Scale from 1-10
QB- 9.5 (MVP QB, Brady and Peyton are the top 2 in the NFL)
RB- 8.5 (Maroney did have problems early in the year with dancing at the line, but in the second half of the year he learned to lower his shoulder and plow ahead. First Patriots since '85 to have 2 straight 100 yard playoff games)
WR- 9.5 (Simply the best Recieving core in the NFL, Stallworth only had 46 catches last year so his loss is little)
TE- 7 (Watson has all the potential in the world. He ran a 4.50 in the Combine and chased down Champ Bailey in the playoffs a few years ago. Started the '07 year with 5 TDs in 5 games. Then he was injured...again and his production dropped. David Thomas the 2nd stringer has been on the IR the last 2 years.)
O-line- 8.5 (3 probowlers, did have problems in the superbowl, but then again it was also against 3 probowlers. Say what you want about the Patriots weakeness being exposed, but with those 8 months I'm sure Billicheck fixed it)
Offense: The Best offense in NFL history is returning.
D-line- 9.5 (All 3 linemen are probowlers, Seymour is healthy again. Even their backup Jarvis Green would start on any other team.)
LB- 8.5 (Vastly improved, both OLBs Thomas and Vrable are probowlers. Jerod Mayo is the favorite to be D.R.O.Y. Bruschi is the heart and soul of the defense. Crable their 3rd round draft pick will be their platooning at OLB and had an incredible pre-season.)
DBs- 7 (This will be interesting. Hobbs doesn't seem to be #1 material, but neither did Asante "stone hands" Samuel after Ty Law left. 2nd round draft pick Wheatly has been impressive in the pre-season. Harrison is losing a step in coverage, but is still a punishing run stopper who will be subbing with Lynch. Last years 1st round pick Meriweather, is now considered sure handed and will be ready to start at FS by mid-season. Former coach of the year Dom Capers and the man who was Unaminously considered the smartest DB man in all of football is now their Secondary coach. Patriots might sign Ty Law as well.)
Defense: Look for the Patriots to lead the NFL in sacks. They were 2nd last yeaer to the Giants. The D-line is healthy and Thomas will be able to play OLB like he wants, and hopefully the pass rush will be able to make up for the somewhat secondary.
Kicker- 8.5 (Gostowski is accurate, but did not attempt a 50 yarder last season.)
Punter- 7.5 (Anything is better than Miller, who was 14 in the AFC.)
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