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2007 Team Report: New England Patriots

Quarterbacks

Starter: Tom Brady
Backup(s): Matt Cassel, Matt Gutierrez

Starting QB: Tom Brady is not yet 30 years old, but he's already one of the most recognizable athletes in sports today and a three-time Super Bowl winner. Despite mediocre talent at receiver a season ago, Brady still managed to toss 24 touchdowns against just 12 interceptions on the season. Brady is consistently great, and with improved receiver talent on the roster, there is a real opportunity for Brady to be even more impressive this year. Expect an all-star performance from Brady in 2007.

Backup QB: Due to the consistency and durability of starter Tom Brady, Matt Cassel has not been called upon much in his first two seasons in the NFL. He is a mobile player that the Patriots organization believes can be outstanding if the opportunity presents itself. In college, he served under Matt Leinart and Carson Palmer and understands his role backing up a proven star. Although Vinny Testaverde was given a preseason look as a backup, he was waived to make room for youngster Matt Gutierrez.

Running Backs

Starter: Laurence Maroney
Backup(s): Kevin Faulk, Sammy Morris
Fullback(s): Heath Evans

Starting RB: Laurence Maroney had some good moments as a rookie last season despite sharing time with veteran Corey Dillon. He has the size, quickness and vision to be an elite player in the NFL including a great initial burst of speed that is second to none. His durability has been called into question though and it is still unclear at this point whether he can become a 20-carry-per-game player. If his durability proves to be a non-issue, there is potential for him to put up a lot of yardage behind a good offensive line and in a great offensive scheme.

Backup RBs: Veteran Kevin Faulk probably won't be the first off the bench to replace Maroney as the starter if injury strikes, but his worth to the club is undeniable. He is the quintessential third-down specialist and will continue to do a great job in that role. Faulk has averaged 38 receptions per season over the last seven seasons. Sammy Morris is a veteran presence for the club and he's dependable if called upon.

Fullback: Heath Evans has been lining up at tailback but he's sure to play FB, too. Long-time veteran tight end Kyle Brady was listed on the FB depth chart for much of the preseason, which should surprise anyone that has followed Bill Belichick's career. Brady is a punishing blocker and would serve as a lead blocker in short yardage situations when lining up at FB.

Wide Receivers

Starters: Randy Moss, Donte Stallworth
Backups: Wes Welker, Reche Caldwell, Kelley Washington, Jabar Gaffney, Chad Jackson [PUP], Troy Brown [PUP]

Starting WRs: In recent years, the WR position was a liability for the Patriots, but they have upgraded in a big way. Not content with that, the Patriots signed a trio of receivers including new starters Donte Stallworth and Randy Moss. Moss is the marquis name and should lead the team in yards and TDs if healthy, but it's worth mentioning that he missed most of camp with sore hamstrings. He and Tom Brady haven't had much time, if any, to build rapport. Donte Stallworth proved last year that rapport is overrated as he put up 100+ yards and a TD in his first game in Philadelphia just weeks after signing. This year, Stallworth brings his speed and talents to the Patriots; and will help stretch opposing defenses.

Backup WRs: The Patriots aggressively moved to address the WR depth this offseason starting with the trade for Dolphins WR Wes Welker. He is quick, has good hands, is a hard worker and will be a good fit as a slot receiver. A pair of returning WRs, Reche Caldwell and Jabar Gaffney, have looked great and caught everything thrown their way in camp. They're going to make it hard on the Patiots who must decide between them and free agent Kelley Washington. Last season's first-round draft pick, Chad Jackson, and long-time fan-favorite Troy Brown will begin the season on the PUP list.

Tight Ends

Starters: Ben Watson
Backups: Kyle Brady, David Thomas

Watson set personal bests in both receptions and yardage a year ago and is still improving as a player. He is very difficult to cover with his great size and athleticism. Defensive backs will get pushed around while linebackers will struggle to keep up. Kyle Brady, who saw time in camp as a fullback, will resume duties as a punishing blocker and occasional pass catcher once the regular season gets underway. David Thomas was a pass catching machine at UT, and will back up Watson and Brady after spending much of the preseason on the PUP list.

Place Kicker

Stephen Gostkowski : In his first year of stepping into Adam Vinatieri's proverbially big shoes, the rookie Gostkowski hit 20 of 26 (76.9%) FGS and 43 of 44 PATs. The missed PAT and two of the missed field goals were blocked. Most of his attempts were from under 40 yards. He went 3 of 5 on his few longer kicks, with a long of 52. He and the Patriots once again scored 100+ kicking points. The last time they failed to do so was 1995. Gostkowski's 65.5 yard average and 12 touchbacks on kickoffs was very good, especially for a rookie and his first year dealing with the K-ball. CAMP UPDATE: Against the Titans, kicker Stephen Gostkowski made a 32 yard field goal, but was wide left from 33 yards. It was his first missed field goal in a preseason game out of 12 career attempts. The Patriots released veteran punter/holder Josh Miller. Backup QB Matt Cassel will take over as the holder.

