PFT: Bruschi Being Pushed Out?

Most Patriots fans know that 2009 will probably be Tedy Bruschi’s last season as a New England Patriot.  However, some think that with the development of Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton, Bruschi could be closer than ever to his way out.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com puts his own spin on it:

Complicating matters is that Bruschi has participated only in no-contact walk-through practices.  “[I] just had to take care of a few things,” Bruschi said.  “You get a little bit older and you have to mend some aches and some pains.  That’s just why it took a little while longer for me to get out here, but I’m feeling better now and hopefully, I can get back to work.”

In the interim, second-year linebacker Jerod Mayo has become the leader of the defense, filling the role that Bruschi previously occupied.

We doubt that the Patriots would cut Bruschi, but circumstances might nudge him to choose to make his exit.  Whether it’s that vague sense that things have changed or a more acute fear that if he doesn’t take the iniative to call it quits he might not get to make that decision, we won’t be shocked in hindsight if at some point between now and Labor Day we all learn that the 36-year-old’s year-to-year decison-making process has pointed to the conclusion that this year is the year to call it quits.

I for one would be really disappointed if Tedy Bruschi retired.  I always wanted to see him win one more with the Patriots, and I was hoping that 2009 could be that year.  He is the last of the ‘96 AFC championship squad members, and maybe it is just that sentiment that makes me want to see him stay.  The fact of the matter is, Bruschi’s play is deteriorating quickly.  While he still brings an unmatchable knowledge of the system, grittiness, and leadership to the team, I’m not sure how much more he can do physically.

Yesterday was Bruschi’s first day in full-contact drills at practice.  Ultimately, and as a blogger I’m obligated to make a prediction, I think Bruschi will hang around.  I think losing Rodney Harrison and Mike Vrabel was too big of a leadership blow already, so I think Bruschi will hang around.  And I’m not buying all this crap about the 4-3 defense.  The Patriots base set will be the 3-4, and Bruschi will have a role (splitting time with Guyton).

Tedy Bruschi back at practice | Courtesy Patriots.com