QB - Brady RB - Faulk / Cloud WR - Brown WR - Stokes TE - Graham / Fauria New England has been known to use all of their players. They have Troy Brown, David Givens, Bethel Johnson, Deon Branch, and a healthy J.J. Stokes. Will there be any clear cut starters with fantasy value from this group? Fauria played well enough to keep the starting job, but spitting time with Graham is almost a forgone conclusion. Brady looks to his Tight End, so both guys should catch some passes along with a few touchdowns. The running game would be a mystery but the Patriots will be drafting a running back so that will be the solution. The only mystery left is which back will it be, and how much of an impact will they have statistically?
I think both givens and branch will be solid number 3 type receivers next year. Brady seemed to rely on those too the most and would go to troy for first downs, but givins really started to even take that away from troy down the stretch. I really think both those guys have a shot at 1,000 yards next season if healthy and play the way they did from week 5 on. Especially givens. As for the TE I hope graham finally gets some hands this year cus he could be a monster fantasy TE but he just doesn't inspire confidence when he drops as many passes as he did last year. He is def the better blocker of the two so he could be the every down guy just needs to get better at holding on to the ball. all I have to say about running back is ????????????. I have no idea what they are going to do and who they are going to draft.
Running back is definitely the wildcard. Even if they get Jackson or Jones, it doesn't ensure them success.
I agree. I have no confidence in any of the backs coming out. I'm just hoping we get a good one for once. As much as I don't want a back from mich I have a feeling we may wait and try to get perry. I just can't wait for the draft.
I hear ya because even without a good running game Brady's play action has been very effective so I can imagine if we had a real running attack as well. Can anyone say play action to Bethal Johnson streaking down the sideline. I would say Brady is one of the better ball faking QB's in the NFL besides Manning.
I wonder if the Pats can maintain this level of play. You guys couldn't do it in 2002 and then the Bucs failed to rebound in 2003. I see all the tools, but will they all still work the same this season?
Oh I'm definitely scared of that. I think they are more prepared to handle that this time around though and brady hasn't been all over the world partying like a rockstar as he did after the 1st title. He has been relaxing and hanging with his family and has actually turned down numerous offers to do comercials and the bachelor as well (THANK GOD!!!). Another thing I like about this team better than the 2001 team is the amount of younger players that are on the upside of their career unlike the 2001 team that was one of the oldest and slowest in the NFL. Also we have alot of picks for this draft so hopefully we can get some more help there. Trust me though I'm confident we will return to the playoffs but also very weary about what seems to be a real trend starting with SB teams missing the playoffs the next season.
I think that New England would have to completely self-destruct to miss the playoffs. I think 10-6 would be a down year for them at this point. 11-5 or maybe 12-4 seems pretty reasonable, but the way the NFL has gone in the last 5 years, I suppose anything is possible.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Steelerfan_2003)</div><div class='quotemain'>but the way the NFL has gone in the last 5 years, I suppose anything is possible.</div> Thats what scares me.
Ya Ya I know everyone's got to hate on the CHAMPS!!!! Thats why I hate the Yanks so much. Though to be clear I'm not comparing the two organizations.
I'm not hatin' on the Pats because of the Super Bowls, my reasons are two-fold. #1.) Pittsburgh has struggled against the Pats for the last 7 seasons or so. It's always a battle. I'd just like us to get that monkey off of our back. #2.) And yes, partly because I'd like to see the "Champs" dethroned. But only if the Steelers can do it. :x
Well I guess we won't bew drafting a running back now that we traded for Corey Dillon. I'm still in shock we actually made a deal for him. If he can stay healthy our offense could be pretty scary next season. Man I can't wait.
So would it be possible now that New England has Corey that they will draft one of those sick receivers and get rid of Stokes or Brown? Maybe phase them out over the next season or two?
I think that is a definite possibility. I don't see Stokes making the team. I have a feeling he was a passing camp signing and thats about it. As for Troy he still is Brady's favorite cluth receiver so I don't see him going anywhere this year but if he doesn't sign a more cap friendly contract he'll be gone after this season. The big question is where doesn Patten fit in to all this. They paid him a 500K roster bonus so I assume they plan on keeping him but we'll see. I wouldn't mind seeing them draft a big receiver but I'd rather them go defense first. Pioli and Belichick are definitely big draft day players so it should be intresting to see what they do because it never is what you expect. I have heard rumors of a three way trade that would land us at Washintons #5 pick but I just don't see us doing that. If anything I think we trade our 32nd pick to get out of the first and probably land some quality draft picks for next season. They always seem to stock pile picks for the next season.
New England has a chance to be good for years if they play their cards right. Keep stock piling draft picks and developing young talent. They are going to be the team to been through 2010.
I hope your right. I do believe they will at least be a top team for the next couple seasons but if they went to 2010 I'd be happy to say the least. If they draft as well as last year the NFL is in big trouble.
Tell me about it Pats. I need the mad scientist to sit in his basement and try to figure out how the Steelers can beat the Pats this year. Get to work!
