Bodden will be entitled to receive the balance of his salary via the termination pay provision of the CBA. Coincidentally, PFT posted news of the release on Twitter just as coach Bill Belichick was conducting a press conference. Asked about the report, he reportedly said that the team doesn’t have an announcement to make at this time. But Belichick also said he’ll “skip” a question about how Bodden has been playing. In other words, “Bon voyage, Bodden.” http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/10/28/pats-cut-leigh-bodden/
Belichik said he had no announcements at this time, but it is being reported at a few sites. Nobody will pick him up on waivers under his current contract, so it may be one of those dump then resign deals with a little more guaranteed money to free up money for some other move... Maybe Welker's extension? Just speculating.
I think the total lack of pass rush is much more the reason than the DB's. Nobody can cover NFL receivers forever (Revis excepted?). And like I posted above, cutting a guy and saying goodbye for good are not necessarily the same thing.
Patriots fans last year: "McCourty already looks like a top 10 CB and Bodden is injured. When Leigh comes back the Patriots will have one of the league's best secondaries." Funny how quickly things change. Oh yeah and that 'pro bowler' Meriweather is also gone.
he was a quality #2/#3 before he got hurt last year. he had a year to recover..i guess he isnt the same anymore.
I think we all knew Merriweather only made the pro-bowl from name recognition. he was the #3 safety on the team last year. McCourty hasn't had a great year. But the DB's are being asked to play a lot more man coverage this year and receivers are gonna get away from even good DBs given enough time.
So, this will be spun as BB sending a message, right? Whereas the Jets were just disloyal jerks to Derrick Mason. Right?
Who said the Jets were disloyal to Mason? Some of you guys make shit up just to play the Jets are disrespected card.
I know you're kidding, but... He could probably cover a TE or blitz, but you guys need an OLB who can set the edge on running plays and he would be toast for pulling guards and TE's I don't think he played all that bad at CB this year. If they really are just dropping him for good, as reported, it's more than a little surprising to me!
Looks like it may be permanent. Bodden hasn't been thrilled with being relegated to 3rd (slot) corner and the Pats aren't thrilled with paying him like a starter, and him not "embracing" his role. May have been a mutual thing. I can't believe I didn't notice, but he was not active against the Raiders. Supposedly it was injury, but Bodden said coaches decision.
With Haynesworth playing more Wilfork is being moved to slot corner making Bodden redundant. This will also free up an OLB as Wilfork will have no problem setting an edge.
I don't know, this is the deepest CB corps the Jets have had in, well, maybe ever. The only question mark is Strickland's durability.
