Are the Patriots any better than they were last year?

Question

On offense, Laurence Maroney won't be able to play all 16 games and I doubt Sammy Morris can rush for 800 yards and 13 touchdowns like DIllon did last year. Donte Stallworth and Randy Moss are similar to Maroney because neither will play all 16 games either. They lost Daniel Graham, and Kyle Brady, who they brought in to substitute for Graham's blocking, has missed virtually all of the practices while Ben Watson isn't healthy.
On the defensive side of the ball, things are even worse. Richard Seymour has been playing hurt for a while now and without him, their defense is mediocre. Just look at how they played against the run last night (even if it was only an exhibition game). Also, all four of their starting linebackers are over 30 years old and they have a bunch of nobodys and old guys for their backups. Finally, without Asante Samuel, their cornerback position is going to get exploited and do you really think that Rodney Harrison is the same?
Overall, I see the Jets doing better.

Answer 1

They have shinier names, but a new paint-job won't hide their aging defense. What used to be their greatest strength is now their Achilles heel, IMO. Their defense is going to collapse on them, sooner rather than later(the 'Phish are in the same boat, for that matter, but that's a whole different topic.)

I too am interested in seeing what Maroney can do by himself without Dillon to take a load off, and I think he won't be as effective. Moss....isn't even the best wide-out on his team(IMO) and neither him nor Stallworth is durable. Overall, compared to the Pats of a few years ago, these guys don't faze me. Or maybe it's because I feel my Bills can actually stand up to the team's elite and pull out the victory now and again(which, ultimately, is always credited to the other team not playing well.....like last night.)

The division is our's! Or the Jets's, I guess. Down the drain the Patsies swirl....down and down they go! If they do finally go down that drain, at least the 'Phish will break their fall....

Edit: Steve, that's the point. They'll tire out quick and aren't very fast. The whole Troy Brown schtick worked because the rest of their defense used to be more than good enough to crumble even the best pass protection, but no longer. I think you'll see the Pats give up a lot of big plays this year on defense, and be heavily reliant on the offense to bail them out...

Answer 2

How many Patriots receivers played 16 games last season? How many of them were better than Moss and Stallworth? Yet they still they nearly beat the Colts in the playoffs and made it to another super bowl.

Since when is 30 over the hill? Adalius Thomas was a huge upgrade at linebacker for them. They have a talented defense full of veteran guys. Maybe they won't be running all over the field like kids, but they won't be making mistakes either. Remember when Troy Brown played in the defensive back field? The Patriots will be fine back there. Asante Samuel is only hurting himself with the holdout. Who was the last Patriots holdout? Deion Branch? Is he still with the team? Asante should start looking for a house somewhere else.

Lawrence Maroney won't play 16 games? Based on what? He is a talented back who will put up big numbers this season.

I am not a Patriots fan, but they have a nice roster this season. All signs point to an outstanding season.

The Jets have a nice roster too and should be competitive with New England, so I will give you that, but New England will be very good as well. I disagree with your points.

Answer 3

yes they are better than year with Stallworth and Moss they have the best WR duo in all of football and they added Washington to already great defense. The Pats almost made it to the Super Bowl last year and with who they added on will get them a win in Super Bowl 43.

Answer 4

randy moss? do you all remember what moss did for oakland? yeah, oakland sure was good last year. the patriots are still a well coached team. with that said, it all comes down to how all these new "big name" players mesh with the players who were with the pats last year. i personally think they won't be worth the hype they've created in the off-season.

Answer 5

yes they will be better there star player Tom Brady Has weapons he can use this year and they got Thomas from the Ravens and maroney has a year under his belt so i think they will have the 4th best offense this year because of there offseason

Answer 6

Well now they have Randy Moss, so my guess is yes

Answer 7

They've lost the pre-season game, so we shall have to wait and see what changes will be made.