CB Shawn Springs (All B1G, All-American, B1G DPOY, OSU HOF, Pro Bowl, All Pro)

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Patriots Journal: Springs misses his chance to play against former team
Saturday, August 29, 2009
BY SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

LANDOVER, Md. — It was only an exhibition game, but Shawn Springs missed the chance to face his former teammates, the Washington Redskins, on Friday night.

The 34-year old cornerback, who did not participate in the week of practices leading up to the Skins game, spent the previous five seasons with Washington before being released this spring because of his high salary-cap number.

Springs signed a three-year contract with New England shortly thereafter.

A former first-round draft pick, Springs was looking forward to returning to his old stomping grounds at FedEx Field, telling The Washington Post this week that he has fond memories of the Redskins despite the fact that they cut him loose.

“There are a lot of guys over there I have a lot of respect for. I mean, I love those guys,” he said. “But it’s not really like a homecoming; that’s not the way I’m looking at it, because I still have a relationship with those guys.

“And it’s a preseason game; it’s not like it’s a regular-season game. It’s not like a Super Bowl …but it is my hometown. [The Redskins] brought me in; it was fun, and I had a good run. It was a great place for me.”

It isn’t known why Springs has not been on the field in recent days, though he did play in last week’s game with Cincinnati. Bill Belichick said recently that Springs makes few mistakes, though at this point any potential mistakes would be made in the classroom: the 13-year veteran has missed more practices than he’s participated in.

http://www.projo.com/patriots/content/sp_fbn_patriots_journal_web_29_08-29-09_EJFI6_v2.3dd36a8.html

Blache: 'It's Always Good to See' Springs

Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache shares a strong bond with Shawn Springs, who was the Redskins' top cornerback for five seasons and joined the New England Patriots as a free agent in March.

With the Redskins playing host to the Patriots tonight at FedEx Field, Blache said he's looking forward to catching up with Springs, known as "Blue" to his closest friends, before the game.

"It's always good to see him. He's one of my all-time favorite people," Blache said during his weekly interview session with reporters at Redskins Park. "And I mean that. Guys often say that, but Blue is one of the guys that I'm very, very proud to have been associated with.

"It'll be good to see him. He's got a good heart. He's a good football player. He's a good man. It'll be good. I'm going to go over and give him a big hug and make sure everything is good."

Blache and secondary coach Jerry Gray give Springs a lot of credit for the success of the defensive backfield during their time with the team. Some fans, and people in the organization, were down on Springs last season because of the calf and shin injuries that often kept him out of the lineup. Springs, however, drew the toughest assignment each week when he was physically sound.

No matter what anyone thinks of Springs, the cat requested to cover the best receivers the Redskins faced and won a lot of those battles. That counts a lot with me.

Redskins Insider - Blache: 'It's Always Good to See' Springs

 

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Shawn Springs covers Terrell Owens
By Karen Guregian
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Boston Herald General Sports Reporter and Columnist

FOXBORO - There aren?t too many cornerbacks who have been able to shut down Terrell Owens on a consistent basis.

Shawn Springs certainly qualifies as a T.O. stopper, given the success he had while battling Owens as a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Washington Redskins. The corner, in his first year with the Patriots [team stats], covered Owens when the wideout was with the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys.

Naturally, Springs, who missed quite a bit of time recently with an undisclosed injury but practiced yesterday in preparation for Monday night?s season opener against the Buffalo Bills at Gillette Stadium, downplayed having Owens? number.

?I don?t know about that. All that?s in the past. Each year is different with him,? Springs said of the Bills? big offseason acquisition. ?The good thing about going up against T.O. is, when you play (against someone) like that, you see where you?re at. You know he?s always going to try to dominate any opponent. He comes and works really hard.

?You have to be ready playing him. Either you?re going to be the bug or the windshield, one of the two, with him. He?s so competitive. You?ve got to like guys like that.?

What makes Owens different than other receivers?

?I don?t think a lot of people understand him. You hear about all his personality things, and all his antics and stuff,? Springs said. ?I don?t think people really understand how hard the guy works, one, and two, I don?t think you understand, he?s actually a smart football player. He knows things. He?s pretty smart. He knows how the defense plays him and he makes different adjustments so it allows him to make plays.?

