New England Patriots: Leigh Bodden Injury Creates Chances for Young CBs

September 1, 2010   ·   Benjamin Altsher   ·   Jump to comments

The Patriots already shaky defense was dealt another serious blow Tuesday when the team placed cornerback Leigh Bodden on season-ending injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff.  While Bodden's experience will be missed, his injury provides an opportunity for young players to truly cut their teeth in Bill Belichick's defense.
The 28-year old was heading into his second season with New England after a reasonably impressive first year in 2009.  Bodden tied for the team lead with five interceptions and emerged as the team's top corner quickly.  Now, his time will be handed down, likely to rookie Devin McCourty as the Patriots try to absorb yet another key injury.
Instead of looking at Bodden's absence as a loss, I view it as a chance for McCourty and second-year DB Darius Butler to prove that they can be legitimate starters at this level.  McCourty comes in with some solid credentials.  While his overall numbers at Rutgers don't jump off the page, he is...

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