NFL Roster Cuts: Patriots Cut Derrick Burgess

Among the more surprising results of today's round of NFL roster cuts was New England letting Derrick Burgess go. Our Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit, is a bit perplexed:

The biggest surprise has got to be the release of defensive end/outside linebacker Derrick Burgess. Burgess had been starting with the 1st team since he returned to the team in mid-August. While he hadn't looked impressive, he still was starting, and after all, he was welcomed back pretty openly after considering retirement at the beginning of training camp. With Burgess as well as Pierre Woods out of the picture, the Patriots have Tully Banta-Cain, Marques Murrell, Ron Ninkovich, and Jermaine Cunningham left at the outside linebacker position.

With that linebacking corps, it wouldn't be surprising to see the Patriots struggle to cover running backs in the passing game this season.