It Is What It Is Cast: Price and Chatham discuss the current state of the Patriots

Are you ready for some football football. As would any -- Software at all. TV is what you need is we've Christopher price I call on WEEI. -- on this edition of beauty of what it is. Yes we talk with one of our favorite -- former -- -- linebacker Matt Chatham that I appreciate you making time to join us today appropriately. Wanna talk about the patriots at the halfway point of the offseason now obviously it's tough to -- how successful rookie is going to be in this system. But when you step back and examine what they've done to this point in the offseason about halfway through the offseason. How do you think they have done let's focus obviously more more in free agency. Well I think it's exciting I think -- and ventured walking through to that influx of talent I think what happened one year. A perpetually a successful program like the patriots are. You know. It's you don't anticipate that they're going to be listeners remotely like this a lot of time there are some attrition. Good players that you had some success. And I I think you look at their off season I think it looks like they've improved themselves -- if you make the point we've we certainly don't know who was struck on. -- it Eusebio a lot of a lot of new upload is I think -- -- group that. You know it's sort of an idea of a stable of players as opposed -- this month. Excellent -- starting guys you -- just from a after projection and again of course we don't know. Double play -- which seemed to have lots and lots of bodies and Havoc and acumen guys should on the and it will with some -- the pro level -- In the Armenian women can and yet both played a bigger and theater. A book that you'll speak to the draft of this team -- -- -- Made efforts to experiment stable I think that's important the -- moving that way they seem to be moving with the. One of the things that bill talked about during the -- after right after the draft was how the game has changed over the last couple years. Obviously we've gone to more of a pass happy league in hitting defense have to start to adjust they're not necessarily going for that bigger guys. They're a -- they're going to be drafted in the in the brought in in free agency. A bunch of guys who were about 65 to 665. To seventy in it looks like their current it to weaken their defensive approach just a little bit. Yeah Vanderbilt made the point over and over again it it. These. The nickel group yours your nickel and dime groups basically via the -- defense of groups. Parochial after the here and one of the things you also don't have to consider is as we deploy them and I think there are certain divisions. In the NFL where would be you know likening of C. Is central so you ravens viewers you still have sort of -- You know an old school football field with a little less for the spread. What the other picture sort of situation with the Buffalo Bills should -- -- -- -- for years they're gonna throw the ball 90% of the time it's important. And and you kind of got to move with the -- you you saw how much trouble and I know you know this organizations or done a good job of going. Sort of self -- and also finding things hurt them and trying to sort of immigrant that in the what they do. You look at how the giants have been able to hurt them in the past -- -- -- -- long ruling bodies and it's not just you know we've got those few we've got park we've got. JPP. It's of the depth -- you -- you really got not just these real foreign usual body -- to go through four behind. And -- is that that. Idea that we're gonna have to cover a broader field I mean -- in the spread -- As opposed to simply have receivers in the field they've picked them so well be on the numbers try to use the entire width of the things so. Yeah -- do -- A bunch it at Washington bodies on the field make what was on them -- so. I think the patriots sort of -- them away the one -- I've been mentioned that the -- you know wrong every haekkerup what you the guy is you know but I actually didn't know -- about -- went back and watchable but formal commitment to decide you know I think -- definitely fit that bill. He's -- super active guy he's a little more with the guys that. You know as a motor guys -- that you can see a little bit but it will or more went about whether I don't think that the pitcher cluster have as much though last year. One of the things about for me needed that struck me was that he might be able to provide them in a perfect world. What they have lacked ever since really since since Mike right. Was. Sidelined because of his concussion problem in that he provides a real threat when it comes to being a solid interior power structure. You -- rated might quibble with a big loss I think people ruling underestimate -- -- going down coupled with the loss from -- Pretty huge chunk out of that and your -- one especially for the part of the game we spoke about him. Much more than actual snap count so you lose Mike. -- the question mark them back are still think he's one of the most effective but I push guys bought it it's coming back from a major injuries so. A lot of times of flexibility and ability to get the past you know requirements -- -- and three quarters and things become a problem oh my aperture backs of we don't know the other him. Bought in the event that he's you know most of what it was before you're still terribly effective. So you don't you have -- -- -- and you know -- known that they seem to have you know who knows -- along -- line in applicable these kind of the -- The decorative wood on the world event but and I'd definitely -- kind of super active. Personal body type for you could see him and anyone before or optical. One of the