Meriweather knows it's time to step up - New England Patriots Forums

***jmt57*** · 08-10-2009, 11:23 PM

Meriweather knows it's time to step up by Andy Reid of the Attleboro Sun Chronicle

Quote:

It's hard for a player like Meriweather - quickly thrust into the spotlight after Rodney Harrison's retirement - to stay humble, with the new-found media attention and likely starting role for the 2009-10 season.

But it's an attitude that has been cultured over the last two seasons, under the watchful eyes of Harrison, the secondary's unquestionable and vocal leader, and coach Bill Belichick.

And the tutelage has definitely helped.

Meriweather enjoyed something of a breakout year in 2008. Taking advantage of the limited playing time he received after Harrison sustained a thigh injury, the third-year player out of Miami led the Patriots with four interceptions. He showcased a strong, natural skill for the safety position, making his presence felt as a cover safety, a run-support guy and a pass-rusher. And that's exactly how Meriweather wants to be regarded.

"I envision myself as a smart player," Meriweather said. "I just want to be an all-around athlete I want to be one of those safeties that you never have to take of the field for nothing. Special teams, I can play it. If I could, I'd play offense."

signbabybrady · 08-10-2009, 11:29 PM

I just posted my opinion on Meriweather in another thread but I will repost it here as I can not say it enough.

He looks like he has really improved alot even on what was a good season last year.

He clearly looks like our best DB on the field day in and day out....he always seems to do something to make him stand out in practice.

and while I may be overstating things I will repeat the same line I did in the other thread and say that if it were not for two things Meriweather could be a pro bowler. the two things Pro Bowl is very much a popularity contest and Reed and Polamalu truly are just rediculous.

***KontradictioN*** · 08-10-2009, 11:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by signbabybrady

I just posted my opinion on Meriweather in another thread but I will repost it here as I can not say it enough.

He looks like he has really improved alot even on what was a good season last year.

He clearly looks like our best DB on the field day in and day out....he always seems to do something to make him stand out in practice.

and while I may be overstating things I will repeat the same line I did in the other thread and say that if it were not for two things Meriweather could be a pro bowler. the two things Pro Bowl is very much a popularity contest and Reed and Polamalu truly are just rediculous.

I'd like to take the time again to thank you for your camp observations and I hope you keep going. Because of those things, I have a feeling that Meriweather is going to have a MONSTER year for us this season. He looked pretty good last season. Hopefully he can make that jump to GREAT in 2009.

signbabybrady · 08-10-2009, 11:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KontradictioN

I'd like to take the time again to thank you for your camp observations and I hope you keep going. Because of those things, I have a feeling that Meriweather is going to have a MONSTER year for us this season. He looked pretty good last season. Hopefully he can make that jump to GREAT in 2009.

not a problem I enjoy it....and while some of my observations may be based off a play here or there Merriweather keeps impressing me and its not like he is new to the team or a bubble player where I have been keeping a particular eye on him.

patriot lifer · 08-11-2009, 12:01 AM

i remember talking to someone in the spring about how he was getting to the point last year where opposing offenses were avoiding his side of the field. He's a dam fast player and he seems to have more of that playmaking ability than his teammate Sanders. Now if he can learn to tackle better...

***Patjew*** · 08-11-2009, 12:03 AM

Why is the coach of the Eagles writing an article about a Patriots safety?

PATRIOT64 · 08-11-2009, 12:05 AM

Meriweather has turned himslef around from what appeared to be a troubled player from Miami into a role model for the younger guys like Chung to learn the ropes from.

You better believe Mr. Harrison had a lot to do with the speed of the maturity of Brandon which he calls Rodney 'Big Brother'

italia44 · 08-11-2009, 12:21 AM

no offense to the poster,but there's nothing I hate more than the spots' cliche "step-up".Any football player who needs this as motivation is doomed to failue.IMO,Meriweather's progression has been right on schedule.This is a very difficult defense to masterThe FS in this defense has been hampered the last few years by a lack of speed overall and by poor cornerback play.

The Pats gave up more long plays last year than any other team in the NFL.You can't make plays at safety if you're constantly concerned with slow Linebacker play and inconsistent coverage from your CB's.

Merweather,Saunders and Chung will bloom when the new CB's jell and BB trusts them with more press coverage.Noone needs to "step-up",they need better players.......and I'm convinced that they have them,especially Meriweather.

***jmt57*** · 08-11-2009, 12:45 AM

This must be the week for sport columnists (or their editors) to trot out the "step up" cliché.

Sanders ready to step it up AP article in the Nashua Telegraph

Quote:

Harrison was injured in a game against the Denver Broncos, and as he left the field on a golf cart, long and distinguished NFL career that included two Super Bowl titles with the Patriots. Harrison told Sanders that it was time for he and Brandon Meriweather, then a rookie, to step up.

***Box_O_Rocks*** · 08-11-2009, 12:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patjew

Why is the coach of the Eagles writing an article about a Patriots safety?

He can't write about his own.