Friday, August 25, 2006

San Diego on my Mind

Sorry for the delay, I know I said this would get posted on Wednesdays, however I was in San Diego for a seminar. What a great tie-in for this weeks topic, Junior Seau.

I believe that it is easy to UNDER estimate the value of his signing. Most of us will agree, Pats fans or not, that Seau's best days are behind him and that we shouldn't be looking for him to come in here and be a Pro-Bowler again. That being said, if he can just do an admirable job until Bruschi can come back the Pats will be in good shape. From then on he can play situationally, in the vicinity of 20-30 snaps and be effective in the middle next to Bruschi. Pundits will argue that this signing is much like last years signing of Chad Brown but I disagree. Chad Brown was a rush specialist his whole career who was thrust into the run stuffing Middle LB spot. Seau has played every LB position and has experience under a similar 3-4 system under Nick Saban. Back to where I began, Seau won't be a pro-bowler, but his value will be greater off the field and that's where the under estimation comes in.

This is a guy who is hungry for his first Super Bowl Ring. No one in that locker room is going to bring as much energy and determination to this team with that specific purpose. I believe he will not be afraid to speak up to guys who are not doing the right things. He will be an inspirational leader not only in his words and actions, but also in a "win one for the gipper" kind of way. Remember Ray Bourque going to the Avs for his Stanley Cup? How about when Rodney Harrison signed and they won the super bowl for Rodney and the following year when it was win one for Corey Dillon.

If Seau's game is only average but he brings these intangibles to the locker room, he will be worth every penny that he gets and the underestimated San Diegan will have his Super Bowl ring.

Tell your friends you read it here!

1 comment:

CJ said...

Amen to that! What Seau brings in the locker room more than makes up for the step or two he's lost on the field. I think he can still be productive in a limited role and that's why he signed here. He knows Belichick will put him in the positiion to succeed. This D is hungry and now with Seau it's even hungrier. Whach out QB's! You are their favorite meal!