2008 New England Patriots
Written August 6, 2008 by Jason Lowry
We are fast approaching another NFL season, and Jason Lowry is ready to bring you his 2008 New England Patriots season predictions. The Patriots are coming off one of the most impressive and disappointing seasons of a year ago. The Patriots ran wild on the entire NFL during the regular season going 16-0, and were ever so close to a perfect season, but fell just short to the New York Giants in the Super Bowl. The Patriots looked like geniuses bringing in Randy Moss and Wes Welker last season, and hope that some of the additions they added this year will play out just as well. The team will have to fill some holes, as cornerback Asante Samuel is now with the Eagles, and they also loss guys like receiver Donte Stallworth and defensive backs Randall Gay and Eugene Wilson. So just what will the Patriots have in store for 2008? Lets take a quick look at what they will be sending to the field on both sides of the ball this season.
Offense:
As long as Tom Brady is under center this team has a chance to win no matter who they throw out on the field, but lucky for the Patriots Moss and Welker will be back again this season. Last year Moss and Welker combined for over 2,600 yards and 31 touchdowns, while Brady went on to set the passing touchdown record with 50 scoring passes. The team hopes that running back Laurence Maroney can find that edge to become a real threat again this season, after just three 100-yard rushing performances a year ago. What really makes this team click and gets the least amount of credit is the offensive line. Last year they sent 3 guys to the Pro Bowl from the trenches, left guard Logan Mankins, center Dan Koppen, and left tackle Matt Light. We are thinking that after giving up 5 sacks in the Super Bowl loss to the Giants, that this unit is going to come back with something to prove in 2008. Overall this unit is one of the most scary offenses you will find, and expect another big season from Brady and company.
Patriots Over/Under 12 wins in 2008 at Sportsbook.com
Defense:
The Patriots have done a great job of mixing veteran talent with some exciting young players. The defensive line is a prime example as Richard Seymour leads this group as one of the best defensive ends in the game, and should be back to full strength this season after missing most of the first half of the season last year. Joining Seymour on the line is a solid group of draft picks over the years in guys like ends Ty Warren and Jarvis Green along with tackle Vince Wilfork. The team looked to show some of its age at linebacker and the Patriots seemed to try and fix that problem with taking Jerod Mayo at No.10 in the first round of the draft, and then went on to select Shawn Crable in the 3rd. The Patriots also expect free agent Victor Hobson to come in and start on the inside. Bruschi remains the leader of this group, but is 35 and the legs have to start giving out sooner or later. The secondary will miss the losses of Samuel and Gay, but they are expecting free agent Fernando Bryant to step in and take over along side Ellis Hobbs. Rodney Harrison will likely be back for at least one more season, and James Sanders should keep his starting spot at free safety. The Patriots are still counting on 2007’s first round pick of free safety Brandon Meriweather to contribute more and more this season.
Patriots +200 odds to win the AFC Conference at Sportsbook.com
Special Teams:
While the kicking game looks solid in Stephen Gostkowski who led all AFC kickers in scoring with 137 points, the team would like to see punter Chris Hanson to improve on his net average, as it ranked 14th in the AFC last season. Hobbs is likely to remain the teams return specialist, but watch out for fifth round pick Matthew Slater to step in and help out this season.
Patriots +350 odds to win Super Bowl at Sportsbook.com
Prediction: 1st in AFC East
Say what you want but you would be crazy to think that any team in this division can compete with the Patriots this season. The Patriots are likely to receive some competition in the AFC from both the Colts and Chargers, but we don’t know if they will have what it takes to stop the Pats explosive offense. Don’t be shocked if these guys wind up in the Super Bowl once again.
If you want to get a bet in on the Patriots upcoming season, head over to Sportsbook.com and get an account started today. Also if you want to keep up to date with Patriots this season, be sure to check out these New England Patriots Predictions.
