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Patriots by position: Defensive backs 01.27.10 at 1:00 am ET
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As the Patriots offseason gets underway, we’ll present a snapshot of the team by position. Over the last week or so, we’ve looked at the offense. Today, we’ll start on the defensive side of the ball by putting the defensive backs in the spotlight.

On the roster: Kyle Arrington, Leigh Bodden, Darius Butler, Pat Chung, Brandon McGowan, Brandon Meriweather, James Sanders, Shawn Springs, Terrence Wheatley, Jonathan Wilhite. (Bret Lockett is on the reserve/injured list.)

Stat standouts: Interceptions (tie): Meriweather and Bodden, five each. Tackles: Meriweather, 83. Passes defensed: Bodden, 17. Single best game (tie): Bodden, three INTs, one TD, three tackles vs. New York Jets, Nov. 22, 2009; Meriweather, two INTs, one TD, four tackles vs. Tampa Bay, Oct. 25, 2009.

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In his first year in New England, Leigh Bodden was a steady and consistent presence at cornerback. (AP)

2009, in three sentences: As a group, better than 2008. The DBs didn’t get much help from a subpar pass rush, but they had plenty of good moments in 2009 (such as Bodden’s effort against the Jets and Meriweather against the Texans), which gave them a leg up on their counterparts from 2008). But there also were bad breakdowns in the secondary at the worst possible times, including Meriweather’s gaffes against Carolina and New Orleans.

By the numbers: 91. Butler’s 91-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Texans in a Week 17 loss in Houston was the longest of the season, and the fourth-longest interception return in franchise history.

Money quote: “I came here on a one-year deal just because I felt like that was the best situation — me and the organization felt like that. I wanted to prove that I’m still a good player, a good, top corner in the league, but it just wasn’t shown with Detroit because the success that we didn’t have. … I’m not worried about any contracts or anything like that. I’m just trying to help this team any way I can.” — Bodden, who signed a one-year deal before the start of the season, speaking in November about his contract situation.

The skinny: The New England defensive backs had their issues throughout the 2009 season. However, no one preaches team defense like the Patriots, and so it was no surprise that an inconsistent pass rush has a dramatic affect on the secondary. But with Bodden’s consistency, the occasional flashes of playmaking skill shown by Meriweather and the late-season renaissance of Sanders, it’s clear that 2009 marked a significant upgrade from 2008. It would have been interesting to see what this group could have done with an improved pass rush.

Long-term, Bodden is the only free agent in the group. The most consistent defensive back throughout the course of the season, he is one of the best unrestricted free agent defensive backs on the market, and should be an offseason priority for the Patriots. If he does return, he should be a lock as the No. 1 right corner. As for the rest of the corners, both second-year players Wheatley and Wilhite took dramatic steps backward after promising rookie campaigns, while Butler experienced growing pains and the veteran Springs was a mixed bag, appearing to grow more comfortable in the system as the season continued.

At safety, Sanders, Meriweather, Chung and possibly McGowan (who started strong but saw a dramatic dip in playing time late in the season) should all figure prominently into the mix at safety in 2010.

Read More: Brandon McGowan, Brandon Meriweather, Bret Lockett, Darius Butler Print  |  Bark It Up!  |  Digg It
  • http://weei.com john

    Thanks for your write up Chris. I agree mostly of what you mentioned about our DB’s – however, I really hope the Pats re-sign Bodden. (Please note: IF the Pats sign a big time Pass Rusher (ex-Peppers) – Guys like Bodden/Springs/Butler – etc – will be FINE and will be able to make plays Defensively)

    Here is my skinny:
    Bodden – Pats NEED to resign him. I felt he had a GOOD year under the circumstances.
    Springs – Under contract still, I think with his vetran presence and hopefully he can stay mostly healthy next yr – I think Shawn can have a big year next yr – opposite Bodden.
    Butler – shows lots of promise – and Quick! I think he can be a ‘playmaker’ which we need on D. (Hopefully the Pats SIGN a Kick Returner so butler can just concentrate on CB)
    McGowan – Like him alot – he is a hitter which the Pats need more of. Hopefully he works out as a nice piece as well next yr.
    Sanders – been here for a while and did show strides last yr and hopefully he can continue the progress.
    Chung – was a rookie last yr so lets see what stride he can make next yr after a FULL off season etc –
    Meriweather – did have a good year and hopefully he continues to get better and better.
    Wilhite – don’t like the way he plays – TOO SOFT. Can’t tackle. Not sure about this guy now that he has been here for a couple years. He aggravates me.
    Wheatley – He simply can’t stay on the field. Looks like another 2nd rd bust.
    Arrington – had a great yr on special teams. Hard worker and made plays last yr in the few games he did play in. A Scraper…

  • Patsfan

    The W’s need to go (Willhite and Wheatley), Willhite especially, for all I see is his backside as he tries to scamper upfield and tackle the reciever who is five yards ahead of him. The secondary is good otherwise and the priority needs to be on the front seven especially the line and outside linebackers. Good blitzing schemes are a must to put pressure on the QB so guys like Orton and Henne don’t continue to have career days against NE. Also notice how Indy had it’s highest point scoring of the year against us? The Jets proved when they got pressure on Peyton he was ineffective, the problem was the Jet Offence couldn’t score and put away the Colts.

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