![]() Most of all, the return to health of a defense that was devastated by injuries in 2008 might be the biggest new "addition" to the Pats' defensive unit. So, too, will the probable emergence of last year's defensive rookies like Terrence Wheatley, Jonathan Wilhite, and Shawn Crable-all of whom showed some promise before getting injured. Plus, the draft will likely yield several more top-notch linebackers and defensive backs to create depth and versatility. The possible addition of Julius Peppers or-perhaps more reaslitically, Jason Taylor-would address the paltry pass rush New England had last year. Signing cornerbacks Shawn Springs and Leigh Bodden creates an instant upgrade over last year's secondary. If tight end Benjamin Watson and running Laurence Maroney can return to form-or perhaps even if they don't-the Patriots 2009 offense might be in the same category as the record-setting 2007 group that shattered every meaningful league mark for offensive productivity with Brady, the man who makes it all go, still in his prime.īut it is on defense that the Patriots have really ramped things up. So far, the Pats have taken an offense that will return the league's reigning great quarterback in Tom Brady, coming back from his knee injury, and added to an already solid unit running back Fred Taylor, receivers Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis, and tight end Chris Baker. The team added Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Sammy Morris and Kyle Brady to the offense, Adalius Thomas to the defense, blended them with a very strong returning cast, and proceeded to play football as well or better than it has ever been played, coming 35 seconds away from a perfect 19-0 record.Ģ009 is already looking a lot like 2007. But the New England method insures that even when the team isn't playing for the championship they are still right there with the very best teams in the league: 10-6 in 2005 12-4 in 2006 and 11-5 last year when the Patriots lost Tom Brady and seemingly most of the defense and still put together a season that would be the envy of most NFL teams.īut some years it seems that the organization loads up and unmistakeably seems to say to the rest of the league "stop us if you can." 2007 was one of those years. ![]() Some years are better than others when they mostly avoid injuries and when it all comes together as in the Super Bowl years. That's why they are so consistently-and almost uniquely among NFL teams-good year in and year out. The Patriots never mortgage the future to pay for the present. The off-season signings, the new free agents, the trades and the prospects for the draft all point to one thing: the Patriots think 2009 is the year. It seems clear that the Patriots are reloading for what may be their last best shot at a Super Bowl in 2009.
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