Ravens Patriots FootballToday we’ll take a look at former Bears safety Brandon McGowan.

McGowan appeared in only 25 games with the Bears from 2005-2009 is the starting free safety for the New England Patriots.

McGowan moved ahead of James Sanders to claim the starting job in a week two loss against the New York Jets. McGowan has made a big impact for the Patriots defense. He has appeared in five games, making 29 tackles, two pass deflections and forcing one fumble. I’ve seen some of the Patriots games this season and it seems like every time I look McGowan is breaking up a pass or making a tackle.

I always liked McGowan, but he had problems staying healthy. In the 2007-2008 season McGowan made a career high 68 tackles and two interceptions in 14 games, but ankle and Achilles injuries limited McGowan to only play in three games during the 06-07, and 08-09 seasons. He was the reserve safety last season because Kevin Payne beat him out and that is ultimately why the Bears didn’t bring him back this season.

I wish McGowan well this season with the Patriots. I had hoped the Bears would have resigned him this off-season.  Guys like Craig Steltz or Josh Bullocks just aren’t capable of being starters in this league and I know McGowan is very capable of being a starter as you can see this season.

Good luck Brandon.