Patriots Acquire New Personnel To Improve Defense

New England has acquired Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden, two talented but little known defensive backs, in an attempt to rebuild their aging defense. Springs led the Washington redskins in sacks and interceptions in 2004, and although he has played sparingly due to injuries in the last couple of seasons, he fits into the complex defensive system preferred by the Patriots coaching staff. Though Springs has played his entire career as a defensive back, he may move to safety depending on the personnel that remains after this off-season. He praised the system implemented by the New England staff, saying “I have veteran experience that I can bring to the team, but I can really run and I still feel like I can run and I can play at a high level.”

Bodden appeared to be frustrated by the struggling defense and lack of a winning environment in Cleveland, and hopes being a Patriot will allow him to make a fresh start. Bodden was one of the premier players in the Browns secondary, and also led the team in tackles in 2007. Both Springs and Bodden have played in complex defensive systems, Springs under the wide array of pass coverages implemented by the Redskins, and Bodden under the system in Cleveland, coached by former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel. Last season, the Patriots had difficulty in maintaining any consistency in pass coverage and with these additions the team hopes it will build a solid foundation.

By Chad Fukuoka
ProFootball-fans.com New England Patriots Correspondent