NFL Preview: 7. New England Patriots
Uncategorized August 22nd. 2006, 6:04pm
We’ve got the 12 NFL playoff teams for you, and we’ll be previewing them in order of how they’ll be bounced from the postseason. We’ll alternate between leagues until we unearth your Super Bowl Champion. Can’t wait for September 7? Neither can we.
Offseason: Shored up a weak secondary by grabbing Tebucky Jones from division rival Miami and Eric Warfield from KC. At the time, the signing of Reche Caldwell was an afterthought; but with Deion Branch holding out, and David Givens gone to Tennessee, the former Florida WR is now the No. 1 option. Absolutely love first round draft pick Laurence Maroney, who could start at RB over aging Corey Dillon. Don’t underestimate the loss of the most clutch kicker in the game, Adam Vinateri.
Schedule: The NFC North is a joke, so the Patriots should go, at a minimum, 3-1 against those guys. And figure four wins against the hapless Bills and Jets. Interesting matchups abound vs. Denver and at Cincinnati. Overall, Bill “I banged your wife” Belichick shouldn’t be terrified.
Projected record: We’re thinking 11-5, tied for Miami for the AFC East title. But the guess is that New England takes the division title by virtue of whatever tiebreaker is after head-to-head.
What they’re lacking: With Branch holding out, the Patriots remaining receiving corps are among the worst in the league (Cleveland, Atlanta). Fortunately, Brady’s won with a bunch of no-namers before. The cornerbacks aren’t very good. And an impact linebacker who isn’t in his mid 30’s would be nice.
Why they’re in the Playoffs: Brady is Mr. Clutch and Belichick, despite his penchant for showering other people’s wives with presents, is among the best coaches in the league. The tandem of Dillon and Maroney should produce 1,500 yards.
Why they’ll lose in the second round: These guys have more holes than Floyd Landis’ defense. Will the pass rush sans Willie McGinest generate sacks? Can Samuel cover anyone? Who will emerge as Tom Brady’s go-to receiver?
Recommended Blog: The Patriot Act
Recommended Blog: Pats Pulpit
Video: In case you’ve forgotten the precise moment when the Patriots dynasty began here you go. Snow, referees, and the Raiders. You know what we’re talking about.
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
10. Washington Redskins
11. Denver Broncos
12. Chicago Bears
2 Responses to “NFL Preview: 7. New England Patriots”
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August 28th, 2006 at 4:10 pm
Junior is motivated and can stop the run, Branch signs, Maroney kicks ass and Bruski returns. Cobbs and caldwell catch balls until the second round rookie reciever recovers from the hamstring curse and with fewer injuries than last year the PATS make the Super Bowl.
August 30th, 2006 at 6:03 pm
Generating a pass rush won’t be their problem. The Pats have one of the deepest and best defensive lines in the league and they have Colvin at the OLB spot. Their lone weakness is at the receiver position, even if Branch comes back into the fold.