New England Patriots: Are the 2010 Pats Better Than the 2007 Pats?

The 2007 New England Patriots were one of the best teams of all-time. They failed to win the Super Bowl, having been upset by the New York Giants in the last seconds of the game.

But they were an explosive team in all areas. The 2010 Patriots have had a great season so far and they appear to be a more complete team than the 2007 edition.

It's challenging to compare the two teams because many of the guys on the 2007 team have since retired or moved on from New England.

Both teams' offenses are amazing, but quite different, and the defenses are what sets them apart.

Now let's compare the 2007 Patriots and the current edition in 2010.

Randy Moss Vs. Deion Branch

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Deion Branch #84 of the New England Patriots scores on a 25-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

Randy Moss and Deion Branch are different receivers in many ways, but one similarity they have is Tom Brady has so much confidence in them.

However, Branch and Brady have won multiple Super Bowls together, while Moss and Brady failed to win a Super Bowl.

Branch in many ways is a better receiver than Moss. He doesn't have the same speed, height, or big play ability that Moss has, but Branch is much more reliable.

Branch makes so many big plays, and gets more targets from Brady because he is open often, a tribute to his route-running abilities.

People thought Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was a fool when he traded Randy Moss earlier in the season, but once again we are realizing how brilliant he is, and that we should never question his decisions.

An Experienced, Smart Defense Vs. a Young, Athletic Defense

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FOXBORO, MA - OCTOBER 20: Jay Cutler #6 of the Denver Broncos is confronted by Rodney Harrison #37 of the New ngland Patriots at Gillette Stadium on October 20, 2008 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. The Paytiots won 41-7. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

The 2007 Patriots defense was an experienced unit, with smart players. Guys like Rodney Harrison, Tedy Bruschi, and Mike Vrabel were guys who had won everything and who were also very talented.

After 2007, this defense became too old to compete at a high level, and thus the youth transition began. The 2010 defense is much younger and athletic than the 2007 edition, and you could argue it's better.

The defensive line is still anchored by nose tackle Vince Wilfork, and the captain of the defense, Jerod Mayo, is one of the best defensive players in the NFL.

Mayo is the NFL leader in tackles so far this season, and it appears no one will catch him. The secondary is very young, but rookie Devon McCourty looks like a future perennial All-Pro caliber player.

Until the end of this season, we cannot fully compare the defenses, but the 2010 unit has the chance to be much better.

Two Explosive Offenses, But Very Different

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: BenJarvus Green-Ellis #42 of the New England Patriots runs for a 1-yard touchdown in thefirst quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

The 2007 Patriots were the best offensive team ever and scored more points than any other team in a single season in NFL history

During the '07 season, Tom Brady won the NFL MVP award. Brady threw for over 4,000 yards and set a record with 50 touchdown passes.

Twenty-three of Brady's touchdown passes were caught by Randy Moss, a record for a wide receiver. 

While the 2007 offense was a more explosive and big play offense, the 2010 unit is much more balanced. This season, Tom Brady has a running game that's almost as good as his passing game. Running backs BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead have been very good this year, and both of them are good receivers too.

The biggest difference in the passing game is the addition of two rookie tight ends this season. Rookies Aaron Hernandez of Florida and Rob Gronkowski of Arizona, are two tall and speedy tight ends who have dominated this year.

Gronkowski caught three touchdowns in a win versus the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier in the year, and Hernandez has been a factor all year long.

The 2010 offense is much more balanced and overall is far better than the 2007 edition, no matter how many records that team set.

Many New Coaches in 2010, But Bill Belichick Remains

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on in the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Josh McDaniels is no longer the offensive coordinator of the Patriots and, in fact, he doesn't even have a job in the NFL anymore after being fired recently by the Denver Broncos. 

The major coaching difference between 2007 and this season is Bill Belichick is doing just about everything. Even though he's technically not the offensive or defensive coordinator, he runs the show.

Bill calls the plays, creates the defensive schemes and coaches his players on the sideline during games. 

Belichick also drafts smart players who are able to be coaches on the field. Linebacker Jerod Mayo is one of the smartest players in the NFL and helps Bill keep his players in the right positions to be successful.

So Who Is Better?

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FOXBORO, MA - DECEMBER 06: Danny Woodhead #39 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball in the second quarter against Drew Coleman #30 of the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on December 6, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Gett

Even though the 2010 Patriots have yet to write their place in history, they are already better than the 2007 team.

This season's Patriots are much more dangerous offensively and have a better defense. Tom Brady has better receivers to throw to and the running game is much more effective than the 2007 ground attack.

Tom Brady is playing as good as he ever has right now, and with a young defense with great potential, the Patriots are about to create a new dynasty in New England.