Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
New England Patriots
by Michael E Lawrence
12/8/2008
 
Overview
 
Has an NFL season ever attracted so much attention or ended so bitterly? After steamrolling through opponents the first half of last season amid allegations of spying on opponents, the Patriots held on to record sixteen wins in sixteen tries and were universally considered to be presumptive World Champions behind record setting seasons from QB Tom Brady and WR Randy Moss. But we all know what happened next as the team unravelled in a stunning Super Bowl defeat to the New York Giants, and now the team has to pick itself up and start from scratch. Will they have it in them to do it all again? Certainly, the 2008 Patriots are every bit as talented as '07 versions, with subtractions in the secondary made up for by an injection of youth at linebacker, but the NFL will learn from the outset just how motivated this team will be to prove its 19th game of 2007 was simply a fluke.
 
Quarterbacks
 
In many observers' eyes Tom Brady edged ahead of Peyton Manning last year in the ongoing debate as to who the NFL's top quarterback is, and will forever be included in 'greatest ever' talk regardless of what he achieves during the rest of his career. John Madden, for one, continually observed that Brady was playing the position better than anyone he'd ever seen, which is saying something. The Patriots emphasized the passing game in '07, which helped Brady set the single season record for passing touchdowns (50), but he won't be asked to do as much this fall as the running game rounds into form. In the case of injury, the keys to New England's offensive juggernaut will be handed to untested reserve Matt Cassell, or third round draft pick Kevin O'Connell, which though makes Bill Belichick tug nervously at his collar.
Grade: A
 
Running Backs
 
On balance, Laurence Maroney has disappointed following his selection in the first round two years ago. At the start of '07 he looked hesitant and danced too much in the hole, though was showing signs of promise and increased confidence as the campaign came to a close. If he can build on his strong finish, the Patriots will get back to a heavier run emphasis in '08. Sammy Morris, who outplayed Maroney, returns after a mid-season injury and may be counted on again for key downs and goal line duties. The Patriots expect to keep as many as five runners on the roster this year, with valuable reserves Kyle Eckel and Heath Evans joined by ex-Jet and Raider LaMont Jordan. With improved conditioning, Jordan could yet play a major role.
Grade: B
 
Receivers
 
What can you say about Randy Moss? Reviled for once saying he played when he felt like it, he basically proved himself right in '07, following two lacklustre years in Oakland with one of the greatest receiving seasons in NFL history. Constantly drawing double teams and zones rolled in his direction, Moss nonetheless broke Jerry Rice's single season touchdown record. As the season matured however, secondaries were able to limit his effectiveness some by essentially roughing Moss up, exactly as the Giants did in the Super Bowl. Wes Welker more than justified his trade price tag of a second round pick with a superb season in the slot, including over 100 receptions and some crucial post-season red zone scores. Underrated Jabar Gaffney steps into the third receiver role unless former second round pick Chad Jackson can step it up in his third year. TE Ben Watson was recording a stellar year until injury slowed him down, and should continue to emerge. Veteran Marcus Pollard is in reserve.
Grade: A
 
Offensive Line
 
Nowhere was the Patriots' tale of two seasons better summed up than on the offensive line. Replete with Pro Bowlers and hailed for a regular season's worth of solid run blocking and faultless pass protection, the unit was trampled by the Giants' fleet of fast, athletic linemen in the Super Bowl and will need to regain its confidence. LT Matt Light fared particularly poorly against New York, but remains unchallenged as Brady's blindside protector. On the inside LG Logan Mankins, C Dan Koppen and RG Stephen Neal are grinders who exemplify guts and grit and overcome athletic limitations with sheer will. Nick Kaczur will try to hold off improving Ryan O'Callagahn on the right side but after that, depth is scarce.
Grade: B+
 
Defensive Line
 
The Patriots achieved much of their early dominance without the help of All Pro lineman Richard Seymour, who expects to return strong after a foreshortened '07. In his absence NT Vince Wilfork and DE Ty Warren more than held their own, and all three are Pro Bowl calibre and tireless workers, which is unusual for big men up front.
Backup DE Jarvis Green is a useful pass rusher who is a major part of the rotation, but the cupboard is otherwise bare in terms of depth, though former sixth rounder LeKevin Smith is serviceable in the middle.
Grade: A-
 
Linebackers
 
Much of the Patriots' occasional laspses in run defense can be blamed squarely on a linebacking unit that was creaking with age last season, and Scott Pioli and Belichick made no bones about upgrading the unit's speed and athleticism in the draft. Enter first rounder Jerod Mayo, who should secure a starting role inside, and third rounder Shawn Crable, who will be involved in time. In fairness OLB Adalius Thomas and insider Tedd Bruschi are no slouches, nor indeed first time Pro Bowler Mike Vrabel, but fresh legs will help in pursuit. Thomas displayed good all round pass rush and coverage skills and will mentor Crable. Junior Seau was not resigned, but may yet resurface.
Grade: B+
 
Secondary
 
This unit has seen some major turnover with number one corner Asante Samuel now an Eagle and Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson also leaving town. The Patriots have a history of inserting dubious talent into its secondary and thriving, and this year veterans Jason Webster, Fernando Bryant and Lewis Sanders – all of whom once played at a high level – will get the chance to rediscover old form. Because it's the Patriots, you have to figure they know what they're doing, but with any other team these moves would be considered very high risk. Ellis Hobbs is the holdover at CB, and keep an eye out also for second rounder Terrence Wheatley, who has talent but also has a track record of serious wrist injuries. At safety it's time for Brandon Meriweather to justify his former first-round status while Rodney Harrison is still aggressive, but is slowing down.
Grade: C+
 
Special Teams
 
K Stephen Gostkowski has been consistent and accurate since taking over for Adam Vinatieri two years ago. P Chris Hanson didn't have much reason to suit up last year, so little did the Patriots kick it away, but does a solid job when he gets the chance. Ellis Hobbs remains a threat on kickoff returns while Wes Welker didn't quite live up to his own high standards on punts. Overall the unit did a credible job in coverage.
Grade: B+
 
Coaching
 
Belichick is the game's most controversial coach, filming opponents and running up scores on the way to a perfect regular season, but also doing a fantastic job of keeping his players level headed as the wins piled up. Was his squad too flat for the Super Bowl? There's a chance his one-game-at-a-time philosophy was part of the reason for the team's sub-standard performance, but it must be remembered that the same philosophy has secured three Super Bowl titles previously. He remains a dictator, and intimidator and a strategist without comparison, and his players love him for it.
Grade: A
 
Outlook
 
Few would bet against the Patriots dominating their division, if not the league, once more, especially when the team's overall level of talent remains pretty much undiminished. How will they respond to a crushing Super Bowl loss? The guess is that even a slow start won't prevent one of the banner teams of the decade from rounding into form and recording at least 12 wins. The Patriots will be back in Super Bowl contention once more, and might just have enough of a chip on their shoulder to finish the job in 2008.