New England Patriots: Who Must Step Up in 2011
Despite New England's 14-2 record in 2010, the team's play revealed weaknesses throughout the season. An over-dependence on Tom Brady and a lack of clutch defense ended up haunting the Pats in their second consecutive home playoff loss.
In order for them to stop their postseason skid, some surprise performers need to continue their production, while others need to step up and match expectations.
BenJarvus Green-Ellis, RB
1 of 10
The undrafted Ole Miss product not only beat out perennial heartbreaker Laurence Maroney to stick with the team, he became the first Patriot to rush for over 1,000 yards since Corey Dillon in 2004.
A dependable, straight-ahead runner, Green-Ellis hasn't prevented fans from salivating over a potential early-round draft pick this year. He'll at least have to equal his 2010 performance to get the Pats past an early playoff exit.
Rookie RB, TBD
2 of 10
If the Pats do draft a running back, he'll need to help the team win time of possession and salt away late-game leads. Big-play potential doesn't hurt, either.
Mark Ingram (pictured) seems to fit that bill. If he finds himself at Gillette next year, he'd better prepare for New England-sized expectations.
Taylor Price, WR
3 of 10
Price took a so-called "redshirt" season, appearing in a meaningless season-ending game vs. Miami.
Though he looked the part in limited action, this third-round pick needs to prove his worth in 2011, especially in light of the bizarre departure of Randy Moss and tenuous health of Deion Branch.
.png?w=256)
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
Ron Brace, DE
4 of 10
Brace raised his level of play in 2010, though that wasn't difficult to do after the second-rounder failed to perform in his rookie year.
As New England's search for continuity along the defensive line continues, Brace could be the man the Pats have been seeking. If not, look for a highly-touted rookie to get a chance.
Marcus Stroud, DE
5 of 10
Apparently unsatisfied with veteran Gerard Warren's contributions, New England signed Stroud this offseason. Ideally, a starting lineup of Vince Wilfork, Brace and Stroud will hold down opponents.
Stroud has to fight age, as well as opposing linemen, to hold down his end in a 3-4 defense. Considering the young players fighting for a spot, Stroud must make an immediate impact to stick with the team.
Rookie DE, TBD
6 of 10
Many mock drafts have New England using their number 17 pick on Cal product Cameron Jordan (pictured). Some irony there, as that pick came from Oakland, when the Pats dealt Richard Seymour.
Jordan or anyone else Bill Belichick selects at defensive end has to come in and contribute immediately. If he can come in and harass the quarterback—something Jordan excelled in—all the better.
Leigh Bodden, CB
7 of 10
Bodden missed all of last season due to injury. Luckily for New England, Devin McCourty exceeded expectations at corner, but asking for similar production in 2011 might prove too much for the sophomore.
The veteran Bodden must revert to 2009 form to improve one of the worst third-down defenses in the NFL.
Offensive Line
8 of 10
When they were good, they were quite good. When they were bad? Yikes.
Stephen Neal retired, Logan Mankins seems about as happy as a lobster in a seafood restaurant. Matt Light is old enough to remember when Matt Light was a rookie.
The offensive line will go through some changes this year. The new front five need to answer the call.
Jermaine Cunningham, OLB
9 of 10
Cunningham failed to produce at a level befitting a second-round pass rusher, though such players tend to improve from year one to year two.
He has to show he can win one-on-one battles with pro tackles and provide consistent pressure in opposing backfields. Such production will alleviate the pressure on whatever rookie pass rusher New England is sure to draft.
Tom Brady, QB
10 of 10
Yeah, yeah, we know. Brady's the main reason New England went 14-2.
While his brilliant regular season deserves praise, the team needs him at his best in January and—if Patriots fans have their way—February, too. He must have a better performance in next year's playoffs for the fighting Foxboroites to win their way to glory.
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
