New England Patriots: Top Five Stories From Training Camp

Jul 24, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darrelle Revis (24) during training camp at the team practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

4. Revamped secondary

Speaking of that defensive backfield, let’s rave about Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner, shall we?

Both have been living up to expectations so far, specifically Revis, who has already opened up ‘Revis Island’ in Foxboro. On Saturday, when the team put on full pads for the first time, Revis collected two Tom Brady interceptions. And on Sunday, he wasn’t even thrown on. Brady and company must have gotten the message: do not try to invade ‘Revis Island’.

And while Browner does not have the cover skills of Revis, his forte is his physicality, which was on full display yesterday, when he absolutely crushed rookie running back James White. New England has not had that type of physicality in the secondary in a long time, and it may the missing piece for them to get back to the Super Bowl. Teams have not feared the Pats’ defense the last couple of years, which has led to some embarrassing defensive efforts. Hopefully that all changes with Browner and Revis on board.