know the Patriots have lost some key players to free agency this past
off-season, but until both, Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are no longer part of
the Patriots organization, I’m not prepared to count them out of anything.
Having said that, I realize that a lot of people are enamored right now with
the Miami Dolphins prospective return to the upper echelon of the NFL, but until
the ‘Fins forcefully take away, at least the AFC
East division title, I am going on record to say that the Patriots
will once again find a way to conjure up a double-digit win season.
Here is my 2006 preview for the New England
Patriots.
Quarterback
Tom Brady may have led the NFL in
passing yards in 2005 (4,110 yards), but I actually believe less of Brady’s arm
– and a better mix of positive rushing yards – would produce better results for
the Patriots in 2006 than they did in 2005.
However, it’s hard to argue with a guy who threw for 26 touchdowns last
season; however he did mix in an un-Brady-like 14 interceptions.
One thing I will say though is that, should Brady go down at some point in
the regular season, the Patriots can absolutely kiss their season goodbye.
Second-year man, Matt Cassel, is nowhere ready to take over, so this position
could become a problem for the Patriots at some point, as idiotic as that may
sound for a team with a three-time Super Bowl winning quarterback calling at the
helm.
Running Back
I know that Corey Dillon rushed for nearly 1000 less yards last season than
he did in 2004, but I believe that fact was an aberration that was more
indicative of New England’s throwing the ball more last season than they had the
previous season.
However, Bellichick smartly drafted Dillon’s backup and future replacement
this season by selecting running back Laurence Maroney with the 21st overall
pick in this year’s draft.
The Patriots will also have a healthy Kevin Faulk this season to spell Dillon
as well.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
Everyone in the world knows that Super Bowl MVP, Deion Branch is holding out
for a huge payday. What most people don’t know however is that the Patriots are
still one of the most solid receiving corps in the league even without
Branch.
New England drafted a potential No. 1 receiver prospect in Chad Jackson in
the second round, as well as a pass-catching tight end from Texas named David
Thomas, not to mention multi-talented Tulsa H-back, Garrett Mills.
Let’s not forget that the Patriots still have Troy Brown and tight ends
Daniel Graham and Benjamin Watson, whom I think could possibly have a breakout
season this year.
Offensive Line
The Patriots have more questions along their offensive line than at any time
in recent memory.
If left tackle Matt Light, who missed 13 regular season games and the
playoffs last season, and center, Dan Koppen, who missed more than half the
season with a torn rotator cuff, don’t return to full form, then the Patriots
will be forced to go with youngsters, Nick Kaczur and Brandon Gorin. Guards,
Stephen Neal and Logan Mankins - are solid, if not outstanding players, but by
no means does this unit inspire any feeling of security. To be absolutely honest
about it, former Patriot guard and Hall of Fame inductee, John Hannah, could
probably out-block this entire offensive line all by himself.
Defensive Line
Simply put, End, Richard Seymour, is as good as they come. Nose tackle, Vince
Wilfork, is a player that is getting better with every snap and Ty Warren is
solid if not spectacular. The Patriots could however, use another nose tackle to
back up Wilfork.
Linebacker
I love the Patriots linebackers even with the loss of Willie McGinest. Tedy
Bruschi, Mike Vrabel and Rosevelt Colvin are all intelligent players who make up
for their physical inabilities by always being in the right place at the right
time.
The loss of McGinest will undoubtedly hurt the Pats in what used to be their
best unit. Worse yet, the Pats young linebackers may or may not be ready to back
up their aging brethren.
Defensive Backs
This could be another problem area for New England this season. If safety
Rodney Harrison doesn’t come back strong from his major knee injury, then the
Pats secondary could be downright atrocious.
The Patriots have defensive backs like Eugene Wilson, Tebucky Jones, Guss
Scott, James Sanders and Ellis Hobbs to go along with their best defensive back
- Asante Samuel.
All in all, I’m sure Belichick is worried about this unit and if he isn’t, he
should be.
Special Teams
The loss of Adam Vinatieri is absolutely a blow
to the gut for the Patriots, who have brought in veteran Martin Gramatica to try
and replace the master of the late-game dramatics.
The Patriots also have major question marks with their return game – on both
kickoffs and punts and could be in trouble here as well.
Coaching
Although the Pats are replacing another defensive coordinator this season, I
am fully confident that as long as Belichick remains on the New England
sideline, the Pats will at least be very sound defensively no matter who holds
the title of defensive coordinator, which will now be manned by veteran
defensive mastermind, Dean Pees.
I know New England’s offense isn’t the most complex in the league, but I
still think the loss of Charlie Weis as offensive coordinator was a crucial blow
that New England may never overcome.
Having said that, I fully expect the Pats to once again, win double digit
games this season and be a legitimate contender for the AFC championship.
