Background on Eric Lee
Patriots head Coach Bill Belichick has a talent for finding hidden talents. It appears this season he may have done it again.
Last month the Patriots claimed Eric Lee off waivers from the Buffalo Bills practice team. In New England Lee has already made a name for himself. In his second year in the NFL, Lee has bounced around a bit. Before the Patriots claimed him, Lee spent a season on the Houston Texans practice squad and began this season on the Buffalo Bills practice squad. So far in New England, he’s surpassed expectations and filled a void the Patriots badly needed to close.
Photo Credit: AP Photo
Early Impact
Lee has only played two games with the Patriots and he’s made his presence felt. The defensive end made his debut with the Patriots two weeks ago against the Miami Dolphins. He recorded four tackles and a sack. Lee even got the attention of Tom Brady. He didn’t even know Lee before the game. Lee was an even bigger factor last week. In the Patriots win against the Buffalo Bills, he had four tackles, a sack, and a key interception. In the first quarter with the Bills driving, Lee picked off Tyrod Taylor at the goal line. This not only gave the Patriots momentum, but took away the opportunity for the Bills to get a key touchdown. Making plays like that are what will get Lee playing time. So far in New England he’s played like he has a chip on his shoulder.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/Adrian Kraus
Outlook for Remainder of Season
This season the Patriots have faced a lot of adversity at the defensive end position. The Patriots drafted Derek Rivers in the third round of the NFL draft in the spring, but he tore his ACL in August. The Pats then traded for Cassius Marsh from the Seattle Seahawks. He struggled in New England and the Patriots cut him after nine games. Lee has given the Patriots consistency when they’ve needed it the most. If he can continue this, he will soon become a household name in Foxborough.
Photo Credit: AP Photo/ Steve Cannon
