Sunday, February 10, 2013

New England Patriots: Hippie Award for Newcomer of the Year goes to Aqib Talib

Bill Belichick went trick-or-treating the day after Halloween and came home with a shutdown corner.

Inserted into the starting lineup against Indianapolis, Talib made an immediate impact, returning an interception 59 yards for a touchdown in the Patriots blowout of the Colts. 

A crackerjack man on man defender, Talib's presense was more than just a bunch of fancy stats.  His aggressiveness in jamming recievers coming off the line and fluid hips enabled former corner Devin McCourty to flourish as a free safety, solidifying the position that had been a gaping hole for years.

The fact that he started just 5 games makes his impact just that much more remarkable, and the fans recognized that in for voting him the "Hippie Awards" Newcomer of the Year. 

Voting for the award was open to fans only and took place on various social media sites, and it was clear from the results that the former 1st round pick of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is appreciated by the fans, who would love to see the Kansas State product and unrestricted free agent stick around for a few more years...

He arrived in New England with more than just carry on baggage and a reputation that was decidedly questionable, but he quickly showed that perhaps his alleged behavior was more pundit fluff than who he actually is.

Regardless of who he is or where he will be next season, he is to be congratulated for winning the inaugural "Hippie Award" for Patriots' Newcomer of the Year".

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