Shawn Springs covers Terrell Owens - BostonHerald.com

 

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Springs familiar with tip drill
By Monique Walker
Globe Staff / September 26, 2009

FOXBOROUGH - Every now and then, Patriots rookie Darius Butler will lean to the right of his locker and tap fellow cornerback Shawn Springs?s shoulder if he has a question.

Springs isn?t afraid to chat, and Butler doesn?t hesitate to ask.

?I want the help, and I ask him pretty much anything when it comes to football, and he?s willing to help,?? Butler said.

Springs is in his 13th season in the NFL and can remember when he was a 21-year-old rookie out of Ohio State roaming the Seattle Seahawks locker room. His career has taken him from Seattle to Washington to New England, where his versatility is coming in handy. As the Patriots move players around, Springs is finding a way to fit in.

Springs, 34, is not trying to reinvent himself.

?I don?t like the word ?reinvent.? I think you have to evolve as a player and as a person as you get older,?? he said.

While with the Redskins in 2004, Springs became the only defensive back in NFL history to lead his team in sacks (six) and interceptions (five) in the same season. Springs and Patriots linebacker Adalius Thomas (Baltimore 2005) are among five players in league history to lead a team in both categories. In 1998, Springs was selected to the Pro Bowl after snagging a career-best seven interceptions, returning two for touchdowns.

Springs was the third pick in the 1997 NFL draft, the same year the Kansas City Chiefs picked tight end Tony Gonzalez at No. 13.

More than a decade later, Springs and Gonzalez could be matched up on the field tomorrow as the Patriots and Atlanta Falcons meet up in the third game of the season. Gonzalez has boosted the Falcons offense in his first season after spending 12 seasons in Kansas City.

Springs filled in at safety in the 16-9 loss to the Jets last Sunday, playing the most he ever has at the position in his career. But he is just one of many options the Patriots could throw at Gonzalez.

?It?s still very new to me,?? Springs said. ?Covering tight end is different than covering a receiver because you move as a defensive back, so you?re used to guys moving a lot faster and tight ends just run different routes.??

Springs familiar with tip drill - The Boston Globe

 

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Shawn Springs Unhappy With Performance as a Patriot So Farby Jeff Howe on Oct 1, 2009

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Shawn Springs openly admits he?s a little too hard on himself, and through three games as a New England Patriots cornerback, the 12-year veteran is completely unsatisfied with his performance.

Wide receivers Terrell Owens, Jerricho Cotchery and Roddy White would very much beg to differ. While Springs hasn?t solely covered the trio -- the best receivers the Buffalo Bills, New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons have had to offer -- he has played a major role in limiting their performances on game days.

Owens (two catches, 46 yards, no touchdowns) and White (four catches, 24 yards, no touchdowns) weren?t even a factor in their team?s losses to New England. Cotchery (four catches, 87 yards, no touchdowns) was quiet most of the day against the Patriots, but his 45-yard reception during the Jets? first possession of the second half led to New York?s go-ahead touchdown.

"[I?m] not to where I like to be," Springs said. "I?m really hard on myself. I always think I can improve and play better."

Springs, one of the funniest people in the Patriots? locker room, missed a chunk of training camp and the preseason with a knee injury, but he stepped onto the field during the season opener against the Bills and performed at a high level, even if he won?t admit it. The 34-year-old did such a strong job on Owens that Buffalo quarterback Trent Edwards barely looked in the wide receiver's direction until the second half.

Springs, who signed a three-year contract with the Patriots during the offseason worth a reported $10 million, said he is still working to improve after missing time over the summer. He?s working in the film room to do a better job reading offensive formations, and he wants to be a better tackler and playmaker on Sundays.

Through his first 12 seasons, the Ohio State alum registered 32 interceptions, six forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries and three defensive touchdowns. Springs said it?s only a matter of time before he adds to those numbers.

"I had a slot start because obviously I missed a lot of camp, but it won?t take me long," Springs said. "I just keep grinding at it and working at it every day and every day. I?m really hard on myself."

