Patrick Chung? Expectations/Analysis - New England Patriots Forums

Feep50 · 05-21-2010, 04:45 PM

Pat Chung was our top pick last year. I would be really interested in the opinions, expectations and analysis of all the outstanding posters here of this kid. I was glad we drafted him, I just thought it was a little higher than he was expected to go. What do you all anticipate from him this year and beyond?

BelizePats · 05-21-2010, 05:00 PM

Chung should be starting! He has the talent and a clear passion for the game.
I think he's due for a big year!

reamer · 05-21-2010, 05:01 PM

I am not entirely sure what to expect, honestly. I wanted us to draft him, and cheered when we did, but he didn't play as much as I had hoped (20% of defensive snaps). I love his attitude, his hard work, his willingness to hit, etc. Anyone remember that return against the Colts where he absolutely mugged the Indy special teamer? I think he knocked the guy to the ground four or five times. Just destroyed him. Or how about those beautiful blitzes on Henne? Mm. I'd love to see more of that.

If Chung can improve in coverage, then I imagine he has a good chance to start. I'm not sure that he cracks the starting lineup until midseason, though. I look forward to when he gets more playing time, for sure.

***NEGoldenAge*** · 05-21-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reamer

I am not entirely sure what to expect, honestly. I wanted us to draft him, and cheered when we did, but he didn't play as much as I had hoped (20% of defensive snaps). I love his attitude, his hard work, his willingness to hit, etc. Anyone remember that return against the Colts where he absolutely mugged the Indy special teamer? I think he knocked the guy to the ground four or five times. Just destroyed him. Or how about those beautiful blitzes on Henne? Mm. I'd love to see more of that.

If Chung can improve in coverage, then I imagine he has a good chance to start. I'm not sure that he cracks the starting lineup until midseason, though. I look forward to when he gets more playing time, for sure.

I think the only thing keeping him from having a lot of playing time last year was Sander's communication. From what i have read, the communication in the secondary was lacking at best without Sanders in there. Perhaps a year of experience for most of the secondary will allow the more talented Chung to become a starter.

patfanken · 05-21-2010, 05:36 PM

My impressions from last season is that he was a great special teamer, and an UNGUIDED missile on Defense. If he can learn to control his play, I think he will eventually evolve into a starter along with Merriweather at safety. It could be THIS season. At any rate he will definitely see that 20% number go up. He is probably the best potential blitzer we have among the DBs. We shall see.

Feep50 · 05-21-2010, 05:46 PM

These posts are all exactly what I was looking for. Thx and keep the analysis coming. I too, have high hopes for him this coming season. I really liked what I saw in limited "rush the passer" opportunities, but there is a heckava lot more to a starting safety than that. Appreciate the input on him so far!

***mgteich*** · 05-21-2010, 06:07 PM

I see Chung as a great special teamer. This is what I said when we drafted him. I was roundly criticized. Well, I didn't seen him as a future probowl candidate then or now.

As a safety, I don't see him starting. Sanders is the captain of the secondary and calls signals. Chung is a developing safety, with a long way to go.

I hope that there is not such a dropoff when he is needed at safety (as a result of injury).

PatsFanInVa · 05-21-2010, 06:21 PM

I wish to add absolutely nothing to this thread by asserting that Pat Chung is not allowed to run full speed because it would double (or halt, depending on the side of the field,) the Earth's rotation, causing time to pass too quickly or to halt entirely, and screwing up growing seasons.

But seriously...

I question whether his defensive instincts are truly so horrible that he won't at least rise to the level of the "good" Eugene Wilson, for example (before the long decline into oblivion).

Still waiting and seeing - thus far Vollmer and Edelman have been the big stars of that draft class, but it's really early to make that decision. After year 1 we thought Asante Samuel was "the sorriest corner in the league," as was once said of Ellis Hobbs. By the end of his rookie deal he was worth too much (to somebody) for us to keep him at all.

I know, I know, "good riddance." But he did have skills.

Anyhoo - MG, what about him (in your view) dooms Chung to ST, or are you saying he just has not yet demonstrated any special defensive potential (which I would agree with)?

Professor Frink · 05-21-2010, 06:55 PM

Chung is one of a long line of young players that have a real shot at contributing, and how well he/they do will determine how good the Patriots are this year.

I see him competing for time with Sanders, and I disagree with MG, I think he is more then just a special teamer, I think he has the potential to be a quality starting safety in this league.

There is a long way to go and a lot can happen, but if you put a gun to my head I would say Chung is gonna be the starter by years end.

***NEGoldenAge*** · 05-21-2010, 07:02 PM

There was an interview with BB (not sure if it was a presser) where he spoke about Chung. He said that Chung would often make the wrong initial read, but would "somehow" recover in time to make a play. BB almost seemed at a loss as to explain how Chung was able to recover. The interview really gives the impression that BB really likes him and that Chung may become a special player some day.

Chung is a driven, a hard worker and has a great attitude. If he proves to be coachable, he'll be a beast. I wish i could find that darn interview.