things that jumped out -- me about this draft class and about some of the defense of free agents as well as these seem to target guys. More versatile in -- -- that's you know that's talked about ad nauseam when you talk about the patriots the versatility the more you can do -- where you can do for us. But it really seem to be a point of emphasis this off season that the going after guys who complete multiple positions. Were right hand you know what divorce from the main concern is jump up the mutilated you know I think -- -- through last year's losses from them and you look at -- this time we record that. Sort of crazy scenario appears not gonna real and more walk out there's point five new names that -- on the board of what a month ago. We're trying to regarding these guys are. The dissident but but in saying that there were a lot of lines that you know. Was a -- been in the newspaper for a day in that was on -- the disease and I think a lot of those guys in the pretty significant impact that. I think the time reported feeling that way from the -- look at that they picked up this year there have been a little bit quieter and in in sort of its support of the bigger news items. But I don't look at Alex spent two -- he was the guy that that's for stability I think it's our democracy got its super personal the government. Heparin was -- -- sizable use you know the prevalent what are called. -- he's a guy who you know was given over a relatively significant signing -- which makes you think you're most likely be in the mix. You played multiple positions. He's not in my mind -- Sam -- or more runs than you or these old school you know bumpers the game I think it is. Sort of moved away from that what he's the guy that has a little more market works field. If you're the ability to pick up and passed -- to be able to catch the ball a little bit back to be able to a lot of things and frankly probably gonna play on special. And the import part of attic of a little bit bigger more rigid body. -- forward as sort of critique those groups from last year I think there's little left of the bigger. You know operate special -- Body types you know it was just her opinions to browse like doing a good job. Street few whites and these are smaller line -- though and do sort of villain that stable with bigger body -- two or three that can be productive and -- group I think was important because. You look at some of the of the cover troops with a major ruling ago last year. Some of of the lesser productive it was probably returned him a lot of that has to do with. Not your typical term torturers who some of those rigid bodies are but Movable Type helps the maker Opel to create space. And sponsors we got I think I would I would look at and that -- also look at look at Bobby Carpenter and the guys you know. From a coal. Is what the wanted to do expect them you know 1718 seconds first rounder. Bodies still wrote we -- for improvement beyond seems so. I think he's another guy and its political -- force spot the public provided some decent depth where you you know American. Drop your pants in the event a whole lot of the guys for weaker to retrieve an industry group opinion also a lot of differences. Positions and that mid body type about a fifty guys who got. That could maybe you'll play anywhere -- social things and and and give them that these two valves may be admissible electors so organ and some of those spots -- And comfortable roster but there's there's there's a lot of those guys were beaten to a lot of things have have a good case estimate for the and then. I think the carpenters aren't really -- and for a couple levels not the least of which you can have three guys on the roster. Next year if Carter comes back or second generation guys in the NFL's leader Carter carpenter. In -- that counts for something for you know for growing up via in the culture of football. In having me it's it's not a huge thing but I think it -- that everything works in their favor ultimately. Yes football guys I think that's up until talks about a lot of growth and demand your sort of built them -- football's super I think in America is going to be important -- Growing up and it may -- maybe after commerce well. I think you know -- -- -- you know it's football or use it is ruled report what you care really. You really feel when losses. What people do I think it was what are those kind some people that have that support -- of them gently. As a defense -- guy wanted to get your take on this we've heard a lot about the freeze the elephant position. In relation to Chandler Jones and whether or not he can come in and played a role in I think the first guy we heard about here in New England was Willie McGinest. I I think it's from talking to you real briefly did that -- -- the -- quote unquote a political figures -- at the elephant position. Is more of a media creation in in that -- what did we -- do. In why has it been so hard to replace him over the years from a player's perspective. You know it's it's an interesting topic because I think. I think what was beaters things that you didn't do as an organization. Is when you current apartment next. Try to find it try to best you can your old what we're grounds out to restore Monica walks and -- walks and talks and -- -- -- -- him. In you bring up -- William will uses. Where physically you call them he was when he came out he was Julius Peppers. You know from for the through that time and time management and I think he's one of those things the guys that. Had a career sort of combination of abilities. That you're gonna be really improbable is simply try to -- you know achieve this production chases you'll because. There -- have been a couple of well. And and I think you know you got