Shawn Springs Unhappy With Performance as a Patriot So Far - New England Patriots - NESN.com

 

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NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS BLOG | ESPN Boston
Inactives analysis

With Wilhite inactive, increased roles for Springs and Wheatley

November 8, 2009
By: Mike Reiss

FOXBOROUGH -- Jonathan Wilhite, who has the third highest playtime total among Patriots cornerbacks, is inactive for Sunday's game against the Dolphins because of an undisclosed illness.

With Wilhite inactive, look for veteran Shawn Springs to see his playtime increase after being used sparingly the last two games. Also, second-year cornerback Terrence Wheatley is active for the second time this season.

New England Patriots Blog - Inactives analysis - ESPN Boston

 

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Up Close With: Shawn Springs
Sunday, November 15, 2009
By SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

FOXBORO ? From nearly the moment he arrived at Gillette Stadium after being signed to a free-agent deal this year, Shawn Springs endeared himself to his new teammates through humor.

The 34-year old cornerback, the third overall pick in the 1997 draft out of Ohio State (he?ll proudly tell you that no corner before or since has been chosen higher), will joke with anyone about anything, and no one is safe from his jabs, including reporters.

At his best one of the league?s top cover corners, Springs has notebooks full of scouting reports on every receiver he has faced in his 13-year career, a lesson he learned years ago from his father?s teammates with the Cowboys in the early 1980s. Ron Springs was a running back with Dallas and Tampa Bay who also played for the Buckeyes.

Listed at 6 feet, 204 pounds, Springs is the only defensive back in league history to lead his team in both interceptions and sacks in the same season; in 2004, his first year with the Redskins, he had six sacks and five picks. He is now teammates with two of the other four players with that distinction: Adalius Thomas (2005 with Baltimore) and Junior Seau (1997 with San Diego).

Here?s this week?s Up Close.

Favorite TV show: ?The First 48? (an A&E series about homicide investigation).

Favorite meal: Colorado lamb chops.

First job: Dishwasher at Captain Tony?s Pizza in Shaker Heights, Ohio

My prized possessions: My four kids

Pregame ritual: I have to look good going to the game; I have to be dressed nice.

Last concert I went to: I can?t even remember the last concert; I?ve been to plays. I saw ?The Lion King? and ?Wicked.?

My hero: Probably my dad (who has Type 2 diabetes, received a kidney transplant in February 2007 and was doing well, but fell into a coma in October of that year after routine surgery to remove a cyst on his arm. He remains in that condition in a Dallas medical facility.)

Favorite athlete in another sport: Kobe Bryant

Place I want to visit that I haven?t yet: Athens, Greece ? because I?m a Spartan. I?m one of the ?300? (referring to the 2007 film). I?m 299

When I realized I could play in the NFL: When I came out of the womb! I have one (son) like that now; he?s an animal.

Up Close With: Shawn Springs | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal

 

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Best of the rest
Shawn Springs

As a Buckeye: Three-year letterman (1994 to '96) made All-Big Ten as a junior and senior and added All-America honors as a senior. The son of former OSU running back Ron Springs was named Big Ten defensive player of the year in 1996 despite not having an interception. Yet many fans most remember his slip in the Michigan game and Tai Streets streaking past him for the key touchdown.

As a pro: No true cornerback ever has been selected higher in the NFL draft than Springs, the No. 3 overall pick by Seattle in 1997. He spent seven seasons with the Seahawks, making the Pro Bowl in his second year, when he had seven interceptions. Springs signed as a free agent with the Redskins in 2004 and spent five mostly productive seasons in Washington. He was released this spring , perhaps not coincidentally on the same day the Skins signed Albert Haynesworth to a big contract, and signed with New England. In 165 games, he has 32 interceptions and more than 600 tackles.

The skinny: While solid, Springs' 13 years in the league have not quite added up to a Hall of Fame career. The 1998 Pro Bowl appearance was his only one. He also is one of a handful of active players with 30 or more interceptions. He does own this record: In 2004, Springs became the first NFL cornerback to lead his team in interceptions (five) and sacks (six).

