2011 New England Patriots: AFC East Pretender or Contender

The Patriots have been one of the most dominant teams in the AFC for what seems an eternity.

The Patriots have found a way to embrace a football system conceived in the mind of Bill Belichick and unleash its fury to all that cross their paths.  

Tom Brady has shown that all elite quarterbacks do not have to be first or second round picks, and the Patriots have shown the league that no one man is bigger than the team.

Within the past few seasons there has been a noticeable difference in the margin of victories and the level of success the Patriots have had. They aren't that far removed from their near perfect season, but the team has changed identity many times since then.

The heart and soul of the Patriots is still Tom Brady, and as long as he is the quarterback, the Patriots will remain in the top five of the AFC. However, some critics and "haters" have been stating it's the beginning of the end for their reign.

Unless there is a major pandemic or most of the team is taken out via injury, I think that's mostly wishful thinking of bitter fans from around the league.

Although I don't foresee a dominant 14 win season, I feel the Patriots will once again challenge for the division title and the AFC crown.

Here is my observation and breakdown of the New England Patriots for 2011.

Quarterback 

Tom Brady is one of the top five quarterbacks in the NFL. His ability to show patience and make solid decisions is why he is so effective. There are times it seems he has all season to throw to a receiver and that is something every QB in the league wishes their offensive line would do.

Brady does get complacent with this at times, and when rushed looks human. The Patriots will continue to protect Brady and the only way he doesn't play is if he's injured. That concerns me as there isn't anyone behind him that is proven, however, I remember Matt Cassel.

Could it happen again?

Running Backs

Ben Jarvis Green-Ellis should continue to provide the main threat on the ground, but he is complimented by capable teammates whom will play key roles when relieving him on situational downs. Look for consistent production from BGE.

Wide Receiver 

Despite having brought in Chad Ochocinco, I don't know if he will be as much as the Patriots hoped for. I believe he is a junior Randy Moss. The biggest enemy Chad has is himself and he could tantrum his way out of being a factor in New England during the season.

Wes Welker is now in the lead role as the teams wide receiver and I don't know if Welker will be able to tolerate the increase in workload. I expect him to adjust and be effective, but I have a few concerns. Nonetheless, the Patriots will always have help in this group.

Tight Ends 

The Patriots use this position better than any other team and find ways to work them into every game as a major factor. Nothing changes here, simply set the auto pilot.

Defensively, the Patriots are a gifted unit that will always excel in the game plan they undertake.

The concerns I have here are the secondary, especially the right cornerback position as well as the depth on the team. I would imagine that they would be capable of stepping up when called upon, but I would look for the Patriots to give up more points than last season through the air, which will cost them some games they should have won.

Overall, I think this team is a strong contender and I couldn't imagine how anyone else could disagree. The Patriots are a team that can beat you in any area of the game and the song remains the same in 2011.

I do not, however, expect them to win the division as that award should go to the Jets this season. I feel that some minor issues the team will face in the receiving department early on will cost them some games due to a still developing chemistry between Brady and Ochocinco.

The secondary may also be at fault as they tighten up.

I look for the Patriots to go 11-5 this year, mostly having problems against teams like San Diego, Pittsburgh and the Jets.

Regardless of winning the division or not, this team is still going to be a player for some time and 2011 will reassure any skeptics.