The Patriot Preview

The ending of the last season for the Patriots left a sour taste in the fans, and I'm sure the team's mouth. There are certain points of the game that I remember yelling at the TV. One that sticks out is Reche Caldwell (aka cocaine eyes) dropping a pass when there was no one within about ten yards of him. The other is Brady making an uncharacteristic mistake at the end of the game. To try to prevent this from happening again Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick went out and brought in a very talented receiving corps. From last year, when their leading receiver had 61 catches, and no one else on the team had more than 50. Now they had former pro bowler Randy Moss. I think this was a great, low risk move. Adding a guy with that kind of talent for a 4th round pick is a deal you have to make. Moss, who has had some troubles in the past, restructured his contract after the trade to allow the Pats to have more cap flexibility. The Patriots also added Wes Welker, who excels in the slot, in a trade with division rival Miami. Via free agency the Patriots signed burner Donte Stallworth, and Kelly Washington, who happened to be the one Bengal that didn't go to jail. With these additions and guys like Troy Brown and Jabar Gaffney, who came on strong in the playoffs, the Pats shouldn't have problems getting the ball downfield. And hopefully no room for a certain cocaine eyed receiver. Grade at WR: A+

At QB there is Tom Brady. I don't think I need to say anything else. Grade at QB: A

The backfield should be held down by second year back Laurence Maroney, who shared carries with Corey Dillon last season before suffering an injury and 3rd down back Kevin Faulk. There have been questions concerning Maroney's health, but this blogger thinks that he will stay healthy, and will have a breakout year. Grade at RB: B+

At tight end that Pats made a low key move by replacing Daniel Graham with Kyle Brady. The Pats have good depth here as well. Benjamen Watson should have a good year with the additions at WR, and before breaking his foot, David Thomas was starting to make a name for himself. Grade at TE: A

The offensive line returns five starters from last year and also includes depth, with guys like Russ Hochstein who can play multiple positions on the line. Grade for O-Line: A

The defensive line has three first round picks starting across it. It starts with end Richard Seymour, who constantly draws double teams from opposing O-Lines. In the middle is run stuffer Vincent Wilfork and next to him is Ty Warren. Like most positions on the team there is a lot of depth here as well. Backup Jarvis Green was third on the team in sacks last year with seven. Mike Wright can fill in at tackle and end when need be. Grade for D-Line: A

Early on in free agency Scott Pioli made a splash by signing LB Adalius Thomas. Adding Thomas to an already strong set of LBs should make the Pats tough to run on. With Mike Vrable and Tedy Buschi patrolling the middle of the field, with Junior Seau backing them up should make it tough to go up the middle, and with Thomas and the athletic Rosevelt Colvin on the outside gives the Pats speed on the edge. Grade for LBs: A

The secondary is a bit of an uncertainty. Can Rodney Harrison and Eugene Wilson stay healthy? Will Brandon Meriweather be able to step in and play right away? Will Asante Samuel sign? Who will step up to become the #2 corner, possibly #1 if Samuel holds out? I am hoping Ellis Hobbs is able to pick up his game at corner to compliment Samuel (assuming he signs). With veteran Tory James signed to help give depth at corner. If Harrison can stay healthy, New England has depth at safety with Wilson, Meriweather and Artrell Hawkins to go along with Harrison. Grade (if Samuel signs): B+. Grade (if Samuel doesn't sign): B-.

During their three superbowl runs, special teams played a huge part in the success of the team. After some early struggles last season Stephen Gostowski came into his own and out of that other guy's shadow as the kicker. He hit a couple of big kicks in the playoffs, including the one that gave New England the lead in San Diego. Punter Josh Miller returns after going on the IR last season. Ellis Hobbs earned the kick return job during the playoffs by making a couple of long returns, and Kevin Faulk and Troy Brown hold down the punt return duties. Speacial teams grade: A

This team is loaded with talent and depth. In my opinion the only thing that could hold them back from a perfect season is their schedule. It is among the toughest in the league. The three most important games in my eyes: San Diego in week two, the Chargers are out for revenge for the Pats celebrating on their field after the playoff game. In week nine the Patriots travel to Indianapolis for their annual match up. This should be a classic and I hope the Pats are able to get some revenge for the AFC Title Game. Week sixteen vs. the Dolphins. If the Pats can get through the first fourteen games without a loss, division rival and the team with only undefeated record in history come to Foxborough. The Dolphins have been known undefeated streaks to keep their record alive. If the Pats are undefeated this could be and interesting game.

My prediction for their season: 14-2, superbowl champs (I'm not biased at all, don't look at me that way)

Butters