GameDay+

Patriots-Colts Talking Points: Springs and Warren are late scratches
Monday, November 16, 2009
By SHALISE MANZA YOUNG
Journal Sports Writer

INDIANAPOLIS ? The New England Patriots played much of the first half of Sunday night?s game with the Indianapolis Colts with a nickel look on defense ? utilizing five defensive backs.

But they did so without veteran Shawn Springs.

The veteran cornerback/safety who signed a three-year free agent deal last offseason was a healthy scratch, finding out that he wouldn?t be playing about 90 minutes before game time.

Also finding out at that time that he wouldn?t be in uniform was defensive line stalwart Ty Warren, though it is unclear whether Warren was benched or if he did not play because of the ankle injury that had limited him in practice for the last two weeks.

Springs and Warren were on the field in cleats at Lucas Oil Stadium for warmups when the Patriots announced the team?s list of inactives.

That both did not play was a surprise because getting pressure on Colts quarterback Peyton Manning would seem to be a big part of New England?s game plan.

Springs has seen his snaps dwindle in recent weeks. After starting in Weeks Two through Five and playing on at least 70 percent of the defensive snaps in each, he played just 11 snaps against Tennessee and three in London against the Buccaneers.

However, the 34-year-old saw more playing time last week against Miami, when he played for 33 snaps. That was less than 50 percent of the defensive snaps, but certainly better than the three he was on the field for against Tampa Bay.

There was a theory that Springs, who has played with torn ligaments in two of the fingers on his right hand and also has been hampered by a knee injury since training camp, was being limited so he would be at full strength to play against high-powered teams such as Indianapolis and New Orleans. But clearly that is not the case.

Patriots-Colts Talking Points: Springs and Warren are late scratches | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal

 

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Springs fever

Director of player personnel Nick Caserio was asked about high-priced cornerback Shawn Springs, who has been a healthy scratch in recent weeks. Jonathan Wilhite, Darius Butler and Leigh Bodden, whose salaries don?t add up to Springs, have been seeing the bulk of the time.

?There are some packages where there are more of them that are out there than others,? Caserio said. ?When you evaluate the player, you evaluate the guy?s skill and all four of those players mentioned, we?re happy with them. We saw the skills that were important to play the position and we feel confident whenever those players are on the field. So however it shakes out, that?s how it shakes out."

Bill Belichick just wants to beat Saints - BostonHerald.com

 

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Out of action

For the second consecutive game, Shawn Springs, the highest-paid member of the secondary, was a healthy scratch. His absence was noted as the defensive backfield was consistently torched by the Saints.

Belichick simply said he would play all the players if he could.

?We are able to select 45 and we select 45 that we feel will give us the best opportunity that week, given all the circumstances and information we have for the game,? Belichick said. ?That?s the way that decision is every week. It was no different than any other game.?

Defensive coordinator answers for defense - BostonHerald.com

 

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CB Shawn Springs backs commish
By Ian R. Rapoport
Friday, December 4, 2009

FOXBORO - Patriots cornerback Shawn Springs can recall at least one ?real bad? concussion from earlier in his career. It kept him out a few weeks as a member of the Redskins.

He doesn?t doubt it?s going to have ?some kind of effect? later in life.

It?s one reason why the 13-year veteran supports new guidelines for monitoring the effects of concussions, standards that NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced in a memo earlier this week. If players show any ill effects of the injury (such as the inability to remember or gaps in their memory) they are held out.

?The player should not be considered for return-to-football activities,? Goodell said in a statement, ?until he is fully asymptomatic.?

Springs supports the measures - a popular topic in the locker room - because it takes the pressure off players, who always want to play.

?I like it,? Springs said. ?Guys are getting bigger, stronger and faster now, and we?re learning more and more about concussions. It?s a serious thing. So we got to take it serious.?

Head injuries have been an issue for the Patriots this season, just like most teams. Rookie tackle Sebastian Vollmer sat out the Saints game on Monday after not practicing all week because of a head injury. He did re-enter the game the week before against the Jets after missing the second quarter.

