20-Nov-2009 17:34pm
 
New England
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New England Patriots
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

The Patriots lost a couple key players from last season. They traded both quarterback Matt Cassel and linebacker Mike Vrabel, leaving a few holes to fill on both sides of the ball. Cassel proved to be a top backup last season, playing at an All Pro level when forced into action last season. And Vrabel is getting older, but remains a productive, veteran presence on the defensive side of the ball.

New England did pickup some players, though, which should make an impact this season. Receivers Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis give the Patriots a little more quality depth at receiver and could produce well in spot duty. Running back Fred Taylor gives the team a veteran at running back that could start if Laurence Maroney falters or gets hurt. But the biggest pickup for the Patriots probably came in the secondary, adding cornerback Shawn Springs. He should move right into a starting role and improve the Patriots secondary from last season.

STRENGTHS

Needless to say, the Patriots passing game is a huge strength. Last season, Tom Brady was injured, but the Patriots passing game almost didn't miss a beat. The Patriots do a great job of spreading the field and using a host of different receivers. Randy Moss is a top deep threat and Wes Welker might be the best possession receiver in the game. Brady makes it all work. He is coming off a major knee injury, but should be healthy for the start of the season. Brady is an extremely accurate passer with good arm strength.

The addition of Springs helps the Patriots secondary, but it probably remains the weak part of the Patriots defense. They still miss Asante Samuel, who was a shutdown corner. The Patriots defense will play solid, but this secondary could allow some big plays and lack a true playmaker in the secondary. They could be hit or miss some weeks.

WEAKNESSES

The Patriots have a shot of options at running back, but none are very exciting. Taylor is past his prime, but could do well in spot duty. Maroney has the most talent, but can't stay healthy and is in a make or break season. He is far from a sure thing. Sammy Morris and Kevin Faulk do well in spot duty and their roles, but aren't featured backs. The Patriots lack a true No. 1 back, which could take their offense to another level.

OUTLOOK

New England remains an elite team and will challenge for a spot in the Super Bowl with Brady back in the mix. Their offense is off the charts and coach Bill Belichick will have their defense ready to play every week. The Patriots have a few holes (secondary and some aging players), but a lot more good than bad, making them a prime candidate to win the Super Bowl.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 19, 11:03 PM San Diego Chargers QB Tom Brady (shoulder) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 11:03 PM San Diego Chargers TE Benjamin Watson (back) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 19, 11:03 PM San Diego Chargers CB Shawn Springs (knee) practiced in full Thursday, Nov. 19.
Nov 18, 06:53 PM Bengals.com reports the Cincinnati Bengals worked out free-agent WR Joey Galloway (Patriots) Tuesday, Nov. 17.
Nov 18, 04:53 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots WR Sam Aiken (hip), LB Tully Banta-Cain (groin), DE Jarvis Green (knee), LB Gary Guyton (illness), OG Stephen Neal (head) and LB Rob Ninkovich (knee) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 04:53 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB Sammy Morris (knee) was limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.

Fantasy Impact: Morris has a good shot to return this week, but his role isn't certain.
Nov 18, 04:53 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots LB Eric Alexander (groin), TE Chris Baker (shoulder), DT Ron Brace (ankle), WR Julian Edelman (forearm), C Dan Koppen (knee) and OT Matt Light (knee) were limited during practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 04:53 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots QB Tom Brady (shoulder) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 04:53 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots TE Benjamin Watson (back) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 04:53 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots CB Shawn Springs (knee) fully participated in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 04:43 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots DE Ty Warren (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 04:43 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots WR Randy Moss did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18, but it was not injury related.
Nov 18, 04:43 PM Monique Walker, of the Boston Globe, reports New England Patriots RB Fred Taylor (ankle) did not participate in practice Wednesday, Nov. 18.
Nov 18, 02:13 PM John Clayton, of ESPN.com, reports New England Patriots RB Sammy Morris (knee) should be ready to play in Week 11.

Fantasy Impact: Morris could be a fantasy factor going forward. He should cut into Laurence Maroney's playing time.
Nov 17, 06:13 PM The Boston Herald reports the New England Patriots still have confidence in RB Laurence Maroney after his costly fumble in the red zone against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. 'Offensively and from a coaching standpoint, we have a lot of confidence in Laurence and his ability and I'm sure he's anxious to bounce back this week. The next opportunity that arises, he'll look to step up to the challenge,' director of player personnel Nick Caserio said.
Nov 16, 01:03 AM The Associated Press reports New England Patriots WR Randy Moss caught nine passes for 179 yards with two touchdown receptions Week 10.

Fantasy Impact: Moss just keeps plugging along, posting huge numbers on almost a weekly basis.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Steve Williams, DT; Vinny Ciurciu, LB; Brandon McGowan, S; Alex Smith, TE; Al Johnson, C; Joey Galloway, WR; Leigh Bodden, CB; Greg Lewis, WR; Shawn Springs, CB; Chris Baker, TE; Fred Taylor, RB; Derrick Burgess, DL. 

Losses:
Oliver Ross, OT; Bo Ruud, LB; Larry Izzo, LB; Heath Evans, FB; LaMont Jordan, RB; Matt Cassel, QB; Mike Vrabel, LB; Jabar Gaffney, WR; Lonie Paxton, OL; Darrell Robertson, DE. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 2  2 Patrick ChungDB
 # 2  8 Ron BraceDL
 # 2  9 Darius ButlerDB
 # 2  26 Sebastian VollmerOL
 # 3  19 Brandon TateWR
 # 3  33 Tyrone McKenzieLB
 # 4  23 Rich OhrnbergerOL
 # 5  34 George BusseyOL
 # 6  25 Jake IngramOL
 # 6  34 Myron PryorDL
 # 7  23 Julian EdelmanWR
 # 7  25 Darryl RichardDL
 Undrafted Brian HoyerQB

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 14 7:00PM      Buffalo
2     Sep 20 1:00PM      at New York Jets
3     Sep 27 1:00PM      Atlanta
4     Oct 4 1:00PM      Baltimore
5     Oct 11 4:15PM      at Denver
6     Oct 18 4:15PM      Tennessee
7     Oct 25 1:00PM      at Tampa Bay
-- Week 8 Bye --
9     Nov 8 1:00PM      Miami
10     Nov 15 8:20PM      at Indianapolis
11     Nov 22 4:15PM      New York Jets
12     Nov 30 8:30PM      at New Orleans
13     Dec 6 8:20PM      at Miami
14     Dec 13 1:00PM      Carolina
15     Dec 20 1:00PM      at Buffalo
16     Dec 27 1:00PM      Jacksonville
17     Jan 3 1:00PM      at Houston