As the conclusion of the offseason draws closer, there are still some things that need to be addressed with the Patriots. With all of the drama surrounding Aaron Hernandez, the offense has been a huge topic of conversation as it should be. Curiously, however, one thing seems to have slipped under the cracks on defense, the Patriots need for pass rush help. With pass rushers the likes of Chandler Jones, Jermaine Cunningham, rookies Michael Buchanan and Jamie Collins, Rob Ninkovich, etc. the team has a lot of unproven commodities rushing opposing quarterbacks. This is where John Abraham comes in to play.
Abraham is as consistent and proven a pass rusher as there is in the NFL. With 122 career sacks and 511 tackles, Abraham is one of those rare playmakers that offensive lines have to single handedly account for. Given his age, (he is 35) he may not be as fast as he once was, but he has proven that he can still get to the QB. He accumulated 10 sacks and 35 tackles last season for the Atlanta Falcons. He will also be inexpensive to sign, as he has been a free agent since March. He would also be a good addition to the team because of the presence of Chandler Jones on the other side.
Chandler Jones is still developing as a player. What better guy to bring in to assist him than a guy who has done it all at the NFL level? He can play opposite of Jones, teach him a few things about pass rush technique, and make Jones' job easier by leaving him in more one on one situations. Jones would also be of benefit to Abraham. Abraham would have the advantage of playing next to the dynamic Pass rusher who has yet to reach his full potential. Lastly, Abraham would be able to buy time so that rookies like Michael Buchanan and Jamie Collins would not have to contribute as much right away. All in all, this would be a win win situation for both the Patriots and John Abraham.
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