Sports Insider by Frank Coppola: Bruschi's return a welcomed sight for Patriot fans

February 28, 2008

Bruschi's return a welcomed sight for Patriot fans

A couple days ago, we mentioned in this space that the New England Patriots were due to receive some good news.

And since we don't have the powers to turn back time and reverse the result of Super Bowl XLII, this will have to do: Linebacker Tedy Bruschi is returning to the team for a 13th season.

Bruschi, who has been to five Super Bowls with the Patriots and won three, reportedly agreed to a new deal on Thursday. The surprise is that it is a multi-year deal. Bruschi has taken things one year at a time since suffering a stroke 10 days after the Patriots won the 2005 Super Bowl against the Eagles. There was much speculation that Bruschi would have retired had the Patriots completed their undefeated season.

Alas, no such luck.

Bruschi's return is welcomed news for New England's thin linebacking corps, although the Patriots could really use some young blood at the position. Bruschi turns 35 in June, and the team is still awaiting word on the possible return of 39-year-old Junior Seau. Earlier this week, New England released 30-year-old Rosevelt Colvin in a salary-cap move.

Colvin's season-ending injury took its toll on the Patriots' defense, giving Bruschi and Seau larger roles than the team would have liked. Let's hope that New England either drafts a young linebacker this year or signs a strong free agent to lessen the burden on Bruschi and perhaps Seau next season.

Bruschi may have lost a step, but his leadership and presence in the locker room cannot be overlooked. And despite his advancing age, the former Pro Bowler still had 92 tackles and a pair of sacks in 2007.

Welcome back, Tedy. Here's hoping for a happier ending next season.

Posted by Frank Coppola at February 28, 2008 10:28 PM

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