Hard not to root for (Brandon McGowan)

[fair catch fryar]

I didn't see this posted, but I apologize if it already is. I just thought it was a good read and I am really hoping he has a huge year. I just hope he can stay healthy.
http://www.boston.com/sports/football/patriots/articles/2009/10/02/a_maine_cog_in_patriot_secondary/

 

[jmt57]

McGowan certainly came through in a big way last week, especially in his coverage on Gonzalez; that was very encouraging to see.

A couple other columns on McGowan:

McGowan Quickly Becoming A Big Hit With Pats by Christopher Price of WEEI:

“I really don’t care about my body. I just try to go out and make plays,” said the solidly built 5-foot-11, 210-pound McGowan, who calls his style of play “reckless.”

On Sunday, the 26-year-old safety was the defensive spark for the Patriots in the 26-10 win over the Falcons. He delivered a big hit on Atlanta kick returner Eric Weems in the first quarter. In the second, he came on a safety blitz and decked Matt Ryan on a play that was initially ruled a strip sack but later overturned on review. Later in the second, he forced a Michael Turner fumble that fellow defensive back James Sanders recovered at the New England 27.

And throughout the day, he was all over Falcons tight end Tony Gonzalez. While being careful to credit the rest of the Patriots defense, New England coach Bill Belichick said McGowan deserves a large chunk of credit for holding the Pro Bowl tight end to just one catch for 16 yards.

Patriots' Brandon McGowan refuses to yield by Ian Rapoport of the Boston Herald:

“He was really the model of what you’d like a young man to be like,” Maine coach Jack Cosgrove said via phone yesterday. “He loved being down here. His toughness was never in question. I can’t speak higher of someone who’s come through this program in terms of toughness and dedication.”

Defense is stout by Brian MacPherson of the New Hampshire Union Leader:

McGowan, too, seems to have found a niche within the defense. The one-time undrafted free agent started at strong safety ahead of veteran James Sanders -- and not only did he shadow Gonzalez throughout, but he forced a fumble that swung the momentum of a tie game.

"The more he's played, the better he's played," Belichick said. "The more impact he's had on the game, the more you want him in there -- and he's done a good job. I thought the hit that he had yesterday, the fumble that he caused, was really a pretty good play. I'm not sure there are a lot of players that would have made that play."

 

[crypto]

I honestly hadn't heard of McGowan until this season. I'm not sold on the hype, but his career statistics are my only reference. Obviously I think he performed admirably against Gonzalez. This defense is looking deeper every game.

 

[DarrylS]

Was excited last year when we brought in Tank Williams, but this guy appears to be very similar and playing extremely well.

 

[klinefan]

I like him too! I wonder why they signed Sanders to big money (for him) when this guy can come in off the street and play so well...hmmm...

Another screw up?

 

[patological]

I honestly hadn't heard of McGowan until this season. I'm not sold on the hype...

Mr. Crypto, let me introduce you to Mr. McMainiac, Rodney's heir-apparent.

Oh, and an Orono is not a candy bar.

 

[jmt57]

I like him too! I wonder why they signed Sanders to big money (for him) when this guy can come in off the street and play so well...hmmm...

Another screw up?

I have to hand it to you, nobody can turn a positive into a negative with such predictable frequency as you. I do believe the next complimentary comment you make about anything the Patriots do will be your first.

 

[fair catch fryar]

I have to hand it to you, nobody can turn a positive into a negative with such predictable frequency as you. I do believe the next complimentary comment you make about anything the Patriots do will be your first.

sniff...sniff...I smell a troll in that one.