The New England Patriots '09 Offense

I wrote an article last month looking at the pat's defense heading into 2009. Today I thought I would take an in depth look at the offense before the upcoming draft. Keep in mind that this list could change after the draft. This is the way things stack up at the moment though.

Offensive line

Center

Starter: Dan Koppen. One of the best centers in the AFC.

Top backup: Al Johnson. Has previous starting experience. Might contribute or he might not make the team.

Left Guard

Starter: Logan Mankins. Pats best lineman by far. This could be his last year in Foxboro if the Patriots don't resign him.

Top backup: Russ Hochstein. Versatile lineman can start at all three interior positions. Can also play fullback in goal line situations. Might be starting in 2010.

Right Guard

Starter: Stephen Neal. Nice starter when healthy. Has missed a lot of time in past two seasons. This will most likely be his last year with the pats.

Top backup: Billy Yates. Nice run blocker. Could start in 2010.

Left Tackle

Starter: Matt Light. Still above average offensive tackle. Might be better on the right side in a few years.

Top backup: Mark LeVoir. Came outta nowhere and started a few games last year. Might not make team this year.

Right Tackle

Starter: Nick Kazcur. Will be challenged for the starting job this year.

Top backup: Ryan O'Callaghan. If healthy he might take Kazcur's starting job. Decent backup at worst.

Receivers

Tight End

Starter: Ben Watson. Athletic tight end's numbers should improve with the return of Brady.

Top backup: Cris Baker. Will play ahead of Dave Thomas. Might challenge Watson for the starting job.

Wide Receivers

Starter No. 1: Randy Moss. If Brady can stay healthy, Moss will be elite again in 2010.

Top backup: Greg Lewis. Probably won't see the field much on offense. Has the speed to stretch defenses vertically.

Starter No. 2: Joey Galloway. If healthy he'll start. Still has elite speed at age 37.

Top backup: Sam Aiken. Special teamer probably won't see the field on offense. Was the fourth receiver last year.

Starter No. 3: Wes Welker. The best slot receiver in football. Should catch another 100 passes if he stays injury free.

Top backup: Matthew Slater. Versatile player might not make team this year.

Backfield

Running Back

Starter: Laurence Maroney. This is his last shot. If Maroney can't get it done, Fred Taylor or Sammy Morris will get his carries.

Top backup: Kevin Faulk. Best third down back in the league. No matter who starts he'll get his carries and receptions out of the backfield.

Quarterback

Starter: Tom Brady. Hoping he can stay healthy this year. If he does the pats will be contenders.

Top backup: Kevin O'Connell. Has a bright future learning under Brady and Belichick. Might be pushed by a veteran pickup.

Well that's how things stand at the moment. I'd like to hear anyone's comments. Thanks.