Bill Belichick often says that he prefers dependability over ability - but you can't spell one without the other.
So when it comes to teaming his undrafted rookie free agent defensive tackle Joe Vellano with a partner on the interior line, there couldn't be a more dependable choice than fellow undrafted rookie free agent A. J. Francis.
The New England Patriots lost the very solid cornerstone of their defense, Vince Wilfork, to a torn achilles tendon early in Sunday night's win over the Atlanta Falcons, leaving a huge gap in the Patriots' run defense as Wilfork is as stout as they come in stopping the run.
Vellano filled in capably, as did recently signed rookie Chris Jones teaming up with veteran Tommy Kelly to limit the Falcons to almost negligable effect on the game overall, and it was curious as to why the Falcons' coaching staff didn't resort to the running right up the middle to take advantage of the mismatch they had over the two rookies...
...but you can be certain that the Patriots' future opponents - starting with the Cincinnati Bengals this Sunday - will not be shy about pounding the rock right into the teeth of the Patriots interior defensive line and sticking with it either until they've worn out the rookies or the Patriots figure out a scheme to stop them - and it goes without saying that New England will probably promote one of two defensive tackles that they have on the practice squad to help stem the tide.
Marcus Forston, himself an undrafted rookie free agent last season is one choice and has the experience factor going for him, but the better choice may be Vellano's college battery mate, Francis.
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