New England Patriots: 5 Bold Predictions for the 2011 Upcoming Season

Randy ChambersJun 7, 2018

The New England Patriots finished the season with an extremely impressive 14-2 record last season before losing a disappointing playoff game to the New York Jets.

This season they look to get things back on track and return to the Super Bowl contenders they are almost every season. With Tom Brady and Bill Belichick leading the way they remain in great shape.

With the lockout still in effect, nobody knows what the 2011 NFL season has in store. That doesn't stop us from making predictions.

Here are five bold predictions for your 2011 New England Patriots season.

BenJarvus Green-Ellis Production Will Go Down This Year

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Why is it bold?

BenJarvus Green-Ellis had a great season last year with 1,008 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Only Arian Foster had more rushing touchdowns last season.

Why it will happen

Green-Ellis was great for the Patriots last season but it's hard for running backs in New England to dominate. The last time a Patriot led the team in rushing back-to-back seasons was when Corey Dillon did it in 2005-2006.

If the Patriots were so confident in Green-Ellis a player entering his fourth season, they wouldn't have drafted two running backs in the first four rounds. Let's not forget Danny Woodhead either, who had a great yards-per-carry average and should receive more touches this year.

We've seen so many times especially on this team, where one player has a great season and is almost nonexistent the next. That won't be the case for BenJarvus but he won't rush for 1,000 yards and will be lucky to have double digit touchdowns.

Deion Branch Will Have 1,000 Receiving Yards

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Why is it bold?

Has never had a 1,000 yard receiving season and is the number two option on the team.

Why it will happen

Branch struggled with the Seattle Seahawks on the field and with injuries. But when he was traded back to New England last season it looked like he never lost connection with Tom Brady.

In just 11 games last year with the Patriots he had 706 receiving yards and five touchdown receptions. Those numbers are with him being traded in the middle of the season.

Now that he has had a whole offseason to prepare with the offense and fully get reconnected, those numbers should be even better in a full season. If he can stay healthy of course.

Wes Welker Will Have Double Digit Touchdowns

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Why is it bold?

Wes Welker has never really been a big touchdown guy and has yet to have a double-digit touchdown season.

Why it will happen

Welker had a down year last season as far as receptions and yards go, but his touchdowns were up as he finished with seven.

Welker is now one season removed from ACL surgery. This season is he even healthier and is in a contract year, so the motivation will be there.

He is the Patriots No. 1 receiver and is going to get a lot of looks, especially in the red zone.

Tom Brady Will Pass Warren Moon for 6th All Time in Touchdown Passes

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Why is it bold?

Tom Brady currently sits tenth all time in touchdown passes and will need 31 to top Warren Moon for sixth all time. Brady has only surpassed 31 touchdowns twice in his career.

Why it will happen

Brady was amazing last season and with the Randy Moss trade, proved it doesn't matter who is on the field, he will still get the job done.

The Patriots are playing several high powered offensive teams this season and with the sub-par at best secondary they have, Brady will have to throw a lot. That means more touchdowns for the reigning MVP.

There may also be a motivational factor as well, considering Brady's passing coach Tom Martinez is on his death bed. Martinez has worked with Brady for almost 20 years and may end up dedicating this season to him.

I wouldn't bet against him.

Patriots Will Lose to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night

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Why is it bold?

The Patriots have won the last five of seven matchups against the Chiefs. It may also be considered bold anytime you pick against Tom Brady and Bill Belichick.

Why it will happen

The way to beat teams that can score quickly and have a great quarterback, is to keep that offense off the field. The Kansas City Chiefs are the best team when it comes to running the football. They averaged 164 rushing yards a game last season.

Kansas City should also be less one dimensional than they were last year with the addition of Jonathan Baldwin. Matt Cassel should be able to take the next step and be able to come up with big plays in the passing game. It shouldn't be that hard against a New England secondary that gave up over 250 yards in the air last season.

It will be a tough, hard-fought football game in a Monday night atmosphere but the up-and-coming Kansas City Chiefs will squeeze out the victory.