Patriots cut 20 including Burgess, Aiken Lewis and Woods

By: Greg
Today was cutting day and many big names on the Patriots defense have been let go. The Patriots let go 20 players today including: OLB Derrick Burgess, Pierre Woods, WR Sam Aiken and DT Damien Lewis. The full list is:
WR Sam Aiken


LB Eric Alexander

S Sergio Brown

LB Derrick Burgess

OL George Bussey

TE Carson Butler

RB Thomas Clayton

WR Buddy Farnham

WR Darnell Jenkins

OL Ted Larsen

TE Rob Myers

OL Rich Ohrnberger

WR Rod Owens

QB Zac Robinson

RB Chris Taylor

DB Ross Ventrone

OL Thomas Welch

LB Thomas Williams

CB DeAngelo Willingham

LB Pierre Woods
 
The four surprises were Burgess, Aiken, Lewis and Woods. OLB Burgess came back as one of the only pass rushers on the Patriots defense, a guy who the Pats gave up a high pick for last year. He came on at the end of the season but did not show enough in this preseason after showing up late to make the team.
Pierre Woods has always showed flashes of productivity but always seemed to get injured. He was also a guy who could get to the passer.
 

Lewis was a starter for Carolina last season and was seen as a fill in for Jarvais Green (who was cut by Denver today) and seemed to be playing pretty well in the preseason. He also had a weekly radio spot on WEEI with Dale and Holley, where he said all the right things. I guess he did not fit in BBs scheme.
Aiken who was a stand out on special teams throughout his time with the team was another surprising cut. Too many WRs made for no room for Aiken on the squad even with his outstanding special teams play.