Coach Bill Belichick wouldn?t say if it was a concussion. Vollmer returned to practice yesterday.

It?s a far cry from one experience Springs had.

?Sometimes, you blacked out or whatever and kept playing,? Springs said. ?I?m glad (for the change). It shows the medical arena is getting better.?

CB Shawn Springs backs commish - BostonHerald.com

 

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Pats rule out Vollmer, Springs, Taylor
By Tom E. Curran

FORT LAUDERDALE - You have to figure the clock is ticking on Shawn Springs' patience. The Patriots corner has been put on ice for the fourth straight game as the team announced tonight that he has been ruled out for tomorrow's game in Miami.

Also ruled out were left tackle Sebastian Vollmer, running back Fred Taylor, wide receiver Fred Taylor and defensive back Bret Lockett.

Springs signed a three-year, $9.75 million deal in March that included a $2.75 million signing bonus. While he has been on the injury report, health doesn't seem to be as great an issue now as performance seems to be. He's played in just six of the Patriots 11 games so far.

On Thursday, I asked him if he had any reaction to his falling into disuse. He widened his eyes, gritted his teeth and said, "I don't make the decisions."

It's a serious comedown for the one-time Pro Bowler and former first-round pick who's now 34. And it's also another log on the fire of bad free agent signings from this past offseason. Wide receivers Greg Lewis and Joey Galloway already have that blaze roaring.

Pats rule out Vollmer, Springs, Taylor

 

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Caserio muddied the waters a bit concerning veteran cornerback Shawn Springs during Tuesday?s conference call. Springs, signed to a three-year free-agent deal before this season, has been inactive for each of the last four games, and didn?t even make the trip to Miami.

Caserio was asked why Springs? preparation has not equaled snaps.

?We go through and we make our personnel decisions as it relates to the game,? Caserio said. ?Shawn is a smart guy, he works hard and he is an experienced guy. I mean, there is a lot that goes into the personnel decisions on a week-to-week basis. That?s probably something Bill can answer a little bit more specifically, but just from an organizational perspective, there?s a lot that goes into it.?

Belichick was not asked about Springs? lack of play during his part of the conference call. When he?s been asked about Springs on other occasions recently, he has also pointed to the ?personnel decisions? reasoning in the past.

However, given the performance of New England?s secondary against the Colts, Saints and Dolphins, it is hard to believe Springs could not contribute to the defense.

Dolphins didn’t do anything to surprise Patriots, Pees says | New England Patriots | projo.com | The Providence Journal

 

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Shawn Springs, James Sanders jump into action
By Dan Duggan
Monday, December 14, 2009

FOXBORO - James Sanders and Shawn Springs were in an unfamiliar spot at the start of yesterday?s game against the Panthers. When the Patriots [team stats] defense took the field, Sanders and Springs were lined up with the first unit.

Sanders hadn?t started since Week 1, and Springs had been inactive for the past four weeks. But both got the nod yesterday and responded in a 20-10 win over Carolina.

The appearance by Springs in the starting lineup was even more unlikely. The veteran cornerback signed a three-year free agent contract in March worth $10 million and was expected to hold down a starting spot.

But Springs dropped off the radar after starting four of the first five games, culminating with his benching for the past four weeks.

Springs diplomatically sidestepped questions about his feelings on his time out of the lineup.

?It?s really out of my control,? Springs said. ?All you gotta do is when your number is called is just go out there and play.?

Shawn Springs, James Sanders jump into action - BostonHerald.com

Springs Just Wants to Do His Job
12.14.09
By Joe Zarbano

FOXBORO — Shawn Springs was inactive for four straight games, but following the loss to the Dolphins, the 34-year-old cornerback knew he would get back on the field against the Panthers because he practiced with New England’s first-team all week.

Springs maintained his patience during those weeks when he was a healthy scratch, and was ready to play when called upon.

“It’s out of my control all you got to do is when your number is called is go out there and play,” Springs said.

During his four-week hiatus, Springs told the media that he looked at the positives of his situation.

“It’s all in how you look at things. For example, if y’all are reporters and get paid to do a job and they told you could relax and watch it on TV some people might be excited about it. I don’t know.” Springs said.

