New England Patriots Position-by-Position Wrap-Up: Defensive Backs

February 17, 2013   ·   Randolph Charlotin   ·   Jump to comments


New England Patriot's positional wrap-ups now shifts its focus to primarily, well, the secondary. As is appropriate in introductions, let's start with attendance. Here is the contractual roll call of each player in this year's class:
Free: Kyle Arrington, Patrick Chung, Marquice Cole, Derrick Martin, Aqib Talib
Signed: Alfonzo Dennard, Nate Ebner, Steve Gregory, Devin McCourty, Malcolm Williams, Tavon Wilson
Not present: Will Allen, Josh Barrett and Ras-I Dowling, who were on injured reserve.
So, of the 11 defensive backs on last year’s active roster, only six are under contract. Just what the Patriots need.
At no facet of the game did the 2012 Patriots struggle more than coverage from their secondary. From being ranked fourth-worst in passing yards allowed to 74 pass plays of 20 yards or more (worst in the NFL), the defensive backfield was atrocious for the second straight year.
Finishing with 20 interceptions (tied for fifth in the NFL) neith...

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