Just two days before the Patriots head to Pittsburgh to face the pass-happy Steelers, the team announced that it had released cornerback Leigh Bodden. The news was surprising because of the timing, New England's opponent, but most of all because Bodden had been playing well as the team's No. 3 cornerback.
At least that was the perception. ESPNBoston.com's Mike Reiss writes on Friday morning that "Bodden was earning $3.9 million this season. The Patriots will pay the remainder of that if he is not claimed on waivers, which reflects how Bill Belichick wasn't pleased with Bodden's performance -- or perhaps his willingness to accept the third corner role -- as he is willing to eat the salary."
Whatever the reason, Bodden's gone, leaving second-year player Devin McCourty, Kyle Arrington and Antwaun Molden as the the Pats' top three cornerbacks. That's a far cry from the days of Ty Law, Asante Samuel (and even Randall Gay) patrolling the secondary. Making matters more tenuous: ESPN reports that rookie CB Ras-I Dowling missed practice again on Friday, making it unlikely he'll suit up in Pittsburgh.
While Boddden had been beset by injuries during his two-plus-year Patriots career, he had been a difference-maker when healthy. He had five interceptions in 2009, and New England signed him to a four-year $10 million deal. He missed all of 2010 with a shoulder injury and played in five games in 2011 before getting his walking papers. Meanwhile, McCourty has struggled mightily after a superb rookie season.
Things won't get easier this weekend; the Steelers have WR Mike Wallace, one of the league's fastest players and they feature fast, young wideouts in Emmanuel Sanders and Antonio Brown. Without Bodden, the task of slowing them down just got tougher, although Belichick has a knack for distracting you with one hand while he beats you with the other. And that beating, invariably, involves quarterback Tom Brady doing what he does: orchestrating the offense, putting up huge numbers, and mitigating any shortcomings his defense might have.