1 of 8

Write now Article Tools

Page 2 of 2

NFL, and was signed to make up for losing TE Daniel Graham to the Broncos

Losses:

Daniel Graham - A good blocking TE who was a decent threat as a receiver, the Patriots still have Benjamin Watson and David Thomas as threats through the air, and F/A acquisition Kyle Brady will easily make up for the blocking ability lost.

Corey Dillon - He asked to be released by the Patriots when he saw that Laurence Maroney was going to end up taking over the starting role, and will most likely retire after being unable to find a team interested in his services.

Tully Banta-Cain - He was a solid OLB, getting good playing time and playing well, but the addition of Adalius Thomas seems to make his loss a lot easier to take. He was signed by the 49ers.

Marquise Hill - He didn't make huge contributions on the field for the Patriots during his short career, but he was well-liked by his teammates, and I felt the need to mention him after his tragic death in a water-skiing accident.

Asante Samuel (maybe) - He was franchised by the Patriots after tying Champ Bailey for the NFL lead w/ 10 interceptions. They were unable to work out a long-term deal, and he has yet to sign the franchise tender.

The biggest question right now is at CB, with Asante Samuel still a no-show. Behind Samuel, they have Ellis Hobbs, who has shown potential, and played well at times last year, but hasn't shown the consistency of a shutdown corner. They signed Tory James who has had 4,5,8,4,4,and 5interceptions in his last 6 years, and will be in the mix at corner, especially if Asante doesn't come back.

The biggest strength is probably their passing game, with Stallworth, Moss, Welker, and Kelley Washington joining Reche Caldwell, Troy Brown, and Jabar Gaffney at receiver. TE Benjamin Watson is a reliable target, and Tom Brady is one of the best QB's in the league, who will find whoever's open and get them the ball.

The Biggest surprise will be:

WR Jabar Gaffney - in 3 playoff games he had 21 receptions for 244 yds and two touchdowns. He was also the first person in playoff history to have back to back games with 8 or more receptions and over 100 yards. (patriots.com) He really looked comfortable with Tom Brady, and with Stallworth's injury history there could be a starting spot opened up for Gaffney, who will take advantage of every chance he gets.

Projection:

The Patriots will be a very good team who should have no problem wrapping up their division. On paper, they had one of the best off-seasons in the league, and this is a team that was a dropped pass or two away from the Super Bowl. They have a very good chance of a first-round bye in the playoffs. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have never had a losing season together, and it won't happen this year either. Barring injuries, they are a playoff lock, and the Tom Brady-led Patriots have been 12-2 in the playoffs, including three Super Bowls. They will cause trouble for whoever they face in the playoffs, and as a Patriots fan, I can't wait for the season to start, as it looks to be a very exciting season.

In my full NFL predictions (http://www.helium.com/tm/5380 40/wrote-under-predictions-mis reading) I have the Patriots finishing the season as the second seed, then beating a Colts team that has fallen back a little bit in the RCA Dome in the AFC Championship and the Saints in the Super Bowl.

Learn more about this author, Football Freak.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

Add your voice

Know something about NFL previews: How the New England Patriots will do in 2007?
We want to hear your view. Write now!