The 23-year-old has had his fair share of problems this season. After being selected in the second round by the Pats out of Florida, Spikes has been there and done that in his rookie campaign.
First of all, the guy can clearly play. In 12 games (eight starts), he posted 61 total tackles, three passes defensed and one pick. But his off-field issues have caused bigger headlines than his on-field performances. A racy internet video that surfaced in August didn't make the most impressive first impression on the locals. Then, 13 weeks into the regular season, he was slapped with a four-game suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.
Two strikes, Spikes.
When he finally returned to the practice field last week, head coach Bill Belichick told the media that Spikes had "a ways to go" in terms of being ready to play this Sunday. Adding to the threat, Belichick offered Spikes an even rougher kick to the pants by saying, "Hopefully he'll be better this week than last week."
Pats fans couldn't agree more, and it's not just because of Spikes' ability to help stop the Jets' strong running game.
He appears to be back in shape and it sounds as if his teammates are happy to have him back, but it's time for Spikes to win back the fans. While the majority of Pats fans haven't necessarily written Spikes off because of his problematic first season away from the field, many will expect Spikes to make up for his issues by punishing opponents on the field — almost as if he owes it to them for screwing up earlier.
Spikes won't completely erase his recent history with a 12-tackle, two-sack performance this weekend, but it wil allow fans to soften up a little. Coming back from a four-game suspension with a statement performance will prove that he's here to play, improve and learn from his mistakes.
On the other hand, a couple boneheaded penalties and a few missed tackles will get fans wondering if Spikes has the mentality, attitude and perseverance to flourish as a professional athlete in this town.
That's because Pats fans aren't as quick to forgive or forget in Foxboro — and why would they be? Robert Kraft and Belichick have sent countless players packing, and both the media and fans have taken a similar professional approach when it comes to judging and accepting talent — especially rookies.
This team and its following sees that players, no matter their history, have to earn their respect from all angles inside the organization and out. It's become a privilege to don Pat the Patriot, and players have to live up to such a high standard these days, whether they're at practice or at home. As ridiculous as it may sound, it's a disrespectful slap in the face to the region when players get caught with their pants down. Pun intended.
No matter how skilled and valuable a player may be, if he isn't a "Belichick guy" or hasn't "bought into the system," then he's no good for the Pats, and can be replaced by the waiver wire's Joe Schmo who keeps his nose clean and works his tail off.
Spikes has two strikes. This weekend he'll need a home run against a Jets' ground game to get things back on track.
