Devin McCourty and Adrian Wilson safe bet to patrol secondary
The 2013 season could ultimately be one of the better ones for the Patriots defense in recent years, maybe since the 2007 Pats team. Improvements started to come last season when the Patriots acquired cornerback Aqib Talib from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Talib added a certain attitude to the Pats secondary and really brought back that mentality for the first time since they had Rodney Harrison patrolling the secondary.
This season, the Patriots can expand on that toughness with the projected two starting safeties. Devin McCourty was moved last season to safety from corner once Talib was acquired and with the emergence of Alfonzo Dennard. He really started to show his speed towards the end of the year and the double coverage that he provided in the secondary really allowed the Patriots to stop extra yardage down the field.
The other safety spot may have some question but one could speculate that offseason acquisition Adrian Wilson will
ultimately be starting alongside McCourty. Wilson adds a veteran presence and isn't afraid to use his body to punish receivers trying to gain extra yards. He is also still looking for a super bowl ring. He came close in 2009 when the Arizona Cardinals, the team he spent 12 seasons for, lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers 27-23.
Other candidates for the second safety position will be Tavon Wilson, Steven Gregory and rookie Duron Harmon. The Patriots would be wise to stick with Adrian Wilson and McCourty. The two can add a great presence in the secondary alongside Talib, Dennard and Kyle Arrington. Wilson's veteran experience will also be a valuable asset for McCourty to learn from going forward. One thing is for certain, this could be a record year for the Patriots defense as long as everyone stays healthy.
Michael Husson
@HussBus59
This season, the Patriots can expand on that toughness with the projected two starting safeties. Devin McCourty was moved last season to safety from corner once Talib was acquired and with the emergence of Alfonzo Dennard. He really started to show his speed towards the end of the year and the double coverage that he provided in the secondary really allowed the Patriots to stop extra yardage down the field.
The other safety spot may have some question but one could speculate that offseason acquisition Adrian Wilson will
Other candidates for the second safety position will be Tavon Wilson, Steven Gregory and rookie Duron Harmon. The Patriots would be wise to stick with Adrian Wilson and McCourty. The two can add a great presence in the secondary alongside Talib, Dennard and Kyle Arrington. Wilson's veteran experience will also be a valuable asset for McCourty to learn from going forward. One thing is for certain, this could be a record year for the Patriots defense as long as everyone stays healthy.
Michael Husson
@HussBus59
