Culcasi's Thoughts

A converted defensive end/outside linebacker, Tedy Bruschi now resides in the middle of an outstanding New England Patriots defense that finished seventh overall last year, fourth against the run. Taking advantage of injuries to Ted Johnson, Bruschi entered the starting lineup as an inside linebacker to open the 2002 season and hasn't looked back, averaging over 4.5 solo tackles per game with 6.5 sacks and four interceptions over the last two years. At 6'1 247 he lacks ideal size and had trouble shedding defenders as a lineman, making the move to linebacker a natural fit when he entered the NFL. Extraordinary quickness and instincts have helped him make up of for any deficiencies and he's developed into one of the better playmaking 'backers in the game. His intelligence makes him a perfect fit for Bill Belichick's complex defensive schemes.

Bruschi's "fit" in New England had to be on his mind this offseason when he signed what's believed to be a below market value contract to remain with the Patriots. At 31 years old, his window to break the bank is likely closed, but his loyalty will not go unnoticed.

What affect will the loss of Ted Washington have on Bruschi's numbers? Last year Bruschi averaged almost a solo tackle more per game during the six contests that Washington missed. You'd think that Bruschi would benefit statistically from having the big man up front. Wasn't so in this case, although New England's run defense could suffer if Keith Traylor (or whoever else they decide on at NT) doesn't prove to be a capable replacement. The year before Washington arrived, in 2002, the Patriots were one of the worst run Ds in the league (only Seattle was worse).

Positives

• Bruschi is a very good fit in New England. His intelligence allows him to master the complex schemes and his quickness/instincts within the system have turned him into a great playmaking linebacker.



• He pays with a reckless abandon and has a superb nose for the ball.
  

Negatives

• Bruschi is more quick than fast and, at age 31, that's not going to improve.



• He played well last year when Ted Washington was forced out of the lineup, but you've got to assume that over a full season he would benefit from Washington's presence. He could be forced to take on more blockers, which he's not suited for, and it could lead to more injuries (missed five games in 2002).



• He set a career high last year with 81 solo tackles, far from elite. Much of his value comes from the big plays (sacks and interceptions), which can prove to be inconsistent.

Final Thoughts

With Ted Bruschi and Roman Phifer both over 30, that Patriots will likely start grooming an eventual replacement. That player could be Dan Klecko, who may start eating into the veterans snaps in order to keep them fresh and healthy. Bruschi is a fun player to watch, because of his style, but I don't see him surpassing last season's career year totals. He'll come close, if he's able to remain injury free.

Quotes from the IDP Spotlight Message Thread:

To view the entire thread, click here: LB Tedy Bruschi, New England Patriots

grady:
"Bruschi had a career year last year, and I will attribute my playoff run in one league solely to him as a WW pickup who, along with Jamie Sharper and Donnie Edwards, gave me the league's most dominant defense....but I digress.

In short, in his 8 years in the league, Bruschi has only played 2 full seasons. He sat out games in the other 6 seasons because of injury or inconsistency. I do not buy that he has all of a sudden become a stud LB...I think he benefited tremendously from the plethora of injuries that the Patriots suffered last year and he just got more playing time.

This year you will see more shuffling as the Patriots are prone to do and I simply don't know how they will use Bruschi. With Klecko being moved to linebacker and Colvin back in the lineup, the linebacking corps just got more crowded.

He would be no better than a LB3 on my fantasy team."

Projections

IDP Scoring System
1 pt per Solo Tackle
0.5 pt per Assisted Tackle
3 pts per Sack
4 pts per Interception
1 pt per Pass Defensed
2 pts per Forced Fumble
2 pts per Fumble Recovery