Kick and Punt Returners

Kick Returners: Ellis Hobbs; Laurence Maroney; Kevin Faulk; Wes Welker; Willie Andrews; Donte Stallworth; Reche Caldwell

As usual, the Patriots have a vast array of experienced and quite capable options for the return game. CB Ellis Hobbs took over the starting role late last year (10 returns, 36.0 avg., 1 TD). RB Laurence Maroney was the starter the first part of last year (28 returns, 28.0 avg.), although he will be busier on offense this year. Versatile RB Kevin Faulk had an impressive year in 2002 (27.9 avg., 2 TDs), although his numbers have since dropped off (17 returns, 21.4 avg. last year). Newcomer WR Wes Welker handled almost all of the returns for the Dolphins the last three years. He averaged 22.2 yards on 48 kickoff returns last year. CB Willie Andrews owns most of Baylor's career kickoff return records. Newcomer WR Donte Stallworth returned some kickoffs for the saints in 2003. WR Reche Caldwell has some limited experience, returning kickoffs for the Chargers in 2002 and 2005. CAMP UPDATE: Once the regular season arrives, kickoff and punt returns will likely be handled bay a large committee including Wes Welker, CB Ellis Hobbs, RB Kevin Faulk, CB Willie Andrews, RB Sammy Morris, and RB Laurence Maroney.

Punt Returners: Wes Welker; Kevin Faulk; Troy Brown; Willie Andrews; Donte Stallworth; Chad Jackson

Although Wes Welker handled both return roles for the Dolphins, his strength was punt returns. Kevin Faulk led the team in 2004 (20 returns, 6.7 avg.) and in 2006 (31 returns, 10.6 avg.). WR Chad Jackson posted a loft 25.3 yard average last year on three returns. WR Troy Brown has served as a backup the last few years, although he did lead the team from 1999 through 2003. Willie Andrews returned punts for Baylor (10.2 avg. in 2005). Donte Stallworth periodically returned punts during his years with the Saints.

Offensive Line

Projected Starters: LT Matt Light, LG Logan Mankins, C Dan Koppen, RG Steve Neal, RT Nick Kaczur
Key Backups: Ryan O'Callaghan, Wesley Britt, Billy Yates, Russ Hochstein

The Patriots offensive line performs very well as a unit; each player is very intelligent and the scheme is exceptional. The best lineman is probably Matt Light, who is not overpowering but athletic with sound technique. Nick Kaczur is the weak link of this unit and he's in a heated battle with second-year giant Ryan O'Callaghan who is 6'7, 330 pounds and played very well when given the opportunity a year ago. This is a great offensive line that produces good results.

Team Defense

The Patriots defense was a disappointment in 2005, but they rebounded last year and finished 2nd in points allowed and 6th in yards allowed. The team still has the same core of players, but they've added their first major upgrade in several years with the signing of Adalius Thomas in free agency. Thomas is one of the most versatile athletes in the NFL and should be a perfect fit for the creative schemes of Bill Belichick. Furthermore, inserting him at OLB will allow Mike Vrabel to play at ILB full-time where he can solidify the run defense. The defensive line remains very strong with three former 1st round picks as starters and solid depth behind them. The Patriots used the franchise tag to retain Asante Samuel but he hasn't signed his 1-year tender and may hold out well into the regular season. Some doubts persist about whether Tedy Bruschi or Rodney Harrison can still play at a high level, but the Patriots should have enough depth at most positions to produce one of the league's best fantasy defenses.

Defensive Line

Starters: DE Richard Seymour, DE Ty Warren, NT Vince Wilfork
Backups: DE Jarvis Green, DT Mike Wright, DT LeKevin Smith, Kareem Brown [R]

Starting DL: With three former first round picks all entering the prime of their careers, this remains the strength of the Patriots defense. In what is becoming an annual event, Richard Seymour was once again invited to the Pro Bowl. He managed to play a full 16 game season for the first time since 2002, but his numbers were not very impressive (23 solos, 4 sacks) and many thought Ty Warren was more worthy of going to Hawaii. In his 4th season, Warren enjoyed a breakout season with 56 solo tackles and 7.5 sacks. Both players are versatile enough to play DE or DT, which gives the Patriots the ability to shift back and forth between a 3-4 and 4-3 front when needed. Vince Wilfork is a prototypical space eater at the NT position, but he also is surprisingly quick for his size.

