New England Patriots: 10 Burning Questions for the 2011 Season
A disappointing end to the season like the one the New England Patriots suffered to the New York Jets in the divisional round of the 2011 NFL playoffs can leave a burn. Losing to a divisional rival is never fun, but to do so coming into the playoffs with high expectations and all the trash talk of the opposing team makes for a long offseason.
It can also leave a lot of questions. There are always the "what if" scenarios of the game itself, but the most passionate Patriots fans know to keep looking forward.
So here are 10 burning questions for the 2011 season.
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Will Brandon Meriweather Be Replaced as a Starter?
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Perhaps the Patriots are simply waiting to see how the situation plays out, but the fact that the organization isn't saying much should be cause for concern for Meriweather.
The former first-round pick out of Miami is set to become a free agent in 2012, but may not even last the duration of his contract.
Perhaps the Patriots will just keep him around for the year and bring along a possible draft pick at safety, someone like Quinton Carter of Oklahoma who has been projected to the Patriots in the second round.
At an astonishingly low $640,000 base salary in 2011, keeping him around on the cheap may seem like the best idea, but if Meriweather escapes this most recent off-field issue scott-free, his value may never be higher in a trade.
Will Logan Mankins Play for the Patriots in 2011?
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The contract stand-off between Logan Mankins/his agent and the Patriots has lasted almost a year now. The Patriots, having just placed the franchise tag on Mankins, are looking to keep their Pro Bowl guard around.
The chatter around the team has the finger pointed firmly in the direction of Mankins' agent, who has stone-walled negotiations on a few occasions.
With a lack of depth behind Mankins at guard, and with the recent retirement of Steve Neal, the Patriots would be foolish to let Mankins walk away. Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell as every-down starters on teh interior of the Patriots offensive line doesn't sound promising.
Who Will Rush the Passer?
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The question of "who will rush the passer" has been a "burning question" since around 2008, when it was discovered that Adalius Thomas wasn't the answer at outside linebacker.
Patriots fans are clamoring for that sack specialist, the guy who can get after the quarterback on a consistent basis. The Patriots have gotten by without one for years, though, and only a couple of times in Belichick's ten-year tenure have they even had a player exceed double-digit sacks.
Eric Moore, Tully Banta-Cain, Jermaine Cunningham, and Rob Ninkovich are great "depth" players, but Cunningham is the only one I'm comfortable with as a starter.
The Patriots have six picks in the first three rounds, so that gives them plenty of ammunition to find someone if they're not satisfied with that group of linebackers.
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Can the Rookies Build on Their 2010 Campaign?
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It's no secret that the Patriots had one of, if not the best draft class in 2010. With guys like Devin McCourty, Aaron Hernandez, Rob Gronkowski and Brandon Spikes all not only playing, but contributing in big ways, the Patriots have a lot to look forward to for the next several years.
The two rookie tight ends combined for 16 touchdowns, and Devin McCourty led all rookies with seven interceptions.
Of course, we always talk about sophomore slumps. The chances are slim that all of these guys will falter next year, but one has to wonder who, if anyone, will slide a little.
Can the Patriots Stay Ahead of the New York Jets in the AFC East?
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The Jets were once thought of as nothing more than the annoying also-ran, but under the guidance of Rex Ryan, they've established themselves as a true threat to the AFC East crown.
Perhaps the Patriots could be helped by the current collective bargaining situation, which could push free agency after the draft. This poses a huge disadvantage to teams that have a lot of free agents they'll need to take into account when drafting.
The Jets, with a list of 14 free agents that includes Shaun Ellis, Brodney Pool, Braylon Edwards, Brad Smith, Wayne Hunger, Antonio Cromartie and Santonio Holmes, won't have the luxury of re-signing their players and making draft picks based on who they lose.
These are the tight spots a team gets put in when they go all-in for a Super Bowl run.
Can Brandon Spikes Stay out of Trouble?
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First, a sex tape scandal marred Spikes' reputation before he even had a chance to build one. That transgression was viewed as minor, but when news broke that Spikes had violated the league's PED policy, people grew skeptical.
When it was revealed that the drug in questions was Adderall, prescribed to people who suffer from ADHD, the scrutiny subsided.
Still, two transgressions in about six months isn't exactly what the Patriots like to see from their young players. The Patriots like to have model citizens in their locker room, and may not take kindly to another slip-up from Spikes.
Will Ty Warren and Leigh Bodden Return to Form?
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Before the first snap of the 2010 season, the Patriots had already been struck by two vicious injuries. A shoulder injury to Leigh Bodden and a hip injury to Ty Warren took the two out of action for the entire 2010 season.
The Patriots struggled mightily on defense without two of their most stalwart defenders.
Warren is getting up there in age, and Leigh Bodden was never considered "elite" even before his injury. Bodden's injury seems far less troublesome than Warren's. A shoulder injury shouldn't hinder his ability to play football, however Warren's hip injury could affect his quickness and explosion.
Can Brandon Tate Emerge as a Legitimate Deep Threat?
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When the Patriots traded away Randy Moss after four games of the 2010 season, Patriots fans far and wide wondered whether Brandon Tate could assume the "field-stretcher" role that Moss had vacated.
With just 24 receptions for 432 yards and three touchdowns, though, it's safe to say that didn't happen last year.
Still, this is Tate's third year in the system, and he should make strides toward his peak. Or he could be the most recent in a storied recent history of draft busts at wide receiver for the Patriots.
Will Tom Brady Cut His Hair?
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It's the burning question to end all burning questions. Tom Brady's hair has been the subject of scrutiny as to whether he wears the pants in his relationship, and has even spawned a fake Twitter account.
It went from the Bieber phase in the summer of 2010, to the Keanu Reeves cut toward the end of the season. When it went to the Euro soccer phase just after the end of the 2011 playoffs, the New York media had a field day.
Sorry, Tom. Clay Matthews and Troy Polamalu pull off the flowing locks well. You? Not so much.
Will There Even Be a 2011 Season?
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The Patriots are firmly at the middle of the NFL vs. NFLPA collective bargaining wars.
Robert Kraft is considered one of the front-men for the owners, and Matt Light is the player rep for the Patriots and also one of the leaders of the NFLPA.
Oh, and Tom Brady's name just happens to be on the anti-trust lawsuit between the players and owners.
There hasn't been any progress in this situation as we await the court hearing that will determine the outcome of the lawsuit. Where the NFL goes from there is anybody's guess.
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