FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- A behind-the-scenes, 21-day stretch late last season could ultimately determine whether the New England Patriots made the correct evaluation with their linebacker position this year.
Cameron McGrone's return from injury and three-week practice stint from Nov. 23 to Dec. 14 sparked optimism, and ultimately the belief that linebacker wasn't as glaring a need as some reporters (hand raised) believed it to be.
"It was exciting to have him on the field last year for those couple weeks," said Steve Belichick, the defense's primary playcaller and one of the Patriots' linebackers coaches.