Five Reasons to Fear the New England Patriots Again

There are not many times you can consider an 11-5 season dissapointing. New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is never satisfied, however, and he is in the process of rebuilding a 2007-esque team.

Here are five reasons to put your money on the Patriots in 2009.

1. He's Back!

Stat to remember: 16-5 (Tom Brady's record in games following a loss.)

The return of quarterback Tom Brady has been much anticipated by football fans (men and, especially, women), and with the trade of Matt Cassel to Kansas City, he appears set to go. Brady has always been known as a competitive player, and it is scary to think how he will be this season.

After his quest for perfection was ended abruptly in 2007, his 2008 season ended before it started. It will be interesting to see how the man who is arguably the best at rebounding after a loss responds to an entire season being lost.

2. One man's trash...

Stat to remember: +20 (touchdown reception difference for Randy Moss between '06 and '07.)

Over the past decade, no team has been better at reviving or starting a players career than the Patriots. Before Moss, New England took in career knucklehead Corey Dillon, who reformed the Pats' running game and won his first and only championship.

They later traded for little known wide reciever Wes Welker, and turned him into the best slot receiver in the NFL. This year, the Patriots welcome championship starved running back Fred Talyor and cornerback Shawn Springs. Other cast-offs include cornerback Leigh Bodden, wide reciever Greg Lewis, offensive lineman Al Johnson, and wide reciever Joey Galloway.

3. Galloway or the highway.

Stat to remember: 3 (Number of consecutive season with 1,000 yards receiving before 2008)

In 2007, the Patriots final piece to the record-setting offense was WR Donte Stallworth. For 2009, New England is looking for a similar, but more accomplished, player in Joey Galloway.

Despite being at the ripe age of 37, Galloway still has the ability to stretch a defense. As everybody saw in 2007, the number of defenders on Moss and Welker correlates well with the points on the scoreboard.

4. A Pep in their step.

Stat to remember: 6 (Number of sacks in 2008 when leading by eight or more points.)

Although just a rumor as of March 17, a Patriots acquisition of defensive end Julius Peppers would put the Patriots over the top. His 14.5 sacks last season and 70.5 career sacks adds a level of pass rush the Patriots desperately need.

He has also listed the Cowboys and two other NFC teams on his interest list, but New England has shown to be a Mecca for ring deprived stars.

5. Burning the draft card.

Stat to remember- 4 (Current number of first day draft picks.)

New England has always built the backbone of their team through the Annual Player Selection Meeting, and with depth at linebacker and defensive back, the Patriots front office is salivating at a chance to get younger. The list of prominent players selected by Belichick include:

Tom Brady (2000, sixth rd.); Richard Seymour (2001, first rd.); Jarvis Green (2002, second rd.); Dan Koppen (2003, fifth rd.); Vince Wilfork (2004, first rd.); Logan Mankins (2005, first round); Stephen Gostkowski (2006, fourth rd.); Brandon Meriweather (2007, first rd.); Jerod Mayo (2008, first rd.)