Patriots Player Profile: Brandon Meriweather
BOSTON (CBS) - The New England Patriots secondary was near the bottom of the league in 2010, and will need some of their younger veterans to make sure it improves this season. Brandon Meriweather will be one of them, but will he step up in his fifth NFL season?
2010 Stats: 16 games, 68 tackles, 3 INT, Fumble Return
Meriweather had a solid 2010 campaign, when he played smart. Other times he did not use his head (at least not properly) and it cost New England. The four-year safety at times looked like he got it, but at others looked completely lost. His interception and 39 yard run back in the first quarter against the Colts set up a Patriots touchdown in the 31-27 New England win. But he made an awful read in Week 3 against the Bills, allowing CJ Spiller to walk into the end zone giving Buffalo a 13-7 lead in New England's eventual 38-30 win. His biggest mistake, on the field, came in Week 6 against the Ravens, for his helmet to helmet hit on Todd Heap. Meriweather was fined $50k for the hit.
Meriweather, although frustrating, can still be a playmaker. He has 12 interceptions over the last three seasons and does not shy away from contact. He needs to learn to tackle though, instead of just hitting the oppostion.
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2011 Outlook: Early reports out of training camp are that Meriweather is struggling. That is not something you want to hear about a five-year veteran who played in all 16-games his first four seasons in the league. It is really hard to tell what to expect out of Meriweather, because it depends which Meriweather shows up. Will he listen to what Bill Belichick is preaching and follow the playbook, or will he freelance and go out on his own?
Listen: Meriweather's New Single "VIP" Debuts On Toucher & Rich
This will be a big year for Meriweather, who will be playing for a new contract. It would be nice to see the 2007 first round pick turn into the safety he was projected to be out of Miami. If he can mature a little bit, on and off the field, it will go miles in improving a questionable Patriots secondary.
