2007 Outlook:

What else can be said about the Pats? Since the turn of the decade this team finds a way to win games year in and year out. Last year the Pats found themselves with a lack of talent in key positions but somehow managed to pull away with 2nd place in the AFC. This year looks much brighter. Key acquisitions in the off-season will boost this team into yet another fantastic year. Fully expect them to once again make it to the playoffs and be a serious contender for the Super Bowl. So what are the keys to success this year? Can the rushing game prove to be substantial this season? We all know the passing game will be top-notch with a fully loaded arsenal on both sides and in the slots. The question is not whether they will win the AFC East, but by how many games...

2007 Draft Review:

New England got a steal in this years draft picking up much needed help in the secondary with Meriweather (FS). Meriweather is a quick thinker but has some character flaws. The Pats also got a some help at the running back position with Hairston. Hairston has 4.52 speed and knows how to find the holes, rushing for over 1,800 yards last year. Overall they picked up exactly what they needed and filled some areas with quality players who are very versatile. Look for some possible position changes with this draft class as they are very adaptable. Draft Grade:B

Key Acquisition:

The trade for Randy Moss from Oakland this year came as somewhat of a surprise for Pats fans. Moss, known as a selfish player looking out for himself, came to New England with what seemed to be a fresh outlook on the game. After all, Moss already has a boatload of money stashed away and at the ripe age of 30 what's left for him to accomplish? With over a 1,000 yds receiving in 7 of the 9 years in the league Moss has been wreaking havoc on corners for years. Moss's skills have diminished with age, but with Belichicks' schemes, you shouldn't expect anything less than 1,000 yards again.

Key Departure:

Corey Dillon will be sorely missed up north this year, deciding to retire after 10 years of service in the NFL. Dillon didn't get the yards he had hoped for last year due to splitting carries with the younger Maroney, but proved to be valuable in the red zone scoring a career high 13 TD's on the year. With Dillon gone this is leaves a huge spot to fill for Belichick. Maroney will have his hands full this year as the full time starter and will be pivotal in determining the success of the team. The only help Maroney will see is from Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk, who have never proved to be true feature backs. If Maroney falters, gets injured, or experiences the dreaded sophomore slump, it will put some serious pressure on Brady and Co. and could prove to be the undoing of the Patriots.

Offensive Preview:

Tom Brady has got to be ecstatic about this year's line up. With 2nd year running back Maroney and a brand new receiving corps, the future is bright for Brady and Co. When Brady complained two years ago about the Patriots unwillingness to provide top flight receiver talent, they must have listened. Check out the difference in starting lineups... Chad Jackson, Reche Caldwell, Jabar Gaffney, and Troy Brown now becomes Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker, and the winner of the Kelley Washington, Chad Jackson, and Reche Caldwell training camp battle. Practically every starter returns, minus Corey Dillon, and the one's who will be replaced are being upgraded. This should be Brady's career season and the Patriots will be one of the top 5 offenses in the NFL. Even at the tight end spot, young Ben Watson is primed for a breakout season. It will certainly be exciting in Foxborough and we cannot wait to see the Patriots/Colts matchup. Over-under? We're picking 90!

Defensive/Special Teams Preview:

The Pats Base 3-4 defense coached by Dean Pees has the quality and talent to devastate opposing offenses. Adailus Thomas comes over from Baltimore to fill in a void at the strong side linebacker position. Thomas was a stud for the Ravens last season, however most believe he played a bit above his head. Nevertheless, his presence along with Bruschi, Vrabel, and Colvin will make for a completed set of backers to support the 3-4 scheme. The Pats defense is a bit thin in the secondary (as usual) and the decision from Asante Samuel will be watched with binoculars by Pats fans throughout. He holds the key to the Pats defense being a starting fantasy unit or a mid-tier unit worthy of only a backup slot. Young Stephen Gostkowski will wipe away the playoff jitters he experienced last season and is on course to become one of the premier kickers in the NFL. If Samuel will play, look for monster stats comparable to the Ravens defense from last year, making this a top 5 fantasy producing unit.

Season Prediction:

Without a doubt the Pats have the keys to success to make a deep playoff run and contend for another Super Bowl Title. It will be interesting to see how newcomers Moss, Welker, Stallworth, and Washington mesh with the offense. With McDaniels at the helm calling the plays and Moss and Stallworth darting around, anything can happen. Laurence Maroney will be a stable producer and give Brady the option to dump the ball when needed. Thomas fills in a huge gap in the defense and if Samuel will show up to play, this is a team that could easily go 14-2. Conversely, if evil Moss is there, Samuel sits, and Maroney goes into a sophomore slump, a 10-6 campaign may be in store. Either way they will be in the mix at the end of the year and no one ever wants to play the Patriots in the playoffs.

Projected Finish

13 Wins, 3 Losses (1st AFC East)