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Patriots' Meriweather key to secondary? |
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Friday, 25 July 2008 |
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By BRENDAN MCGAIR Sports writer FOXBORO – Whether he realizes or not, Brandon Meriweather has become one of the most seasoned members of the Patriots’ secondary.
Keep in mind this is the product of offseason defections, the most glaring being Asante Samuel now spreading his wings in Philadelphia. Also appearing on the departed list are Randall Gay (New Orleans) and Eugene Wilson (Tampa Bay).
There are holes to fill and positions up for grabs, making the Pats’ secondary one of the issues to keep close tabs on during training camp, which officially kicked off Thursday morning with a session inside the Dana-Farber Field House. Losing a top-flight corner in Samuel is an obvious blow to the unit, but to a lesser degree so too are Gay and Wilson, both of whom were seasoned in New England’s schemes.
The Patriots’ hope is that Meriweather can take the next step NFL players strive to make between their first and second years. A leaping interception of backup quarterback Matt Gutierrez during a.m. drills could be a sign the 24-year-old is chomping at the bit for more responsibilities.
Or, the pick could merely be interpreted as a harbinger of exciting things to come for the safety in 2008.
“I’ve got a year of experience, so now it’s like going into your second year of school. You feel more comfortable with everybody and know a little bit more,” said Meriweather. “Last year I didn’t know what I was going into. This year I kind of understand what to do when given the opportunity.
“Whenever you have an opportunity to be a part of something, that means opportunity is knocking,” Meriweather continued.
Opportunities were non-existent in Meriweather’s world last season. Drafted in the first round (No. 24 overall), the Apopka, Fla, native mainly contributed on special teams. He finished with 27 tackles (18 solo), a total that suggests Meriweather struggled with the complexity of Bill Belichick’s schemes.
“Last year opportunity didn’t knock,” he said.
You only have one rookie season, and for that Meriweather is grateful. Year Two brings much promise for him for the simple reason he’s gone through the rigors of a Belichick-orchestrated camp.
“I’m still just a second-year player and I’ve got a lot more to learn,” Meriweather said. “Everybody’s still learning, even coach Belichick.”
The re-stocked secondary includes free agents signings Tank Williams, Fernando Bryant and Jason Webster. The trio joins the few remaining holdovers which includes 15-year vet Rodney Harrison, James Sanders and Ellis Hobbs, the clear-cut choice to become the heir apparent to Samuel.
Meriweather also finds himself on the list of “veteran returnees.” Blending the old and the new together remains high on Belichick’s to-do list between now and the season-opener Sept. 7 against Kansas City.
“I’m pretty just focusing on my playbook and do what my coaches tell me to do,” Meriweather said when asked about the importance of getting everyone on the same page. “It’s important to establish good chemistry with my teammates.”
Thursday’s rainstorm provided the perfect backdrop for a Patriots team that has gone to great lengths to show nothing is lingering over them. Meriweather says he hasn’t sat down to watch the film from the Super Bowl loss to the Giants, yet believes there’s something worthwhile to gain by looking back at that shocking day in Arizona.
“That’s a good game to learn from, but the focus primarily is on this year and getting better,” Meriweather said. “Some things I’ve personally learned are to focus on the little things and to capitalize on mistakes.”
Not everything is “been there, done that” for Meriweather. New England brought ex-Carolina and Houston head coach Dom Capers aboard as a secondary coach. Capers was Miami’s defensive coordinator last year and brings over 20 seasons of NFL knowledge to Gillette Stadium.
“He brings a lot to the mix,” said Meriweather. “He’s technique sound.”
“He’s worked with young players having started up franchises in Carolina and Houston,” said Belichick.
While the loss of Samuel stings both personally and professionally, Meriweather says he along and the rest of his secondary mates have no choice but to pick up the pieces and move forward.
“It’s a little different (minus Samuel), but every team loses players,” Meriweather. “He’s a good friend of mine; we’re both from Florida. I miss him as a person, but he had to go handle his business.
“He was always so focused out there and I tried to pick that up.”
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Last Updated ( Saturday, 26 July 2008 )
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