Quarterback Tom Brady said he would like to play until he’s 40. Head coach Bill Belichick is already assembling his contingency plan.
Everyone thought life without Brady in 2008 would be a catastrophe yet they won 11 games with Matt Cassel leading the way. Belichick is not expecting another serious injury to Brady, but for the first time in years Belichick kept three quarterbacks on the roster.
The day will come when Brady hangs it up. When he does, either Brian Hoyer or Ryan Mallett could inherit the team. With Brady’s clock winding down, Belichick is showing more urgency to win another Super Bowl with Brady.
New England drafted 25 players in 2009 and 2010, an indication that the Pats were rebuilding through the draft. Finding quality prospects to develop remains a priority, but the activity in free agency reflects a desperate win now approach.
DT Albert Haynesworth. DEs Andre Carter and Mark Anderson. WR Chad Ochocinco. Veteran players New England hopes fresh starts reinvigorates their careers. All are expected to play big roles this season.
But will the changes work? The new defensive line had mixed results in the preseason. It showed signs of being disruptive in the first two games, but couldn’t get consistent pressure against Detroit and the New York Giants ran at will with second and third stringers all night.
Ochocinco, without the benefit of the off-season to learn the offense, has struggled finding his role on the team.
That’s not the only trouble spot for the offense. The offensive line is a question mark, even after re-signing LT Matt Light and LG Logan Mankins.
The unit was awarded the Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award last year for allowing 25 sacks in the regular season, third fewest in the NFL. They’ve been far from formidable in the playoffs, as they allowed 13 sacks in the last three postseason losses.
The latest uncertainty is RT Sebastian Vollmer might miss the season opener because of a back injury. If Vollmer is out, rookie Nate Solder is thrust into the starting lineup, opposite from the position he’s most comfortable.
What should be expected out of these Patriots? Can they be dominant like they showed in the first two preseason games? Are they more like the disappointing playoff losers that can’t match the opponents’ physicality? Have they added too many veterans, unable to stay fresh and healthy for a full season and a possible playoff run?
If it doesn’t work this year, New England gets another year closer to life without Brady. He’s 34 years old. How many years does Brady have left?
A few things I’m looking for:
Bookends Battle: New England will have their hands full with OLBs Cameron Wake, Koa Misi, and Jason Taylor.
NFL’s Best Corners?: Miami’s Vonta Davis backed off that best cornerback duo in the NFL boast about himself and Steve Smith, but the Patriots will attack the mismatches in the secondary, not just them.
Crowd Noise: Will the Miami home crowd turn on QB Chad Henne after a few incompletions or an interception? They didn’t get Denver’s Kyle Orton. Who’s next on their wish list?
Don’t take Miami lightly. The Dolphins will be stubborn and put up a fierce fight. The Patriots eventually put the ‘Fins away late.
Question? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com.
Keywords: Albert Haynesworth, Andre Carter, Bill Belichick, Brian Hoyer, Cameron Wake, Chad Henne, Chad Ochocinco, Jason Taylor, Koa Misi, Logan Mankins, Mark Anderson, Matt Light, Miami Dolphins, Nate Solder, New England Patriots, Ryan Mallett, Sebastian Vollmer, Steve Smith, Tom Brady, Vonta Davis
