2008 NFL Preview > New England Patriots Preview
2008 New England Patriots Football Preview
Head Coach: Bill Belichick
2007 Record: 18-1
Key Additions: CB Fernando Bryant, LB Shawn Crable, LB Victor Hobson, LB Jerod Mayo, RB Lamont Jordan, CB Jason Webster, CB Terrance Wheatley, S Tank Williams,
Key Losses: TE Kyle Brady, WR Troy Brown, OLB Roosevelt Colvin, CB Randall Gay, CB Asante Samuel, WR Donte Stallworth, DB Eugene Wilson
After pulling arguably the biggest choke job in NFL history last season, the popular question is whether the Patriots will be able to put their disappointing Super Bowl loss behind them and re-establish their dominance in 2008. While it would be unrealistic to expect them to win another 16 games during the regular season, New England still remains the team to beat in the AFC.
2008 New England Patriots Offense:
The Patriots will field much of the same record-setting juggernaut from last season, with the only significant loss being deep threat Donte Stallworth. The ground game should be stronger this season, with a healthy Laurence Maroney and the return of Sammy Morris, who in six games last season, averaged an impressive 4.5 yards a carry on 85 attempts. The team also added bruising running back Lamont Jordan from the Raiders, who could cause fantasy owners headaches by taking red zone carries away from Maroney. The team re-signed the iconic yet enigmatic Randy Moss, who will continue to be perfectly complimented by talented and scrappy receiver Wes Welker. Stallworth's production should be easily replaced by Jabar Gaffney and Kelly Washington. While it would only make sense for the Patriots continue their wide open, aggressive approach that made them so successful last season, don't be shocked if the unit relies more on the running game, especially if the secondary doesn't perform up to par… or if the offensive line regularly repeats its Super Bowl performance (sorry Pats fans, had to get that dig in there).
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2008 New England Patriots Defense:
Despite losing key contributors in the secondary, including Pro Bowler Asante Samuel, the Patriots should rate among the top defensive units in the league. While the secondary is somewhat of a question mark, the Patriots linebacking crew should be much improved with the additions of draft picks Shawn Crable and Jerod Mayo, along with free agent addition Victor Hobson, a former starter with the Jets. These pickups will team with longtime veterans Teddy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Junior Seau to form one of the deepest units in the league. The defensive line remains one of the best in the NFL and includes three former first round picks: Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, and Ty Warren.
2008 New England Patriots Special Teams:
Wes Welker will continue to handle punts. If former Florida standout Chad Jackson makes the roster, he could contribute on kickoffs. Up and coming kicker Steve Gostkowski returns, as does little used punter Chris Hanson.
2008 New England Patriots Expectations:
It will be interesting to see if the Patriots can duplicate their amazing offensive production from last season. Every key component on offense returns for the 2008 campaign. Rookie corner Terrance Wheatley has impressed in training camp, and his growth is vital to a secondary that may have to face Peyton Manning in the playoffs. Also, the upgrades at linebacker should really make a difference on defense. This roster may boast the most overall talent in the NFL, including the best quarterback and wide receiver (assuming Moss is motivated.) Barring a rash of injuries, expect New England to represent the American Football Conference in the Super Bowl once again.
2008 New England Patriots Prediction: 1st place in the AFC East
By Glenn Katzman
ProFootball-fans.com Staff Writer
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