Even After Super Bowl Loss, Many Still Consider Pats 'The Team To Beat'

After the Pats went 18-0 last year, and then lost bitterly to a team like the Giants, you can imagine it still may sting to this day. But, thank goodness the new season is about to start. With what the NFL calls 'the easiest schedule' and with most of our deadly offensive players back this year, that Pats look like they have enough firepower to storm back to the super bowl...hopefully.
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Defensively, the Pats took a severe blow to the secondary, in losing Asante Samuel, and losing Tank Williams(a safety attained earlier this year) to injury. But Bill Belichick has stocked up on defensive players in hopes to add some depth to our shaky secondary.
As for our linebackers, Bruschi, Vrabel, and Thomas all return from last year. As well as up-and-coming Pierre Woods, and specialist Larry Izzo. Not to mention the huge boost in speed and youth with the addition of rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo. The man is a beast.
And as usual, or three linemen, Warren, Seymour, and Wilfork, will continue to barrage the opposing offenses this year. With added depth in backups, Jarvis Green, and Mike Wright, we should be fine in case of injury.

Offensively, the Pats look virtually the same as last year. With Moss, Welker, Gaffney, Faulk, Maroney, and of course Brady, the Pats seem to have that high scoring offense back. The only significant loss offensively was probably Donte Stallworth, who went to the Cleveland Browns. But in addition, Chad Jackson, who has been injured the past 2 years, looks to finally step up this year and contribute.
The running game hopefully will be more involved this year, as Maroney, Morris, and Faulk plan on increasing the ground attack. I'm hoping Maroney will show more improvement this year, and less injuries. And Morris should help especially in goal-line situations. Kevin Faulk will continue his roll of getting our offense out of tight spots and making plays.
The Quarterback situation is set with Brady as the starter. But after that, the backup quarterbacks will have to fight it out to stand behind Tom Brady. Matt Cassel is likely to be released, and rookie Kevin O'connel, and Matt Gutierez will battle for the backup spot.
The offensive line is exactly the same group from last year, with Matt light and Dan Koppen being the biggest of contributers. They need to play better than last year in the Super Bowl in order to regain some confidence, but that shouldn't be an issue.

All in all, it should be a great year. :)

Week 1-Chiefs-1 pm
Week2-@ Jets-4:15 pm
Week3-Dolphins-1 pm
Week4-Bye
Week5-@ 49ers-4:15 pm
Week6-@ Chargers-8:15 pm
Week7-Broncos-8:30 pm
Week8-Rams-1 pm
Week9-@ Colts-8:15 pm
Week 10-Bills-1 pm
Week 11-Jets-8:15 pm
Week 12-@ Dolphins-1 pm
Week 13-Steelers-4:15 pm
Week 14-@ Seahawks-8:30 pm
Week 15-@ Raiders-4:15 pm
Week 16-Cardinals-1 pm
Week 17-@ Bills-1 pm