Tom Brady's Record-Setting Pace a Bad Sign for New England Patriots

After Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady is still on pace to shatter Dan Marino's passing yards record set in 1984. Brady is averaging about 350 yards per game and is on pace for more than 5,700 passing yards this season.

That is easily going to surpass Marino's total of 5,084 yards.

However, the Patriots could be in trouble with turnovers and lack of equality of the offense, but only time will tell if this attempt to break a record will put the Patriots in their place.

The Interceptions

Brady in six games has eight interceptions. That is about 1.5 per game and he is on pace to have 24 interceptions, which is a ridiculous amount.

In 2010, Brady only threw four interceptions and now has already doubled that total. It seems as if he is forcing the ball when he throws it, and if he does not stop soon the Patriots could just lie down and allow these turnovers to happen.

Lack of Balance in Offensive Attack

BenJarvus Green-Ellis has been a workhorse for the New England Patriots so far in 2011 and already has 91 rushing attempts, 393 yards and five touchdowns.

The Patriots offense is still lacking that perfect combination of running and passing in their offensive game. They have 360 passing yards each game compared to 124 rushing yards per game. Sure, these sound like pretty good numbers, but the Patriots will allow Brady to pass more down the stretch, which could hurt the running game in the process.

Defensive Pressure

It seems the Patriots defense is not that good and so far it is the worst team in the NFL against opposing quarterbacks. It allows more than 322 passing yards per game, but is ninth in the league with allowing 101.5 rushing yards per game.

If Brady wants to get this record, the defense needs to allow him more time with the ball.

Wes Welker

Well, the Patriots might not need to worry about this now, but Welker is still Brady's security blanket in times of trouble. He only had six catches for 45 yards in Week 6 against the Dallas Cowboys, but before that he had the most catches and receiving yards for the Patriots.

Every defense will look to cover Welker, and if they can successfully guard him the Patriots could be looking for some help. Brady loves Welker for short yardage and that boosts his total for the year, but if Welker isn't open, whom will Brady turn to?

Media Hype

The Patriots are always surrounded by the media, but will Brady's record-breaking season put more media attention on him?

Remember in 2007 when the Patriots were 16-0 heading into the Super Bowl but lost to the New York Giants?

Well, the cameras and journalists were all over the Patriots about their undefeated season and they could not get it done against the Giants in the final quarter.

That same media attention could get Brady nervous and he could feel pressured to break the record quickly.

No Super Bowl

The Patriots have not won the Super Bowl since 2004 and have relied on Brady to run this offense primarily by the pass since 2007. Sure, Randy Moss was a big part of that 16-0 team, but they still do not have any rings to prove they are the best team in the NFL.

A Super Bowl can only come to the Patriots if the running game helps out Brady's passing game. Then, and only then, can the Patriots return to the Super Bowl.

Patriots Can't Handle the 3-4 Defense

The Patriots had trouble against the 3-4 defense of the Dallas Cowboys this past week and have really struggled with it when it is an important game.

Sure, Brady knows how to handle this defense most of the time, but against the New York Jets in the playoffs in the 2010-2011 season, Brady got hit hard.

Brady needs to stay in the pocket and roll out if he is being pressured to be more effective against the 3-4 defense.