Ducks in the NFL: Patriots’ Patrick Chung Proving to be Huge Asset

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When New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Head Coach Bill Belichick brought safety Patrick Chung back to the organization last season after a one year departure to Philadelphia, he was forced to prove himself as a viable player in this league. Last season, he did just that. Now under a multiyear contract, he’s been a veteran presence for a young New England secondary. 

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Last year, the Patriots had arguably the best secondary in the NFL, with household names such as Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in the starting lineup. After Revis departed to return to the New York Jets in the offseason, Browner also opted to leave, signing with the New Orleans Saints. Belichick made the decision to release Kyle Arrington, a very talented defensive back; unbelieveable in his greatest moments, yet rookie-like on some days. These moves left the Patriots thin in the secondary, relying on Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler as their number one cornerback.

Chung has been a big plus in the secondary, proving that he can play a wide-range of positions. Example? He matched up with leading Indianapolis Colts wide receiver T.Y. Hilton as a slot corner in last Sunday’s 34-28 win. His ability to move over on short notice could become a massive advantage for defensive coordinator Matt Patricia moving forward, especially with injuries beginning to affect the Patriots on both sides of the ball. 

The Patriots play the New York Jets on Sunday October 25th at 10 AM PT on CBS.