Giants re-sign DT Mike Patterson
By Adam Ganeles
Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Just as the Zackary Bowman signing was hitting the twitter waves, the New York Giants announced that defensive tackle Mike Patterson will be returning to the squad — terms undisclosed. The 30-year old Patterson was an effective “clogger” in limited snaps a year ago (413), recording 19 solo tackles and 15 stops. He saw action in all 16 games, but wasn’t on the field for more than 42 snaps in any of them. A true specialist, Patterson earned a 6.4 Pro Football Focus grade in run defense.
Given his medical history, the fact that Patterson is still performing at the professional level is remarkable. He underwent brain surgery for a congenital tangle of blood vessels (AVM) in 2011, and contracted viral pneumonia in 2012. The Giants rolled the dice on the 300 lb. veteran, and he returned the favor filling a productive role along the defensive front. Patterson should be in line for similar reps in 2014.