In a defense that was historically sub-par last season, the New England Patriots are going to look for all the help that they can get but may not need to look very far.
Impending free agent linebacker Preston Brown who played last season with the Buffalo Bills, made his feelings known enthusiastically about the possibility of joining the current AFC Champions.
Brown is aware of the players that have left the Bills for the Patriots in Stephon Gilmore, Chris Hogan, as well as Alan Branch who have excelled in their system and is excited about the possibility of being another player to join the list.
“I just think the whole organization in New England does a great job of knowing what those players’ skills are and then utilizing them in that way,” Brown said to the Boston Herald. “They know Hogan can run vertical, so they throw him vertical routes. They know Stephon can play zero-(safety), man-to-man coverage all day, and that’s what he does. They used his skills. Stephon [Gilmore] probably wouldn’t have been as good in Buffalo this year because we did a lot of zone stuff. Him playing man and having fun, those guys used his talents.”
Brown also stated that while the Patriots are a great team, he feels that they have a lot to work on and one of these aspects is speed at the linebacker position. Brown was tied for the league lead last season in tackles with 144 and would be more than happy to come and help this team become a better unit.
“I think I can definitely help the young guys they have there now,” Brown said to the . “They’ve got some good young talent at linebacker. They run pretty well. I know (David) Harris retired. A lot of young guys were playing well, (Kyle) Van Noy and (Elandon Roberts) played well. They definitely have some things they can work on like we all do, but I think I can help that defense get better. ”
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick showed interest in Brown in the draft process hosting him for a private workout in Louisville and the story could come full circle come when the league year begins Mar.14.
