NFL: Don't Count Out the New England Patriots Just Yet

The 2005 season didn’t go as planned for the New England Patriots. This finished the season with a 10-6 record, barely edging the Miami Dolphins for the AFC East division title. In the playoffs, the Patriots were able to get past the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first round, but were knocked out the following week against the much stronger Denver Broncos. The Patriots lost Willie McGinest and David Givens via free agency. There are still playmakers on the team, but age is beginning to become a factor. Hope is still in the air, mainly because of the championship swagger that the Patriots bring to every game and the leadership of Tom Brady. New England may not be the same powerhouse they were two years ago. The Indianapolis Colts, Pittsburgh Steelers, and the Denver Broncos look to have the strongest squads in the AFC. However, there is not one team that would rather play the Patriots in the postseason.

WHY CAN’T MY TEAM FIND A TOM BRADY?

Tom Brady is not even 30 years old, but yet he already has three super bowl rings. That’s not fair is it? Most quarterbacks go an entire career without even reaching the big game. Some people may say that Brady is just a product of Head Coach Bill Belichick’s system (which may be true). Those same people can also call Brady champ and a true leader. Point blank, when Brady is behind the center, there is always hope for the New England Patriots. Last season, Brady threw for a career high 4110 yards. David Givens is no longer one of Brady’s targets and Deion Branch has yet to report to camp. Still, optimism is still present because Brady has the ability to put a no-name receiver on the map.

A HEALTHY DILLON IS A HEALTHY RUNNING GAME

In 2005, running back Corey Dillon missed four games due to injury. As a result, his rushing yards dropped from 1635 yards in 2004, to 733. If fully healed, expect to see Dillon back to form when the season begins. If his productivity isn’t any better than last season, we may see the Pats first round pick Laurence Maroney carrying the rock.

THE OFFENSIVE LINE IS STILL STABLE IN N.E.