The Patriots, in their bye week, rank fifth in the NFL in passing yards allowed, surrendering 176.3 per game, and their seven interceptions are tied for seventh. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 56.5 percent of their passes against the Patriots, sixth-best in the league.
With changing personnel and new parts, the secondary is thriving in a fluid state.
“I think we have come together pretty good,’’ said safety Brandon McGowan, a castoff from the Chicago Bears whom the Patriots signed last May. “Preseason, we were a little shaky. We were just getting a feel for everybody, how everybody plays, how everybody reacts in certain situations. It’s coming together quite well.’’
The parties responsible have shifted as the season has worn, with rookies Patrick Chung and Darius Butler emerging in more primary roles and veterans Shawn Springs and James Sanders watching their playing time dwindle. The arrival of new defensive backs has fostered competition and erased self-satisfaction.
“That’s how you have to go into any position,’’ said starting cornerback Leigh Bodden, another offseason acquisition. “Stay on your toes, never get complacent. Competition just helps everybody.
“Later on down the road, guys are going to get hurt, maybe for a few games or a few plays, and you’ll need guys to step in and do a good job.’’
The depth protects against attrition. Last year, against the St. Louis Rams, the Patriots lost three defensive backs to injury. On the final drive of the game, coach Bill Belichick resorted to “trying to find bodies to put out there.’’ The Patriots had to move Meriweather down to cornerback.
After Harrison retired and Hobbs was traded, the Patriots reloaded through the draft and with what seemed like minor signings. Safety Chung was their first draft choice, and cornerback Butler was their third (both picked in the second round). They signed Bodden, McGowan, and Springs.
