New England Patriots
2010 record: 14-2
Last playoff appearance: 2010 (28-21 L, vs NYJ)
General Manager: Bill Belichick has final say over all personnel matters
Head Coach: Bill Belichick (2000-present, 162-94)
Offensive Coordinator: Bill O’Brien (2011-present)
Defensive Coordinator: Bill Belichick
Defensive Alignment: 3-4
2010 NFL Rankings
OFF: 32.4 pts (1st), 363.8 YDS (8th), 240.4 (11th), 123.3 (9th)
DEF: 19.6 pts (8th), 366.5 YDS (25th), 258.5 (30th), 108.0 (11th)
Mike W’s Outlook: The 2010 Patriots followed up their astounding regular season with an embarrassing upset against their division rival. It was a successful season because they began to resemble a Super Bowl contender even after losing Randy Moss, but it was unsuccessful because they fell short of the expectations they set for themselves. The 2011 season will most likely be considered disappointing unless they win the title, given that Brady’s prime is coming closer to the end.
Given their stellar record, it’s not unreasonable that the Patriots opted to keep their roster largely intact. However, the Patriots did not improve their pass rush or their secondary, two weaknesses that hurt them badly in their playoff game against the Jets last season. After a few years, I’m starting to wonder why they refuse to fix either problem.
The Patriots definitely have what it takes to win another division title and perhaps fight for another top seed. Their offense will go as far as Brady will take them — which is very far — and their defense will actually hinge on Albert Haynesworth, who could become a devastating weapon for them on the defensive line. But something tells me the Patriots cannot reach or win the Super Bowl without a better pass rush. We’ll just have to see.
Projected Starting Lineup
QB: Tom Brady
RB: BenJarvus Green-Ellis
WR: Chad Johnson (I refuse to call him Ochocinco)
WR: Wes Welker
TE: Aaron Hernandez
LT: Matt Light
LG: Logan Mankins
C: Dan Koppen
RG: Dan Connelly
RT: Sebastian Vollmer
LE: Jermaine Cunningham
NT: Vince Wilfork
RE: Albert Haynesworth
LOLB: Gary Guyton
LILB: Jerod Mayo
RILB: Brandon Spikes
ROLB: Dane Fletcher
CB: Kyle Arrington
FS: Patrick Chung
SS: Brandon Meriweather
CB: Devin McCourty
K: Stephen Gostowski
P: Zoltan Mesko
Fantasy Performers:
1. Tom Brady
2. BenJarvus Green-Ellis
3. Chad Johnson
4. Wes Welker (Especially if your league counts receptions)
5. Stephen Gostkowski
2011 schedule:
1. Sep 12 at Dolphins at 7pm (MNF)
2. Sep 18 vs Chargers at 4:15pm
3. Sep 25 at Bills at 1pm
4. Oct 2 at Raiders at 4:15pm
5. Oct 9 vs Jets at 4:15pm
6. Oct 16 vs Cowboys at 4:15pm
7. Bye
8. Oct 30 at Steelers at 4:15pm
9. Nov 6 vs Giants at 4:15pm
10. Nov 13 at Jets at 8:20pm
11. Nov 21 vs Chiefs at 8:30pm (MNF)
12. Nov 27 at Eagles at 4:15pm
13. Dec 4 vs Colts at 8:20pm
14. Dec 11 at Redskins at 1:00pm
15. Dec 18 at Broncos at 4:15
16. Dec 24 vs Dolphins at 1pm
17. Jan 1 vs Bills at 1pm
Moves
Free Agent Acquisitions
No major acquistions.
Free Agent Losses
1. Tully Banta-Cain
2. Ty Warren
3. Gerard Warren
Re-signings
1. Logan Mankins
2. Matt Light
3. BenJarvus Green-Ellis
Trades
1. Traded a 5th round pick for Albert Haynesworth
2. Traded 2012 5th round draft pick and 2013 6th round pick for Chad Johnson
Patriots 2011 Draft Selections (Overall Draft Grade: B+)
Rd 1, Pick 17: Nate Solder, OL, Colorado- Solder is a good athlete with ideal size. He has the potential to start at left tackle and succeed Matt Light.
Grade: B+
Rating: 8
Rd 2, Pick 33: Ras-I Dowling, DB, Virginia- His stock dropped after an injury ravaged final season, but his size and athleticism make him an excellent prospect for a Patriots team that never seems to have an elite CB tandem.
Grade: B-
Rating: 7
Rd 2, Pick 56: Shane Vereen, RB, California- His athleticism and catching ability could make him a versatile option out of New England’s backfield.
Grade: B-
Rating: 7
Rd 3, Pick 73: Stevan Ridley, RB, LSU- His power makes him an intriguing talent, but with Vereen, Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead also expected to vie for running back touches, you’ve got to think one of them will be pushed out. Ridley could be the one.
Grade: C+
Rating: 6.5
Rd 3, Pick 77: Ryan Mallett, QB, Arkansas- Mallett is considered to have all the tools to be a starter in the NFL, but she needs time to develop. Given that he has time to develop behind Brady, I think it’s a smart pick.
Grade: B
Rating: 7.5
Rd 5, Pick 138: Marcus Cannon, OL, TCU- His talent is great, so if his medical problems are taken care of, he could become a high caliber starter at offensive line.
Grade: B
Rating: 7
Rd 5, Pick 159: Lee Smith, TE, Marshall- His strength makes him a solid blocking tight end on a team with two pass catching TEs. It’s probably a good, if not flashy fit.
Grade: B-
Rating: 6
Rd 6, Pick 194: Markell Carter, LB, Central Arkansas- He’s a relative unknown so he’ll have to perform well in camp to make the roster.
Grade: C-
Rating: 5.5
Rd 7, Pick 219: Malcolm Williams, DB, TCU- Same as above. He’ll need to work hard to break into New England’s stuffed DB rotation.
Grade: D+
Rating: 5
2010 Stat Leaders
QB: Tom Brady- 324-492, 3900 yards, 7.9avg, 36 Td, 4 int, 111.0 rating
RB: BenJarvus Green-Ellis- 229 att, 1008 yards, 4.4avg, 13 Td
WR: Wes Welker- 86 rec, 848 yards, 9.9avg, 7 Td
Offseason storylines
-Is Brady too Hollywood?
-Can the Pats return to the Super Bowl?
-Can Ocho and Haynesworth learn the Patriot way?