FanNation - The Republic of Sport

As we enter the sports desert that is summer, people can't help but talk about the NFL, and the team that had the best offseason in the league, the New England Patriots. Their much publicized draft day acquisition of Randy Moss and offseason signings of Donte Stallworth, Wes Welker, Adalius Thomas and Kelly Washington have made the Patriots a near unanminous preseason Superbowl pick. It seems logical, considering that they made it to and nearly beat the eventual champion Colts in the AFC Championship game last year with poor receivers and an aging corps of line backers. Reason would tell us that this is as close to a no brainer pick as there could be. I listened to many state these facts, and agreed for the most part, until I started thinking a little deeper about the issue. Every year the Pats have won it all they have done it "their way" with unselfish yet unspectacular players and an underdog mentality. Their core has remained healthy and unchanged, with no better example than their quarterback Tom Brady. Wouldn't it seem appropriate that this is the year the wheels come off? That this is the year that Bruschi's and Vrabel's age catch up to them? That maybe this is the year that some key piece gets injured, like maybe the Golden Boy himself? All karma aside, there are things to examine about the Patriots that might make these predictions seem a little shaky. Consider that the two big name receivers they signed are by no means baggage free. Randy Moss is Randy Moss, but after his disastrous stay in Oakland, will he still play like it? Will he be willing to accept the Patriots' "share the wealth" system, as many have already written off that he will to save his career? That does seem like a lot of questions for a number one receiver on any team, but now think about their number two, Donte "Doctors want to remove my hamstrings so that I don't injure them again" Stallworth. He played in 12 games last year, and over his five year career has suffered hamstring, rib, ankle and shoulder injuries, causing him to miss a total of 12 games, while playing hurt in many others. He also has very little post season experience, with his only games coming last year with Philly. Yes, these are your new Patriots' stars ladies and gentleman! Now let's consider their current players: Corey Dillon is gone and second year back Laurence Maroney is supposed to step in without missing a beat. Of course, we are unsure that Maroney will be injury free this season, due to Belichick's vaguery about his current shoulder injury and exactly how many injuries plagued him over the last year. And now he is dumped into a starting role on a contending team. Still not worried? Asante Samuel, one of the best cornerbacks in the league last year with his (tied for) league leading 10 INTs, has still not signed a deal, and will most likely hold out throughout most of the season. To make matters worse, depth at the cornerback position is lacking for the Patriots, with either older veterans or inexperienced younger players waiting in the wings. Throw in the aforementioned aging linebackers and increasing pressure from their AFC East opponents and suddenly the shine isn't quite so bright. Now, in all likelihood, the Patriots will be a 13-14 win team, with Brady's, Moss', Stallworth's and Maroney's exciting play highlighting their march to the playoffs. However, I feel that someone must be point out these facts. It's not popular to say, maybe it's even wrong, but both sides of the argument should be heard. I guess the lesson is, as always, when attempting to make preseason predictions, even "a sure thing" could go wrong.