(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)
What a difference a year makes.
The New England Patriots had one of the most tumultuous seasons possible in 2008, following a year they nearly went 19-0, and this year—the Patriots’ 50th anniversary season—has much to offer in regards to possibilities. Many questions remain for the once near-perfect Patriots, and only time will tell what is truly in store.
The biggest news of the fresh season is obviously the return of 2007 league MVP and the team’s mastermind quarterback Tom Brady.
After suffering a season-ending knee injury in last year’s season opener versus the Kansas City Chiefs, Brady is said to be successfully rehabbing his surgically repaired knee, as well as the rest of his body, and expects to come back stronger than ever before, and ready to play, according to various reports from both ESPN and The Boston Globe.
The trade of stand-in star Matt Cassel to (ironically) Kansas City in the offseason, along with longtime defensive star Mike Vrabel—for little compensation—backed those reports to the fullest extent.
There are other obvious changes heading into the new season that could spoil the Patriots' run at another Super Bowl title as well. Departures in the front office that will have an evident impact include former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels becoming the head coach of the Denver Broncos and former Vice President of Player Personnel Scott Pioli being hired as general manager of the (not-so-ironically) Chiefs.
McDaniels ran the Patriots’ high-octane offense and Pioli helped build the empire that won three championships in four years. They will both be missed, but if any team is known for replacing vital parts of their football program, it’s the Patriots.
On top of front-office departures, injuries plagued the Patriots last year, and it wasn’t just Brady. Key players missed significant time, including Brady’s fellow injured reservists, running back Laurence Maroney, linebacker Adalius Thomas, and safety Rodney Harrison
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