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New England Patriots: Making a defense of former Patriots

By Luke O'Brien

Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) leaves the field after the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals outside linebacker Chandler Jones (55) leaves the field after the second half against the San Francisco 49ers at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals won 23-20. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Oct 16, 2016; Houston, TX, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darius Butler (20) walks off the field after sustaining and injury against the Houston Texans during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports /

 Safeties

Strong Safety – Tavon Wilson (Lions)

Free Safety – Darius Butler (Colts)

2nd String – Don Jones (49ers)

 Cut in Camp – Vinnie Sunseri (49ers) Shamiel Gary (Bills)

The safety position is a lot thinner than normal NFL teams, (but this isn’t a normal NFL team!) This is with good reason too; the position is probably the weakest on the defense. Starting at strong safety we have former 2nd round draft pick bust Tavon Wilson.

The Patriots apparently never trusted him to be a starter, which seems strange now as he was put straight into a starting role after signing for Detroit this season. Darius Butler saw a move to free safety recently to fill the depleted Colts secondary.

His career has taken an upward turn in the last few years and is a different player from when he was in New England. Backing up this pairing we have another career special teamer in Don Jones. The 5-year veteran beats out competition from Sunseri and Gary by virtue of more NFL game time and his experience.

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