into a little bit you know potentially with you know Ben Coates was the guy that was the most productive -- he -- where you cruise -- all through the -- And you know these problems and in the first thing going to or you know try to treat some fun and -- and -- I'm not saying that the major development dissent when you have a guy we productive for -- unique -- Ruling. It sometimes following this so we try to do your botched joke about what it. Willie -- did some unusual things will use these really long guy. You think you know I was taught to carry more weight if you wanted to be a tour nine more flexing or body like Republicans don't. Or you play -- that 6575. Range. He was long one of one thing good -- morning you know everyone that it -- the palace statement of them now human. The com -- and run around or they can drop a little bit do some things and and you know it is and do. I think I can drop coverage of the thing about it is yet our on air with without these incredible what receivers building on -- was so what shake -- up you -- hand them. In guys in terms of can't but what was where about will leave its stand over these athletes that would buy what you were actually in. Exponentially quicker than Willie is is that applicable well but will that was so long that it could control the that he could like that the guy engine which people want. Toward what you wrote a -- -- -- of the ships can stand around and you know -- read. Bet that's exaggerated you're never gonna I think can do it. What he was so -- jamming so -- that disrupted -- and that a lot of times -- and then enter into the right the past virtually. And that's sort of forgotten by him. Get him out their wives and then there's that immediate disguise and whether or not he's. Just out there be enough receivers required to. Or we disguise and currently or in immediately or he's gonna do that is the real -- and -- and so. You don't. I think it's always. Scared to try to replicate that. I think there's guys are going to be able bits and pieces of -- so that -- -- -- channel it's integrated not I think it's more of the street and so it's been more important. Being disruptive. It. Anything jump out at you about this draft class I don't wanna get -- -- too much because we talked about the fact that it's tough to project. How will rookies are gonna do in this system but but -- there a couple of guys at least for me. From what I have seen I really like hightower -- the versatility. In the fact DT please -- for Nick Saban down and Alabama I think that means something I think it's gonna help -- transition. Go a little bit smoother and then maybe some of these other rookies the other -- did the did and I'm sure you've heard about and so far as is that. The safety slash specialty rout of Ohio State need -- in east. Can you of the YouTube legend has it has grown exponentially ever since he's come in knowing what if anything for you jump out about this group of draftees. Positive negative from just anything at all. Well -- -- -- guys picked I think I like them right our Q I mean first payment jumped out to me is I'm not a cultural -- about draft a little while he's got as much law. I liked about real want to see in the football and Apple's supplement -- we will throw in the sport for Bullock saw the guy the first payment jumped out to me. As you've got a big giant square. If you look she reminds me a little little bartering and you know the guy. The football helmet barely hold my head you know put out of the year -- -- from I mean he's a bumper and I mean that's by all -- -- -- scouting. Stop blurred and I've read. You like I mean it's silly unit found strike you become -- mention that -- It's set -- a forgotten thing I think there has been sort of sense and you know but because of the expand into the game. These guys the complaints space to Japan to get some of the more midsize linebackers that are oversight safety that run and then an up and collect as much what. The high -- appears to me about having seen them. Could be more and that had Johnson -- And so -- and I got excited for me because you you've got potentially. You know three or four guys on the field high tolerance spikes and -- is heavy. That you know on the -- is more of -- run around type but he overt physical guy what got one. Well when I mean it's gonna be sent to walk on a field with a group of big physical suit them -- again -- them trying to reminiscent. Project these guys and those guys well I think that was one of our strikes we -- on the field. You know we it was a big dude -- of big dude. Had Johnson it was a big physical god guard them like to go against each week and Teddy was would would pump with the best of them but he was a good run around as well. And you have just the monsters across the front we cycle -- -- trailer we cycle through. -- Washington always have a monster and those -- Seymour and and and tiny. War two we were big first got the ball physical front seven gonna get NAFTA yeah. And it it seems to release from the linebacker portions. Of this group can have that kind of persona -- -- -- exciting don't know what's gonna. You know translate to wins and losses -- -- -- all but it's the kind of brand of football. For. One of your former teammates retired this past week Matt Light it do we. Tend to under rate him around here the I've had this discussion with a couple of people that. For what they asked him to do over eleven years being namely not get Tom brief -- on a regular basis. He did a great job in the -- the guys that he had problems with the -- from the outside -- Jason Taylor's the year -- -- everyone had problems with. We're where does he rank for you in terms of it in terms of teammates and again do we under rate him in his performance