2009 New England Patriots Preview

Breaking Down the 2009 New England Patriots

The New England Patriots followed up an undefeated 2007 regular season with a 11-5 record in 2008. Many people put the Patriots non playoff season on Tom Brady's injury. But there was more to it than that, which I will cover in this preview of the 2009 New England Patriots.

Tom Brady's knee injury was indeed bad for the team but their linebacking unit got old and their running game wasn't great either. Tom Brady has clearly recovered from his knee injury or the Patriots wouldn't have traded Matt Cassel to the Kansas City Chiefs.

I like the addition of former Jacksonville Jaguar running back Fred Taylor. Taylor is a good receiver and his veteran presence will be good for the rotation of running backs for the 2009 New England Patriots.

I also find the signing of Joey Galloway interesting. Galloway was always a physical freak and should have a season left in his old legs if he can stay healthy. Galloway should fit in well with Randy Moss and Wes Welker in giving Tom Brady some good targets in 2009.

The addition of rookie safety Patrick Chung was a good one to replace the retired Rodney Harrison. Chung and 2^nd round draft pick defensive tackle Ron Brace should play right away for the 2009 Patriots. However the New England Patriots did not add a linebacker until selecting Tyrone McKenzie in the third round.

Not adding at least one quality veteran linebacker may well bite the team where it doesn't want bitten in 2009. Paris Lenon was added from, well the 0-16 Detroit Lions to play linebacker. Look for the 2009 New England Patriots to try to pick of a decent veteran when the salary cap cuts begin again.

The return of Tom Brady does mean quite a bit for the Patriots and indeed the NFL. He will steady the team and should play fairly well. However severe knee injuries often take 2 seasons to heal fully, if they ever do.