- Joined
- Apr 29, 2003
- Messages
- 3,246
- Reaction score
- 603
I know most in here are bias toward the Dolphins and have trouble evaluating other players objectively. Been there.
But, I'm also confident that most are compassionate toward Bruschi's real-life problems with the stroke he suffered. I for one hope & pray he has a full recovery - not just to play football again, but more importantly to be able to be there for his family.
I have a great respect for Bruschi, though many here think he is over-rated. There are some players who don't have all the skills that others do, but they have an instinct to make the big play at the right time. Jake Scott was one of those type of players and he didn't get enough credit for it. Still doesn't. But, Bruschi has a knack for making a huge play at just the right time - not many players do that even though they get the opportunity. One of the most memorable for me is the INT of a Fiedler pass at the Dolphins goal line that sealed the game a couple of years ago up in New England.
While I'm not going to try to do a one-to-one comparison between Bruschi and Zach, because they do not play in the same systems, I did take a look at their stats and found some interesting comparisons. Zach clearly outshines Bruschi in terms of # of tackles. But, in terms of "big plays," Bruschi is tremendous. Zach makes his share, no doubt. But, I did a "big play" analysis - including the following stats: sacks, passes defensed, INT's, TD's, over the last 4 seasons (in which Bruschi has really been a key cog on the Pats D):
Bruschi:
Sacks: 12
PD: 30
INTs: 10
TD's: 4
Thomas:
Sacks: 6.5
PD: 22
INTs: 6
TD's: 1
Not only has he been productive in these categories - they seem to come at JUST the right time (e.g., the INT against Philly and the stripped ball against the Colts). Tony Kornheiser noted on his radio show this a.m. that if Bruschi could not play anymore that the voters would be very much inclined to vote him into the Hall of Fame since he is one of the leaders on three Super Bowl Championships. I am inclined to agree. In some ways it would be similar to Dwight Stevenson's situation (though DS was the best at his position in his 7 years). Yet, Bruschi has 3 rings and was a major player there. Forget the Pro Bowl accolades. Making the Pro Bowl in recent years is a false indication of greatness.
It is scary to think of a man who has had a stroke playing football again. But, I hope he is able to play. He is the kind of lunch pail player that is hard not to like. But, regardless (not "IRregardless" - not a word), I hope he'll be healthy for the long term.
But, I'm also confident that most are compassionate toward Bruschi's real-life problems with the stroke he suffered. I for one hope & pray he has a full recovery - not just to play football again, but more importantly to be able to be there for his family.
I have a great respect for Bruschi, though many here think he is over-rated. There are some players who don't have all the skills that others do, but they have an instinct to make the big play at the right time. Jake Scott was one of those type of players and he didn't get enough credit for it. Still doesn't. But, Bruschi has a knack for making a huge play at just the right time - not many players do that even though they get the opportunity. One of the most memorable for me is the INT of a Fiedler pass at the Dolphins goal line that sealed the game a couple of years ago up in New England.
While I'm not going to try to do a one-to-one comparison between Bruschi and Zach, because they do not play in the same systems, I did take a look at their stats and found some interesting comparisons. Zach clearly outshines Bruschi in terms of # of tackles. But, in terms of "big plays," Bruschi is tremendous. Zach makes his share, no doubt. But, I did a "big play" analysis - including the following stats: sacks, passes defensed, INT's, TD's, over the last 4 seasons (in which Bruschi has really been a key cog on the Pats D):
Bruschi:
Sacks: 12
PD: 30
INTs: 10
TD's: 4
Thomas:
Sacks: 6.5
PD: 22
INTs: 6
TD's: 1
Not only has he been productive in these categories - they seem to come at JUST the right time (e.g., the INT against Philly and the stripped ball against the Colts). Tony Kornheiser noted on his radio show this a.m. that if Bruschi could not play anymore that the voters would be very much inclined to vote him into the Hall of Fame since he is one of the leaders on three Super Bowl Championships. I am inclined to agree. In some ways it would be similar to Dwight Stevenson's situation (though DS was the best at his position in his 7 years). Yet, Bruschi has 3 rings and was a major player there. Forget the Pro Bowl accolades. Making the Pro Bowl in recent years is a false indication of greatness.
It is scary to think of a man who has had a stroke playing football again. But, I hope he is able to play. He is the kind of lunch pail player that is hard not to like. But, regardless (not "IRregardless" - not a word), I hope he'll be healthy for the long term.
