March Madness, that incredible phenomenon that causes productivity in offices everywhere to screech to a halt, is well underway so we thought it was time to have some fun while watching all the hoops.
Each week here for the Samsonite Make Your Case segment we try to focus on some issue facing the Patriots and offer our opinions on the potential solutions that may exist. This week we're going in a different direction in an attempt to lighten things up a bit.
The opening days of the NCAA basketball tournament are de facto holidays in America as fans everywhere tune in to one buzzer beater after another during a three-week period that is completely overtaken by basketball. So rather than analyzing the Patriots free agent moves or plans for the rest of the offseason – there will be plenty of time to address those important topics in the weeks to come – we're going to have some fun.
This week our question is: Which Patriot do you believe would be the best basketball player?
PFW's Andy Hart says ...
Jamie Collins
The linebacker is generally considered the best all-around athlete in the New England locker room. Having never seen the budding star step on a basketball court, I'm going to assume he can jump out the gym, as they say. He's as fast as defensive backs. He's as big as defensive ends. He's long and strong. Everyone raves about his ability to do back flips and many other feats of unimaginable athletic marvel.
Athleticism goes a long way on a football field. It goes even further on a basketball court. So does confidence, which Collins exudes in buckets. Collins has played almost every position there is on a football field and I bet he could do the same on the court.
Dunks. Steals. Blocked shots. I find it hard to believe that Collins wouldn't dominate his football teammates on the hardwood with his various God-given skills.
--AH
PFW's Paul Perillo says ...
Kyle Arrington
Pretty much from the time Arrington has been here he's been telling me how good he is in basketball. When asked what he would be doing if not playing football, Arrington said he'd be in the NBA. Since I haven't had a chance to see many of the Patriots on the hardwood, I can only take his word for it.
Defensive backs are generally considered among the best athletes in the game and Arrington certainly fits. In terms of measurables, he is a bit short at 5-10 but he is tremendously quick – as evidenced by his work in the slot – and has the speed to compete in basketball.
Lots of NFL players have basketball backgrounds and most of them don't lack for confidence. They believe they can do anything athletically and Arrington is no exception. He gets my vote for this fictional honor.
--PP
Now it's your turn to cast a vote in this week's Samsonite Make Your Case poll question.
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