Per Rotoworld; Patriots DE Chandler Jones has been named NFL's defensive rookie of the month for September. Chalk one up for the NFL Network crew of Mike Mayock and Michael Lombardi, both of whom anointed Jones the best defensive player leading up to this year's draft. The Pats coaching staff credits Jones with 19 total tackles (7 solo), three sacks, five quarterbacks hits and two forced fumbles through four games. Pro Football Focus ranks Jones fifth among 4-3 ends. Oct 4 - 1:52 PM. Great.
And to think we COULD have taken this guy instead of Coples, who hasn't done sht in the regular season to this point. Good job Rex and Tanny, fkn scrubs.
Jones is a beast. He's already the best player on that defense (except for Wilfork, but he's only a run-plugger). This kid isn't a star in the making, he's a star currently.
Before anyone brings up the concept of hindsight, -- its really not that at all. There were a lot of us who felt that there were plenty of pressing position needs on the team to factor in the draft decision and avoid the BPA philosophy. Especially when that BPA has some red flags on him. After last year's final game meltdown and locker room strife, I dont think there was a team in the league who had more reason to avoid a prospect with red flags than this team. And we had spent our first 2 picks in the 2011 draft on linemen. Rex let his ego get in the way when it came to picking Coples. He's writing the checks that the team can't cash. We still have the same problems and pressing needs leading up to the 2013 draft that we had leading up to the 2012 draft; Pass-rushing OLB to replace Pace, Thomas and the complete absence of 1 to begin with. Offensive line help. Inside linebacker.
Coples beat his man and threw down frank gore like he was Darren Sproles , not really worried about Coples
Idk man, he gets stood up a lot. His motor isn't consistent/natural as Jones', plus I think Jones is a whole lot faster and has better hands. There were no questions with Jones as far as being motivated and taking plays off, as there were with Coples. Rex always believes that as long as he's coach, he can turn bench warmers into Hall of Famers. Obviously this isn't the case.
I'm thrilled with Jones so far. He looks like the real deal. I don't think it's fair to put Coples in the disappointment category. He's done some good stuff in limited opportunities so far. Obviously BB judged Jones ready to play every down right away and Rex feels Coples needs to be brought along slower, but it doesn't mean that Coples won't get there moving forward.
Around draft time, people were saying that he was a "workout hero" and that he would be a bust. He is looking good so far, but Coples has played well in limited snaps.
The knock on Jones at draft time was he has a small frame. But apparently he hit the weights hard because since camp he's been surprising people with his ability to bull rush. It's been a long, long, really long time since NE had a legit pass rusher, and the jury's not out yet, but physically the guy is a freak. Very long, kind of like JPP, and very tough to block one-on-one.
I also was way off on Jones too. Pretty much no one who posts on message boards is qualified to work in the NFL whether they were right on Jones or not. People who are qualified to work in the NFL also get it wrong quite often. Silly post.
Oh, you meant the experts on this board? :rofl: I thought you were saying actual football analysts were saying that shit.
It's really funny how we've had posts clamoring for Irvin and for Chandler Jones even though all I heard prior to the draft was that they would want Tannenbaum fired if he drafted either guy