New England Patriots: former players they will face in 2015

Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Darius Butler

Speaking of former Patriots defensive backs playing for the Colts, Butler is another guy we need to talk about.

Most Patriots fans remember Butler as another one of those cornerbacks the Pats drafted high in the late 2000s that didn’t pan out. That is partially true.

In New England, Butler was largely a disappointment. After a promising rookie season, the UConn product was replaced in the starting lineup by Kyle Arrington. He failed to register an interception as a sophomore pro, and the Patriots let him walk just before the 2011 opener.

After a lost season in Carolina, Butler has rejuvenated his career since joining the Colts in 2011. In those three seasons, Butler has amassed eight interceptions (three pick-sixes), 35 passes defended and 114 tackles. The Patriots will most likely see the player they drafted in the second round back in 2009 lining up against Danny Amendola or Julian Edelman in Week 6.

Adam Vinatieri

Believe it or not, Vinatieri began his NFL career the same year that this writer was born, 1996. As you can imagine, No. 4 is the oldest player in the NFL right now (he’s 42).

Although we Patriots fans are perfectly content (and better off) with Stephen Gostkowski kicking the ball, we are forever indebted to Vinatieri for his heroic efforts in the early 2000s dynasty.

The old man has still got it. Oddly enough, Vinatieri may have had his best season in 2014, as he made all but one of the 31 field goals he attempted, and drilled every extra point. The Associated Press nodded toward Vinatieri after the season, naming him First-Team All-Pro.

Next: Week 7 & Week 16: Ridley, Revis