It’s articles like this that prove Mike Reiss is one of the best beat reporters in the NFL. Chung really does have solid size, moreso than I’ve given him credit for in the past. No offense to Brandon McGowan or James Sanders, but Chung’s versatility and upside could give him a chance to see alot of playing time this year.
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Patriots Rank 5th in Least Player Turnover
Patriots Rank 5th in Least Player Turnover
This is something I’ve been harping on this off-season and finally I have a stat to back me up. Many Pats fans were disapointed by the lack of big free agency splashes this year, but I think too many are discarding the value of experience and progression amongst younger players.
2009 was Year One of the 2nd Belichick Patriots defense, and yes it wasn’t always perfect, but this defense will be rebuilt with many first and second rounders that were hand picked by Bill.
The first dynasty was built on the shoulders of many veteran players who had experienced playoff defeat and disappointment. Losses like the 1996 Super Bowl had a hugely formative effect on players like Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest, Ty Law and Adam Vinatieri. Rodney Harrison had a similar experience as a backup for the Chargers when they lost the 1994 Super Bowl.
You don’t just sign free agents to build this kind of leadership and experience. It must be gained for many of your players as it was against the Ravens in last seasons humiliating playoff defeat.
More on Chung’s Leadership
From Ian Rapoport:
”I consider everybody a leader. Not just me. Not just Jerod. You got James Sanders, you got Patrick (Chung). You got Tom (Brady) and everybody else,” Meriweather said. ”We’re not the only leaders on the team. I feel like everyone has their own way of leading.”
It’s interesting that in the names of people Meriweather singled out, Patrick Chung would be there. He’s a second year player. Chung certainly had a solid reputation in college. He was a leader at Oregon and has looked more assertive during the OTA’s. It’s definitely something to keep an eye on.
In the words of Hollywood UberBlogger Nikki Finke: TOLDJA!
Patriots Schwag Hunt: Brady Throwback Jersey
Ok $300 for this is a little steep, and no, Brady never actually wore this incarnation of Patriots jersey, but it’s all sewn, fully authentic and 100% badass. Imagine it as Tom Brady being sent back in time to beat the Packers in Super Bowl 31.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/patriots-schwag-hunt-brady-throwback-jersey-ok/
It cannot be a good early sign for Shawn Crable that he was with the scout-team defense when the first-team offense was going through run-game work – especially since rookie Jermaine Cunningham was with the first- and second-string defensive players on the other field working with the scout offense.
Boston Globe
There’s a long road ahead for Crable, but I have no doubt he will sprint down that road with his long crazy legs, unless he doesn’t and gets cut.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/it-cannot-be-a-good-early-sign-for-shawn-crable/
Patriots Monday OTA Observation Huddle Up
You gotta love these random media access days at OTAs. They really help you get through the hardest part of The Void (along with purchasing the NFL Preview magazines that are starting to hit the stands.
Here are some collective things that we found interesting from various beat reporter coverage:
From Reiss:
It’s a practice like this that crystallizes why Brady likes having David Patten on the field, as “Chief” always seems to be in the right place. Meanwhile, it’s a work in progress with second-year receiver Brandon Tate, who lined up opposite Randy Moss and Julian Edelman and is getting coached up quite a bit by Brady.
For all those who complained when the Patriots signed David Patten it’s things like this that should be exhibit A of why he was brought in. There’s far more to constructing a football team than the game day roster. Even if Patten doesn’t make the team he is already making an impact on the 2010 Patriots.
From PFW:
Chung got a lot of reps working alongside Brandon Meriweather
Pat Chung once again wore a red, non-contact jersey for the non-contact OTA.
I spoke about how much I love Chung on PatsCast and I like seeing that he’s getting a lot of time with Meriweather. Chung might not be the biggest guy but I think his personality could be infectious for this young New England secondary. I also think he might be wearing the red jersey more to remind himself to take it easy than to remind others.
From Shalise:
Darius Butler made the play of the day, jumping in front of a Tom Brady pass intended for Julian Edelman on the sideline for an interception.
Early signs of Butler locking down the starting LCB position are looking good. The real battle will be McCourty versus Wilhite at Nickel.
Brady still rocking the new facemask. If he’s got it on in training camp the switch is permanent.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/brady-still-rocking-the-new-facemask-if-hes-got/