Patriots: Super Bowl or Bust in 2009

The New England Patriots will be looking to get the bad taste of two difficult years out of their mouths in 2009.  After having their perfect season derailed in the Super Bowl in 2008, then losing Tom Brady for all of last season and falling just short of the playoffs, it is now or never for New England to establish itself as the newest sports dynasty.

On paper, the Patriots certainly have the necessary fire power to be at the top of the heap come February.

The offseason additions of Fred Taylor and Joey Galloway, coupled with incumbents Randy Moss, Wes Welker, and Lawrence Maroney make the Pats' offense a force with which to be reckoned. 

Add to the mix a healthy Tom Brady, who has won Super Bowls with the likes of Jermaine Wiggins and J.R. Redmond, and NFL defenses should be on red alert.  If the offensive line can protect Brady, the Patriots' offense should be difficult to contain in 2009. 

Many of their primary weapons are getting along in age, though, so they better make this year count.

The Patriots' defense will be the big question in 2009. Shawn Springs and Darius Butler are both new additions to the secondary, and the linebacking corps will be weakened with the departure of Mike Vrabel via trade, and the season ending injury to third round pick Tyrone Mckenzie. 

However, draft picks Ron Brace and Patrick Chung should add some size and youth to an aging defense that had trouble against the run last year.  Moreover, Jerod Mayo should assert himself as one of the top linebackers in the AFC this year. 

If the new secondary can play cohesively and the seven men in the box can hold up against the run, the Patriots' defense should be just strong enough to hold the game for the dynamic and dangerous offense. 

Finally, special teams will be hurt by the inexplicable trade of Ellis Hobbs, but Brandon Tate could make everyone forget about him very quickly.  Also, Stephen Gostkowski appears to be coming into his own as a kicker and could be in the Pro Bowl for years to come.  His boot could steal a few games for the Patriots this year. 

When taking offense, defense, and special teams into account, the Patriots again look like the team to beat in 2009.

While a second run at an undefeated season is unlikely, New England will be a very tough team to beat in 2009. When you team Bill Belichick with Tom Brady, good things happen. 

Injuries (and one player's return from injury) will play a huge part in how the season unfolds in New England, but a deep playoff run is definitely on the mind of every player and fan.  If the defense can keep the Patriots in games, the special teams and offense will win them.  This may be the last chance for the Patriots to be the favorite to win the Super Bowl and I think that Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will make sure that this is the year for trophy No. 4.