Terrence Brooks could be key piece in Patrick Chung fallout

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- With starting safety Patrick Chung scheduled to be arraigned next Wednesday on a charge of cocaine possession, the New England Patriots have to be prepared with contingency plans if they are without Chung for any period of time.

Chung is one of the key cogs of the defense, having played 85 percent of the defensive snaps in 2018, with linebacker Kyle Van Noy affectionately referring to him as a "beast" and "one of the most underrated" players in the NFL last year.

Chung's ability to match up with opposing tight ends is a significant part of his value to the Patriots. His physicality and tackling also is critical for a defense that plays about 90 percent of its snaps with…