Offense
For the first time in several seasons, there is no bullseye on the Patriots. Aside from an AFC East title, there is not much to defend which has resulted in most pre-season polls ranking the Patriots anywhere from 5th to 10th. This is the kind of disrespect that gets Brady & Co. fired up!
Offense:
The Patriots return a young, but experienced offensive line led by LT Matt Light and second-year LG Logan Mankins. With the addition of Lawrence Maroney, they now have a strong one–two punch at running back that, along with third-down specialist Kevin Faulk, has the potential to gain close to 2,000 yards this year.
No longer will the Patriot’s running fortunes ride on whether Corey Dillon is healthy or not. It also gives the Patriots a breakaway runner that they have not had since Curtis Martin, and more opportunities to close out games by running out the clock with a ball control running game.
The passing game begins and ends with “Mr. Clutch” Tom Brady, who has proven over the last few years that no matter who lines up at WR they will look like a No. 1 or No. 2 WR. Expect big things from Deon Branch who is in a contract year.
The No. 2 WR slot may fall off a little with the loss of David Givens, but expect the combination of Reche Caldwell and second-round pick Chad Jackson to get plenty of chances to more than make up for any loss in production from Givens departure.
Benjamin Watson, still remembered for running down Champ Bailey in the playoffs last year, brings as much potential to a position as any player in the league this year. Complimented nicely by Daniel Graham, who picks up speed end-rushers and blitzers as well as anyone in the league and first-year pass-catching machine in Dave Thomas from Texas and you have the ingredients for one of the best TE groups in the league.
The loss of “Mr. Automatic”, Adam Viniteri at kicker will be the wildcard for the team. While some would argue that his kicking distance was fading fast, he still is the one guy that you would want lining up to kick a 30–35 yard field goal to win a game. Rookie kicker Gostkowski has big shoes to fill as his impressive college stats did not come in many big game situations.
Don’t be surprised to see the Patriots try to take advantage of their best combination of offensive weapons in years, and try to score more TDs, rather than settle for field goals, and become one of the most explosive offenses in 2006.
Defense:
The defense is led by lineman Richard Seymour, safety Rodney Harrison, and linebacker Tedy Bruschi, who will miss some action early with a broken wrist. The unit is clearly not as dominate as it was during their Superbowl run, but may surprise with a mixture of veteran leadership and up-and-coming talent in CBs Ellis Hobbs and Assante Samuel, along with defensive linemen Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren.
Gone is Willie McGinest, but there are plenty of other veteran players to fill his leadership role. Key questions will be whether there is enough talent left in the aging LB group? Can Harrison recover from his knee injury and play effectively again? Can the young CBs play consistent enough with or without Harrison? Can Monty Beisel get the system and be able to be a valuable starter?
Synopsis:
The Patriots have an easier schedule in 2006. Their two toughest games, the Colts and Broncos, are both at home, and the AFC East is still the second-weakest division in the league. Winning the AFC East should therefore be a no brainer. However, getting beyond round one of the playoffs will come down to how well Harrison can play, the ability of Maroney and Chad Jackson to contribute on offense, and the defense being able to stop giving up the big plays that led to several losses in 2005.
I forecast an 11 to 12 win season for the Patriots.
