In a best-case scenario, Seau’s return gives the Patriots a heady veteran backup...
-----
Seau likely will see time inside...
-----
Seau, a 12-time Pro Bowler, was a pleasant surprise last year.
-----
‘‘Junior is Junior,’’ safety Artrell Hawkins remarked last season. ‘‘Junior’s been a great player for 17 years. I’m not very surprised at all. He’s very professional. He’s always getting a mental advantage, he’s always getting a physical advantage. He’s in here early, he stays late. That’s what you would expect from a future Hall of Fame linebacker. He’s met all of my expectations.’’
-----
...but he did the little things right, too. Patriots coach Bill Belichick pointed out that Ty Warren’s game-winning safety against the Bills in Week 1 would not have occurred had Seau not been shadowing Buffalo tight end Robert Royal down the seam, thereby forcing quarterback J.P. Losman to hold the ball longer than he should have.
That type of coverage was sorely lacking in the AFC championship game loss in Indianapolis, when the Patriots’ linebackers repeatedly were beaten by the Colts’ tight ends and backs, who combined for 15 of Peyton Manning’s 27 completions. Thomas is expected to be the real fix for that problem, although Seau might be able to chip in, provided he can stay healthy.
