Patriots Clearly Trying to Win With Defense After Signing Former Pro Bowler Adrian Phillips
By Jack Murphy
The New England Patriots will have to enter the 2020 season without their longtime quarterback Tom Brady after he decided to take his talents to Tampa Bay. However, it seems that Bill Belichick is a firm believer in the phrase "defense wins championships" after their most recent signing.
As per Yahoo's Charles Robinson, the Patriots have come to terms with safety Adrian Phillips on a two-year deal.
A team source tells Yahoo Sports that Pro Bowl safety Adrian Phillips has agreed to a two-year deal with the #Patriots.
— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 19, 2020
The Pats are coming off a season where they were stunned by the Tennessee Titans in the Wild Card round of the playoffs. While the departure of Brady does sting, there is still room for optimism for Patriots fans.
New England had one of the best defenses in the NFL last year and are now adding Phillips to an already stacked secondary headlined by Stephon Gilmore.
Phillips only played in seven games in 2019, but made a Pro Bowl appearance in 2018 thanks to a campaign where he made 94 tackles and an interception. With a chance to contribute in New England, there's no reason he can't return to that level of play.
#Chargers lose S Adrian Phillips to the Patriots. Phillips was a pro bowler in 2018. He will be missed. https://t.co/1aTNnf7sdD
— Fernando Ramirez (@RealFRamirez) March 19, 2020
If the Patriots defense can stay on par with their performance of last season, don't be surprised if Belichick has this team in the hunt yet again, even without Brady.