Pat Kirwan's article at NFL.com is a well written and objective article in my mind. Pat asks a number of burning questions and throw out some opinions based on his observations and interviews with Kraft, Pioli, Belichick and some of the players. I won't cut & paste the entire text of that article, but I'll attempt to answer the same questions in my homeristic, blogger frame of mind. If you're even remotely interested in comparing, bring up Kirwan's article and track side-by-side.
1. Can New England repeat its 16-0 2007 season?
No. Now, before you unleash a blanket party on my sorry butt and drop my sad carcass in an alley behind the Bell In Hand, hear me out. Most teams in the first half of the season were taken by surprise. Before they knew what hit them, it was over. Call it carpet bombing or call it a Blitzkrieg, the first 8 games were a massacre. And then came the Colts. As banged up as they were, it was a 4 point "Whew!!!". It's my opinion that most teams are preparing for the carnage we unleashed last year. I'm not saying we're gonna lose to Indy, but they're healthy and looking to prove it. I also feel that 2 west coast swings with back-to-back games will take their toll; I think we can expect a loss from 1 of those games.
2. Is secondary a primary concern?
Maybe. Rodney's aging, but he's still Rodney. Tank Williams is showing some stuff like a good veteran should (besides, I like his name). Terrence Wheatley appears to be challenging the vets for a spot. That's what we need - talented young guys willing to throw themselves in harm's way. I think the secondary will be underestimated.
3. Will problems that the Giants exposed be resolved?
The O line gets a bad wrap for the Superbowl. Unable to stop the crushing pass attack unleashed by the Giants' defense, Brady spent a lot of time eating fertilizer. But, let's not forget they protected him smashingly for most of the season. My biggest gripe, however, was not with the O line; it's with OC Josh McDaniels. The Patriots are known for adjusting in the second half and McDaniels didn't. Brady was taking too much time in the pocket and should've gone to a Manning (Peyton, that is) style quick release. I don't want to send too many props to the midwest, but Manning is one of the best in the league at this style of offense and I see the Patriots adopting some of that.
4. Is Seymour ready to return to his All-Pro form?
Seymour had a tough 2007, but supposedly he's healthy. He hasn't been practicing a whole lot, but don't read too much into that. Brady is only throwing one practice a day. Belichick seems to be protecting his vets and stars so they don't get worn out. Remember, the Patriots played a month more than most and need to rest their key players.
5. Where are the most critical position battles?
This is where I disagree with Kirwan. 3 out of 4 of his position battles are dead on except for Gaffney vs. Jackson. Kirwan feels Gaffney is in the lead for a third receiver spot. Gaffney has never struck me as a WR who lines up almost every play; in my mind, he's a speciality guy brought in to make sideline or corner grabs. Jackson is supposed to be the bull of the WR group; a receiver with RB capabilities post catch. I think that Gaffney and Jackson take on totally different roles.