Backup DL: The great depth the Patriots had on the defensive line was weakened a bit by the tragic death of Marquise Hill this offseason. Jarvis Green received more playing time last year as the Patriots used more 4-3 fronts and he made the most of it with 7.5 sacks. He is probably good enough to be starting on many teams around the league. Mike Wright was signed as an undrafted free agent after the 2005 draft and started three games in place of Vince Wilfork last year while also contributing on special teams with a blocked FG and partially blocked punt. LeKevin Smith was a 6th round pick last year who made the team but saw limited action as a reserve. Kareem Brown was a 4th round draft pick out of Miami who has shown flashes of ability but lacks consistency.

Linebackers

Starters: OLB Adalius Thomas, ILB Mike Vrabel, ILB Tedy Bruschi, OLB Roosevelt Colvin
Backups: ILB Junior Seau, ILB Eric Alexander, OLB Pierre Woods, LB Larry Izzo

Starting LBs: The outside linebackers are a critical part of what makes this defense so effective. They had been weakened in the past with the loss of Willie McGinest and the move of Mike Vrabel to the inside, but the addition of Adalius Thomas appears to have solidified the entire group. While with the Ravens, Thomas primarily lined up at OLB but also saw regular time at defensive end and even lined up in the secondary on occasion. He's a great fit for this defense and should make things miserable for opponents and easier for his teammates. Inside, Mike Vrabel appears to have taken over for Tedy Bruschi as the focal point of the defense. Vrabel hasn't missed a single game in the past 3 seasons while also contributing 9 sacks and 5 interceptions over the last 2 years. Bruschi played in 15 games last year and was generally solid, but at 34 years old he's no longer the same explosive player he used to be and he only finished with 1.5 sacks and 1 interception. There has been some speculation that this will be his last year. Roosevelt Colvin has made a great comeback from a devastating hip injury four years ago and is one of the league's best pass rushing OLBs.

Backup LBs: Junior Seau was re-signed to add depth inside, but he is now 38 years old and returning from a season ending injury (broken arm). Eric Alexander has mainly contributed on special teams but he got his first career start in the playoffs against the eventual champion Colts. He produced 10 solo tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble so he could be the heir apparent to Bruschi. Pierre Woods (Michigan) was signed as an undrafted free agent last year and contributed on special teams. Larry Izzo remains one of the best special teams players in the league but rarely sees time on defense.

Defensive Backs

Starters: SS Rodney Harrison, FS Eugene Wilson, CB Asante Samuel, CB Ellis Hobbs
Backups: SS James Sanders, DB Brandon Meriweather (R), CB Randall Gay, FS Rashad Baker, CB Willie Andrews, CB Eddie Jackson, CB Mike Richardson (R), S Mel Mitchell

Starting DBs: Harrison returned from a devastating knee injury last year to play in 10 games, but he didn't have the same impact he used to have pre-injury when he was one of the best fantasy DBs in the league. He should be healthier this season, which is a scary thought for Patriots opponents. Eugene Wilson has been a solid free safety since being drafted out of Illinois in 2003, but his play dropped off in 2005 and he missed almost the entire 2006 season with an injury. He will likely be pushed by 1st round pick Brandon Meriweather. Asante Samuel had an MVP type season last year with 60 solos, 10 interceptions in the regular season and then added 2 more interceptions in 3 playoff games. He is unhappy with the Patriots using the franchise tag on him and could miss all of camp and even part of the season in a holdout. Ellis Hobbs is a small but physical CB whose emergence as a starter has helped stabilize the Patriots secondary.

Backup DBs: James Sanders filled in for Rodney Harrison at SS and performed well enough for the team to feel comfortable turning things over to him if they have to. The Patriots drafted Brandon Meriweather in the first round despite some red flags about his character. He is a versatile athlete with good cover skills who has drawn comparisons to Ed Reed and should compete for playing time right away as a nickel back. Randall Gay burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2004 when he led the Patriots in tackles with 10 solos during the Super Bowl, but he's missed most of the past two years with injuries. Rashad Baker spent some time with the Bills before signing with the Patriots last season. Willie Andrews was a 7th round pick last year who contributed on special teams. Eddie Jackson spent some time on the Panthers practice squad and with the Dolphins before signing with the Patriots this offseason. Mike Richardson was a 6th round draft pick who plays well in zone coverage but is limited athletically. Mel Mitchell showed promise with the Saints years ago but has struggled with injuries since then.

Last modified: 2007-09-02 12:42:43