Tom Brady Returns, Raises Expectations for the 2009 New England Patriots

(Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

4. How will Brady react to a different offensive system without Josh McDaniels?

In 2007, Brady had the luxury of an offensive coordinator who wasn't afraid to spread the field early and often, letting him throw deep to Randy Moss and short to Wes Welker. Brady and the 2007 Patriots shattered tons of NFL records, as he was named NFL MVP.

Fast-forward to the present.

Josh McDaniels is gone, and the Patriots' running game is more loaded than it has been in years. The depth at the running back position will surely take some of the pressure off of Brady early on in the season, allowing him to get used to the flow of the game. 

Brady won't have to throw the ball 40 times a game this year if the running backs can use their depth to move the chains and keep defenses tired. 

Don't get me wrong; the Patriots' air attack will be extremely effective this year, as long as the running game is solid and the offensive line does its job. Early on, however, I expect the running game to carry the load for the Patriots.

5. Can the Patriots go undefeated?

Naturally, the return of Brady takes us back to the main storyline of the 2007 season: Can the Patriots run the table?

It says a great deal about a player when his mere presence can make people wonder if a team can go 19 games without a loss.

We saw the pressure mount with each victory in 2007, and by Super Bowl Sunday, the pressure was at a fever pitch. We all know what happened that day, and after the Giant upset, many fans and media members let it be known that as magical as the season had been, they would have traded a regular season loss or two for a win in the Super Bowl.

I don't think the Patriots will go undefeated this season, but they won't have to in order to win the division and get back into the postseason.

With Brady back in action, a revamped defense, and a loaded running game, I expect the Patriots to be the best team in the AFC this season. There is no doubt in my mind that a healthy Patriots team will be able to lock up a playoff bye and possibly get home field advantage throughout the playoffs.

Early season oddsmakers have made the Patriots heavy favorites to win the Super Bowl, and I believe that they can capture a fourth Lombardi Trophy.

Getting there might be a bit of a problem, however, as the Patriots are facing quite a few obstacles this season, especially in the first half of the schedule.

Brady and Co. are slated to face the Bills on Monday, Sept. 14, as newly acquired WR Terrell Owens makes his Buffalo debut. This is followed by a week two battle against the rival New York Jets and their revamped defense. These two games will go a long way in determining the AFC East playoff picture.

The Pats are also in a unique position this year, playing Tampa Bay in London on Oct. 25. It will be hard to stay focused during this extensive travelling, as teams that have played international games in the past have documented. However, if any team is equipped to deal with this situation, it's the Patriots and Tom Brady.

Early on in the season the Patriots also host the Atlanta Falcons and Tennessee Titans, two teams that played very well last season.

Two road games that will test the Patriots come against old offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and the Denver Broncos on Oct. 11, and against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 15. These two games will help shake out the AFC playoff picture.

If the Patriots can get out of the gate to a fast start and stay healthy, there is no reason that they can't make it back to the AFC Championship game, and maybe even beyond. 

However, with Brady back the Patriots will take it one game at a time, and it will be business as usual in Foxboro this year.

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