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Patrick Chung Is Amazingly Becoming A Key Piece In New England Patriots’ Defense

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By @petahrahgas

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Getty Images

Every New England Patriots fan has had nightmares about Patrick Chung. Once a promising safety, Chung quickly became every fan’s scapegoat, as he routinely would get beat in coverage and miss easy tackles looking for the big hit. Don’t get me wrong, Chung was always good for the occasional “holy cow how did the receiver survive that hit” hit, but those where few and far between. Most of the time it was, “holy cow how did the receiver get that open?”

During the 2012 season, Chung had overstayed his welcome in Gillette and signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he was promptly benched and released after one year. Not the best career path.

When the Patriots brought Chung back during the offseason, I was 100 percent convinced he would not make it past preseason. Boy, was I wrong.

Chung not only made it past preseason, but beat out Duron Harmon for the starting safety spot next to Devin McCourty. Not only that, but he’s actually been good at playing safety this time. Normally known for his run stuffing and big hitting ability, Chung has displayed an ability to cover receivers, something Patriots fans were sure they’d never see. These new found skills were on full display last night as Chung miraculously held his own against the Peyton Manning. Yes, THE Peyton Manning.

Chung was targeted often by Manning — I would have done the exact same if I was Manning — and for the most part, held his own. He even had a terrific breakout in the end zone matched up one-on-one with Denver Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme on a fourth down play. Chung’s one hiccup was allowing a touchdown pass to Julius Thomas, but even that was good coverage beaten by a better throw and catch.

This magical transformation may not be as shocking or as big a news story to those outside of the Patriots fanbase, but I can promise you Patriots fans are taking note of what Chung has done and are amazed at his progression. 

Peter Rogers is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @petahrahgas, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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