here his body working in New England. I think I don't want to -- team it's a thing -- was one of the great ones just just. You know we can. -- solstice more on reliability. You know dependability. How group of guys in the locker room. You know how much can count on them day in day out that there was job -- these guys who cared about the -- care what the right way when you. Referenced those times were you know they were few and far between but when he did struggle a little bit with -- I think early in his career. If her you know and you'd see him work rampant -- and practicing get better in about I think. The interest evening with with some of those guys that are more prolific pass structures that. You know. What did you -- like to wait for -- on the your controls. Are we can get someone. And I think it it's it's tough when you live -- through highlight society word that -- -- I would Mac cable one. Or to whatever it is what it was out of 65 reps and generally speaking those kind of pleasure talking about. Do in the world world not drop and every ever want to -- -- -- those things -- -- -- -- amount now profitable overseas. And what -- match of such a player such as such good news team and guys have a Buick. Which is. You really want to see him be successful. What was unique about matters matters not -- not an imposing and it has yeah play what we've not Jonathan and not you know -- -- not. Orlando Pace. What some of the things of the pitchers did it you know it's really under under appreciated beyond just simply you know you know what side anchor. And the B and also it is important of the mountain out there didn't ships. To to keep Tom operate do a lot of it on. And that's that's a huge and well what's what's interest being one of the biggest attributes are what you know about an active probably echoed this sentiment. One of the most important attributes for rob -- The ability of the content with a mild or it's ridiculous to play well others. And and across the -- of -- is very much sort of coordinated. And be able. Handled with and the games handles change one ankles Campbell moved the pocket situations the patriots a lot of the problems Wyman the bugle but more athletic. You know go on and on their screens and in the in the general Green game and some of the other stuff that hopes pumps the hopes they'll be more dynamic. Orlando -- is probably gonna be as schools that that situation I think the -- -- white. Who was sort of the path forward which would feel these you know can we would use the old field. That would import bank opened and the guys to replicate. You know Logan probably isn't quite -- but he just threw -- in -- next -- Matt do a lot of good things would be if your organization. And you know I think you'll be -- I think you'll feel a little bit different scope of the geysers -- -- -- behind him. If you get to the practice -- Nothing that I can but I can mention that they generally. I think there's a lot of it was sort of offensive lineman on offensive -- crime. Generally kept that but the others all. You know to -- the -- Michael -- qualities period. Breaches and little about. You made a very knew what appears to be released from the outset very seamless transition from your playing career triples playing -- what kind of advice would you give him. As he -- that next phase of his of his life. Mean. Well. You map together partisan -- advice from Libya are that are. Third -- guy who was it was interest -- -- -- we both did you the Harvard you know those programs policies and in the hole. Political program provides. So I think -- Correct me on this or wrong but. I believe he went all the schools which he'd he'd get a different one each year like that went the Kellogg went -- the Stamford one on the work. And he kept -- busy in the guy with as the white foundation ours is one of the really good but wants victories here in the that'll work. What he also the guy always seemed to have something going on back or something else to work -- I think it's really important men in this is related the map this is just in General Electric for players. And it's changing -- ways to stop for the head injuries shoot video audio of the call on. And you see the importance of not having your personal work deep ties to -- the dame football. You have to continue to do things with yourself and make use of the time you know that we rare opportunity because well not baseball. There are under 65 name. You know we we have a relatively long offseason. So there are opportunities through things like. To make sure that you know you some sort of -- worth understanding of the world now works. Beyond just football player and I think my Alamos its relevance of that tunnel thank. Public -- -- -- problem what you know wall missed the game was still. There was there was agreed piece a couple of weeks ago in the New York Times or a first person Trevor Trevor Pryce played the ravens played with the jets guys in his late thirties now in has had. You know every bit of his life consumed by the game of football for the last thirty plus years he talked about being frustrated in being a little bit confused as to. How to transition you know he he he says you know wake up buy you breakfast read the Paper. In minutes 930 you have the risk -- in front of the gain in net seems to mean. Something got a lot of for a place in even in the wake of you know that that the concussion thing in your we'd give him that but. -- did a lot of players a lot of former players appear at least outwardly to be struggling with the that they don't know how to make their transition. Yeah. I think. I think there's sort of a misnomer out there some sort of built up ideas that. You know if you tiger sort of worst of the trailer what are would be of