New England Patriots Predictions
June 26, 2008
The Patriots became the second team to finish off a perfect regular season, only to make way for an imperfect finish in 2007. They had Super Bowl XLII won before Eli Manning spun away and found David Tyree’s Velcro over the middle. The Patriots were deflated and they’ll have to try to recover quickly from one of the biggest upsets in Super Bowl history. The Pats have all the pieces in place to make another run at the Super Bowl. They key this time will be not to end the season on a 1-game losing streak. Info Plays gives you our 2008 New England Patriots predictions below.
Offense:
Tom Brady didn’t look like himself in Super Bowl XLII and his high ankle sprain was likely more serious than we were all led to believe. Brady remains and elite quarterback and he has a full season with Wes Welker and Randy Moss under his belt. Although Brady won’t likely throw 50 TD’s again in 2008, he’ll still be a clutch performer and lead his team to another season in the playoffs.
Laurence Maroney is in line for a breakout season. Maroney rushed for more than 100 yards in four of his final six games and showed he can carry the load. He’ll be complimented by scatback Kevin Faulk, a third down specialist. Veteran Sammy Morris got his fair share of carries last year and he’s a great downhill accompaniment to Maroney’s shaking and baking.
Reche Caldwell as the team’s No. 1 target is no more and New England won’t miss Donte’ Stallworth’s departure one bit. The Patriots have been known for their consistency with bringing in productive receivers. The Patriots still boast one of the best receiver duos in the league with Welker and Moss. Moss still is a huge threat in jump-ball situations in the red zone while opening up room for Wes Welker to record a team-record 112 receptions last year. Jabar Gaffney returns as the third receiver and he is very capable of making big plays again in 2008.
The Patriots return three Pro Bowl offensive linemen in center Dan Koppen, left tackle Matt Light and left guard Logan Mankins. There are some questions about the right side, though, where guard Stephen Neal is coming off shoulder surgery and tackle Nick Kaczur is constantly being pushed by Ryan O’Callaghan for starting duties. Versatile Russ Hochstein is a solid reserve incase someone in this group gets hurt.
Defense:
Richard Seymour and Vince Wilfork have already made Pro Bowls while Ty Warren is well on his way to joining them. Wilfork vowed to get even stronger in the offseason, if that’s even possible for the 325-pound nose tackle. Seymour hasn’t played up to his standards for two years now after battling injuries the whole way. There are scouts who believe Warren is the best lineman on the team and their prototypical 3-4 end. Pass-rushing specialist Jarvis Green is their go-to guy off the bench.
New England started the oldest line backing corps in the game last season, but that has to change in 2008 if the Patriots are to stay ahead of the game. The Pats spent their top draft pick on Tennessee’s Jerod Mayo, who should play inside next to Bruschi. They also spent a third-round pick on Michigan’s Shawn Crable, who will see some time on the outside while learning from Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas.
Patriots defensive backs are the biggest question mark on this team. Gone is Asante Samuel, their best shutdown corner and perhaps the best free agent in the offseason. Ellis Hobbs has to become their No. 1 corner and he’s shown he can handle it. But how much does safety Rodney Harrison have left in the tank? Rookies Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite have to make an impact. Randall Gay is also gone at corner, leaving veteran Fernando Bryant to play opposite Hobbs. Second-year safety Brandon Meriweather must step in and be effective right away under the guidance of Harrison.
Info Plays 2008 New England Patriots Predictions:
The Pats have all the pieces in place for another run at a Super Bowl title. Their secondary remains their only weakness, but the Patriots have been known for making the most out of what they have. In an AFC East division that relies heavily on the run, the Patriots likely won’t lose a game within their division in 2008. But when they meet the Colts and Chargers of the world that can throw the football, it might be a bigger struggle this season than ever. The Patriots win the AFC East with room to spare and earn a first-round bye in the playoffs as they aim for another Super Bowl Championship.