The big question with the running game is what to do with BenJarvus Green-Ellis. In his rookie season, he rushed for 275 yards and five touchdowns in limited action.
Standing behind Taylor, Morris, Maroney, and Faulk makes it difficult for him to make the roster, much less get playing time.
Be prepared to see the Patriots and Bill Belichick decide to keep a fifth back this season, if for no other reason than the fact that Green-Ellis is no longer practice-squad eligible. That fact alone might well put him on the 53-man roster.
The offensive line, which garnered tremendous praise during the 2007 romp through the regular season, took some heat for the Super Bowl loss to the Giants. Last year, thanks to injuries and sometimes sloppy play, they went from being the darlings to being considered the dogs.
2009 could be redemption, and with some contracts expiring, this could be a last shot for some to remain with the team. Matt Light remains good at left tackle but has difficulty with quicker DE’s and OLB’s, which has meant shifting protections.
Logan Mankins is a road-grader with a mean streak, perfect for the left guard. Dan Koppen has been a solid center, and there’s no reason to suspect otherwise.
Stephen Neal is good when on the field, but he’s missed a lot of games lately. He’ll need to be healthy, or it’s an outside chance he might not even make the roster come fall.
Nick Kaczur is another who could be in danger and will need to take his play up a notch.
Even so, with a new QB in Matt Cassel, this group worked hard and tried to learn his cadence and his instincts. It shouldn’t take long to get into “Brady mode.”
There is new, young talent coming up in Rich Ohrnberger and Sebastian Vollmer. Thanks in large part to Dante Scarnecchia, the OL coach, the O-line will again be a contributor to the team’s success, not a cause of their demise.
Tom Brady’s knee is the biggest difference between the 2007 offense and this upcoming season. Matt Cassel took the helm in 2008, and the Patriots went 11-5. Cassel was also able to throw 21 TDs compared to just 11 INTs and compiled nearly 3,700 yards.
It has to be assumed that a healthy Tom Brady would be able to improve upon that, especially with the improvements in the running backs and receivers.
Brady’s injury, however, could mean a potential shift in how the Patriots approach games. If Brady is at 100 percent, I would not be surprised to see the Pats come out guns a-blazin', scoring points like mad from the start. Even then, don’t be shocked if the running game plays a more prominent role.
End Result
Quarterback: Tom Brady, expected healthy. Nothing more needs to be said.
Receivers (TE, WR): Improved, especially at TE, but how much is still in question?
Offensive Line: Dependable as always.
Running Backs: Best since Dillon-Maroney-Faulk, and quite probably superior to that. Could be best RB group Belichick has ever had.
Final Opinion
This Patriots team is positioned to reclaim the AFC East title and wants to recover the Lamar Hunt trophy on their way to grabbing the coveted Lombardi.
On the offensive side, there is no reason to expect anything other than excellence and tons of scoring; not equal to 2007, but superior by far to 2008.
They are definitely one of the top-10 offenses in the league and probably top 3-5.
The questions are on defense. If the first- and second-year players and recently acquired veterans can mesh quickly in the Patriots system, this could be one of the better defenses in the league.
If they struggle to keep discipline on their assignments, they could be middle of the pack and disappointing.
It’s my opinion that this defense will far surpass last year in all areas. Expect much better numbers for sacks, interceptions, third-down defense, and red-zone scoring.
Rushing yards allowed will be about equal, but passing yards will fall. This defense will be good and be a strong asset on their way to a February game.
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