With the addition of Corey Dillon at running back, it appears the Patriots have filled their biggest need, and his presence should boost a mediocre running game and take a lot of pressure off Brady. Defensively, they lost their big man in the middle of the line, but they have a couple adequate replacements and their linebacking corps, which was already strong, will get a shot in the arm with the return of Roosevelt Colvin, who sat out the entire 2003 season after coming over from the Bears via free agency.
From the outside looking in, it appears only injuries and complacency can trip this team up and stop them from making another deep run in the playoffs. And with one of the best coaches in the game in Bill Belichick providing the motivation, I wouldn’t count on a lack of intensity bringing this club down.
Quarterback
The Patriots have one of the best clutch quarterbacks in the game today in Brady. He is very accurate in the short to intermediate range, and his deep ball has improved considerably. He has good arm strength and athletic ability, but the thing that really makes him great is his understanding of head coach Bill Belichick’s offense. And with two Super Bowl wins under his belt at this early stage of his career, he’s incredibly experienced for a guy that’s only been in the league for four years.
After an MVP performance in NFL Europe this year, second-year QB Rohan Davey appears to have the inside track on the backup job, with developmental prospect Kliff Kingsbury filling the No. 3 role. Davey, who has an excellent arm and tremendous size, tossed a couple touchdown passes in the Pats first preseason game, probably solidifying his hold on the No. 2 job.
Running Backs
Dillon is a big back with the potential to dominate games, but he is inconsistent. However, Belichick has a way of getting the best out of his players, which may keep Dillon from disappearing at times like he did in Cincinnati.. He’s a punishing runner between the tackles, and he has the speed to get to the outside, which gives New England a dimension their offense has not had recently. I don’t expect the Patriots to go away from the passing attack that has been so successful, but now they have a back that can grind things out in the fourth quarter after that short passing attack has the Patriots in the lead.
Kevin Faulk, who will backup Dillon, should provide a nice change of pace and is likely to see a lot of action on third-down situations. He has good receiving skills and is elusive in the open field, but he has durability concerns. Fourth-round rookie Cedric Cobbs, who has excellent size, strength, and speed, will likely fill the No. 3 role.
Wide Receiver/Tight End
The Patriots have good quality depth at wide receiver, but they still lack a true No. 1. Deion Branch and David Givens are the likely starters, and neither is spectacular, although Givens has the potential to be a star in this offense with a little more experience. He doesn’t have a ton of speed, but he has good size and is a tremendous athlete.
Veteran Troy Brown will probably play the slot in three-receiver sets and last year’s second round pick Bethel Johnson will push for playing time at No. 4. Brown is a great route runner who understands his role in the offense and just finds ways to get open, but his age and durability are concerns. Johnson has tremendous speed, but lacks discipline in his route-running ability. David Patten, J.J. Stokes, and rookie fifth-round draft pick P.K. Sam will likely battle for the fifth spot.
New England spent one of its two first-round draft picks on tight end Ben Watson, who should put pressure on Christian Fauria and Daniel Graham for playing time.
