Recognition intercepted by Brandon Meriweather

FOXBORO - Brandon Meriweather reacted to the news that he had been named the AFC’s Defensive Player of the Week with what amounted to a shrug. The Patriots [team stats] safety said he was “excited about it,” though he didn’t seem to be.

“I feel like there’s still work to be done,” Meriweather said.

Meriweather was honored for grabbing two interceptions in Sunday’s 35-7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in London, including one he took back for a 39-yard touchdown.

The former University of Miami star wasn’t ready to celebrate the award yesterday. He even deflected questions as to whether he’s proven why the Patriots picked him in the first round of the 2007 draft.

“I don’t know. I think I’ve kind of shown little glimpses of it every now and then,” the 5-foot-11, 200-pounder said. “I don’t think I’ve hit my peak yet. I think I still have a lot to learn.”

Meriweather may not have bragged on himself, but NBC analyst and former Pats safety Rodney Harrison [stats] had no such worries. He decreed on NBC that Meriweather was this team’s MVP and one of the AFC’s best safeties along with Brian Dawkins, the former All-Pro who joined the Denver Broncos this year after 13 seasons in Philadelphia.

“Ha, ha, ha, is that what he said?” Meriweather said. “I have no comment on that. Everyone has their own opinion on that. He might think that, but somebody else might think something different.”



(bostonherald.com)