of a lifetime football from super early page. And the presumption if you're good enough about it and you understand -- got completely uses mr. price is there something like that basically -- out that. Formidable work yours that we all billboards for people that don't have enough so it improves or would wanna -- the collagen. Open your early thirties and that sort of that -- -- that time we get the build up. Your own sort of work gentlemen and we -- the -- World were -- playing football so it's really tough to come out the door on the other remnant. You know you only got. I gavel so many football stories and you can tell that can open doors that can you know through those things. And at some point you're gonna have the social compliments from whatever other fuel that is that your gonna going to do there's only -- -- football coaching position in. There's only know so many football this through -- Are always and the bank that. Not to the extent that whatever -- -- -- the most important thing which is football one plane but the extent that you can find some of herself or some other interest in the can be security can be your own thing. It can be some other -- the that your but. The worst thing which you can do with a kid and I've got I've got mine mr. -- simply time the one thing and they go forward and then you know -- Mina and up that way so I think -- a lot of guys become popular brand and realized. What is what's effective and you walk in the room with and other world personnel. And who were sort of a -- you're you know your of this football architect guy. -- can never be anything but that's what he kept sort of define yourself -- more than just federally on your -- who would come up the other. Does the league do enough for guys were transitioning out of Aguirre NA NA has that. In the context of you know they provide the rookie symposium and that's a very public thing in the and they get guys ready for. Life in the NFL and all the baggage that comes along with that do they do enough on the other end for guys were transitioning out of the game in getting ready for life after football. I think they I think they expend a good amount of resources I think -- series. I think both the -- -- film and they'll create Cuban agreed amount attention I don't think that there -- visual flight at all. I'm just not sure I agree with Austria comic cons to that. Same conclusion of guys that are built on the other and and able to a lot of things -- My view is always been a little different there's I think a lot of they they give an honest effort and it. Well I think a lot of it is sort of because the philosophy on the Irwin would be more. Convention and surveyed I think what you're you're you're you know you're gonna go -- weekend. Course and hotel in New Orleans you know about finance. I always tended to think that. Those things are great purpose but all of this is simply dip your toe in the water were explosion at what all these things should -- know you don't know. And you need according to the real training for and I guess somebody in -- viscerally in the and a conversation but I think a lot of those scenarios where. Ruling meant to. Did you view of waivers for the and you go out and do something with it which means in my view and an apprenticeship for an internship -- your and your partner favorable position to make little money in the world we have -- you don't need to be paid employees. Which very attractive business structure you know from time to find skilled labor. That is just simply hungry to learn and to expand their own sort of skills so I think of a person of great action can go out you can go out fine. Whatever it is you wanna do mean there's literally entire landscape of jobs you can go out in your unpaid labor your -- -- -- motivated her highly professional and other aspect. Bought my view is that not emphasize nearly as much I would always like to extreme. A little more of that little more participation and I did I work habits or in the summer writing one year my well. It's a lot of time to my own. My own foundation spoke with all. What I -- felt like it was a little under utilized and I would almost I would argue it's probably a little bit controversial but he is. Normal structure of almost right so what war mandatory I think it's in everyone's best interest of you don't come out the other and open -- you can separate buy your way out of ignorance Russell. I met I really appreciate you joining -- how always skyscrapers going -- -- our things going for you. We you're -- -- busy Fella. That my. The record for regional portion of its own thing downer animals were mall. One of the ruling interest in things what was your original for us bruises which started -- have a platinum US people view things from. -- -- we have nothing you can compartmentalize. Great parade batter. Type thing in the pieces to strips anything in coComment separate process play on the path to. We have the ability now sort of take that product then what can also opportunities and concession contract ideas and other ways to get that part of the people and beyond this you know one or two through four retool for so. That's exciting for me in and turn this sort of to -- -- -- the upcoming apple pulled the world would be. Winnable battle of the community there's so a bit and thought I got to care and away the solutions. But what do on my birthday actually pinpointed so. -- fantastic I'm I'm pretty much given up on sleep here. But the the format again I really appreciate you coming on it every time. We speak I end up learning so much about the game of football and anything the listeners do as well so again I really appreciate you making them. To come on and we'll talk few rivers and -- -- -- -- -- excitement take care.