Patriots Blog: 2014 Roster Additions Each Making Major Impact
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Patriots made some very important signings and trades before and during the season that brought in players who made immediate impacts on the team.
From the big signing of Darrelle Revis to the shakeup trade of Logan Mankins, the Patriots had targets in their mind and went after them. Give credit to Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio, because their additions have all worked out.
- Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner were the big names added to the roster, and both have benefited the team in different ways. Revis has given the team a lock down corner and someone who can erase the opposition's top receiver. He gives the Patriots so much flexibility on defense and deserves to have his name in the MVP chatter. He's as good as advertised and his professionalism makes him much better.
I know Browner has been flagged for a ton of penalties (15 times with 11 being accepted) but what he's given the Pats in swagger and physicality cannot go unnoticed. He's intense, pumps everyone up and sets the tone for the defense. What's more impressive is he understands his role. He's going to get those penalties but he never lets that deter him from playing physical on the next play. He's been very solid in the nine games he's played.
- I'm not sure what Akeem Ayers was with the Tennessee Titans, but here with the Pats he's stepped in and become a disruptive force. In Chandler Jones' absence, Ayers got after the quarterback and made plays. With four sacks and 20 combined tackles, Ayers has had big play after big play. He's been a good addition to the team since the trade deadline.
- Brandon LaFell has done an excellent job coming in and becoming one of Tom Brady's trusted receivers. This has been a tough task for receivers in the past, especially in their first year in the system. Brady usually doesn't trust many guys off the bat, but LaFell worked hard to become a key component in this system and hauled in 74 receptions for 953 yards and seven touchdowns. He understands what this team is looking for and has been a great fit in the locker room. He's become a perfect Patriot.
- Tight end Tim Wright came over in the Logan Mankins deal. At first, the trade was an unpopular move, but Wright has done his part on offense. He caught six touchdowns, including two in New England's Week 12 win over the Lions, and he's become a good complimentary red zone threat next to Gronk. Wright came in and let his game speak for him, and he's made the most of his opportunities.
- Jonas Gray may have found himself into Bill Belichick's doghouse for sleeping in a few weeks ago, but he is still New England's leading rusher this season with 412 yards.
Follow Levan Reid on Twitter @LevanReid.
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