These are tough times for the New England Patriots. The usual misery on a Monday after a loss was pumped up a notch since second-year linebacker Brandon Spikes reportedly suffered a strained MCL in yesterday's loss to the Giants. He knocked knees with cornerback Kyle Arrington on a goal-line play.
The Pats are no strangers to the injury since linebacker Jerod Mayo and tight end Aaron Hernandez have both dealt with them earlier this season. In each case, they each returned quicker than anticipated but can we also admit that it took them a while to get back to full speed? Furthermore, if we're being honest, you could make a case for neither guy being himself yet.
So basically, shit. Spikes had finally begun to make an impact on the defense. He's one of the only physical players on that side of the ball (as evidenced by his monster hit on New York tight end Jake Ballard yesterday). He plays with energy and is becoming a reliable part of the run defense.
So who will take Spikes' spot while he's recovering from injury? Most likely, Gary Guyton (assuming he's healthy) and possibly special teams scrub Tracy White, last seen getting repeatedly torched on New York's final drive. New England can always sign a free agent off the street because would they really be worse than Guyton or White?
This is the last thing that the team needed as they head into a pivotal Sunday Night showdown for first place in the AFC East with the New York Jets. Spikes is one of their only tough defensive players that has any kind of heart and attitude. He will be missed for however long he misses.
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