Springs used the generic, “Just do my job” answer on a couple of occasions. (When asked if he felt there could be a little more communication between Bill Belichick and the players, he responded, “I just do my job.” Responding to another question if he was wondering when he would play again, Springs answered, “Nope. I just come in here, get my book and do my job, I don’t wonder [about] nothing."

http://itiswhatitis.weei.com/sports.../2009/12/14/springs-just-wants-to-do-his-job/

 

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Shawn Springs keeps eye on Terrell Owens
A yearly get-together
By Ian R. Rapoport
Friday, December 18, 2009

FOXBORO - When Shawn Springs entered the NFL as a Seattle Seahawks first-round draft pick in 1997, Terrell Owens was waiting.

Through nearly 13 seasons, little has changed.

Despite Springs changing teams twice and Owens three times, they?ve still found each other a total of 10 times. They?ve been brash, up-and-coming athletes, established stars, and veterans trying to show they can still run with the kids.

And always on opposite sides.

Provided both players are active, meeting No. 11 is slated for Sunday when Springs? Patriots [team stats] play Owens? Bills in Buffalo.

?Yeah, we?ve pretty much seen him every year,? said Springs, before what may be the final meeting. ?We?ve kind of grown together. I?m quite sure some other guys have gone like that, maybe Jerry Rice and Deion (Sanders).?

It hasn?t always been a one-on-one battle. Most teams have defensive backs rotate on and off of receivers. Springs has always been involved. It started when Springs helped hold Owens to two catches for 37 yards in a Seattle win in 1997.

There were some classics. In 2002, Springs was in coverage for Seattle when Owens burned him for a touchdown, famously pulled a Sharpie out of his sock, and autographed the football. In 2008, when Springs was a Redskin and Owens a Cowboy, Owens had seven catches for 71 yards despite being targeted 18 times. He whined about not getting enough touches, while Springs earned a reputation as a T.O. stopper.

Springs said he hasn?t reminisced about their history.

?Once we sit down a couple years from now, when we both retire, we can laugh about it,? Springs said. ?Playing against each other when I was in Seattle and he was in San Fran, Dallas and Washington, Dallas and Philly, New England and Buffalo.?

In their 10 meetings, each player has won five, with Owens averaging 4.9 catches for 63.8 yards.

During their first meeting this season, Owens had just two catches for 46 yards while Springs made five tackles in the Pats? 25-24 win.

Owens didn?t address the topic this week, but before the season opener, he was told his statistics are favorable against Springs.

?I intend to continue that,? he said. ?Every time we come up against each other it?s very, very competitive. I expect nothing less from Shawn and I?m sure he expects the same from me.?

Shawn Springs keeps eye on Terrell Owens - BostonHerald.com

 

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Springs and Sanders provide needed boost to defense
By Adam Kilgore
Globe Staff / December 23, 2009

When the Patriots struck their lowest point this season, their most glaring personnel changes came in the defensive backfield. For the past two weeks, cornerback Shawn Springs and safety James Sanders have been starting after having seen scant playing time this season.

Springs and Sanders were inserted as starters after the Patriots had dropped to 7-5 following consecutive losses in which opposing quarterbacks shredded the secondary. With those two in the lineup, albeit against two below-average passing attacks, the Patriots played two of their best defensive games this year.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees said Springs and Sanders fit best into the game plans for the Panthers and Bills. Springs is a physical cornerback, and he handled Steve Smith of the Panthers and Terrell Owens of the Bills. On Sunday, Owens caught two passes for 20 yards.

?For what we?ve kind of done the last couple of weeks,?? Pees said, ?we preferred what they give a little more than maybe somebody else.??

Springs had been inactive for five weeks, and Sanders had been replaced as a starter by Brandon McGowan and spent the majority of his playing time on special teams.

The Patriots worried Springs might not be able to endure a full game, but he has held up in part because the Patriots needed fewer than 60 defensive plays in both games. Otherwise, Springs and Sanders walked back into the lineup as if they never had left.

Springs, Sanders provide boost to Patriots defense - The Boston Globe