New England Patriots

Took a few days off from doing previews. I finished up my half of the NFC (South & West) last week (Titanreese has the rest). Now I'll start my half of the AFC (East & North) with the defending AFC Champions. 2008 NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS PREVIEW 2007 Record: 16-0 (1st AFC East) Predicted 2008 Record: 14-2 (1st AFC East) Key Acquistions: WR Sam Aiken, CB Fernando Bryant, TE Marcus Pollard, OL Oliver Ross, LB Victor Hobson, CB Lewis Sanders, CB Jason Webster, S Tank Williams Key Losses: TE Kyle... Read Full Story

During the New England Patriots 2008 Training Camp, there are going to be many position battles: Starting Corner, Nickel Corner, Inside Linebacker, 3rd Wide Receiver, and more. Few though, will be as hotly contested as the role of kick and punt returner. Special teams are always a priority of Coach Belichick, and last year was no exception. Patriot punt-returners averaged 9.4 yards per return, while their opponents only managed 5.4 yards. Wes Welker led the team with a 10.0 average, while... Read Full Story

Jerod Mayo Salary The Patriots Front Office chose not to let the Mayo sit out and spoil. The former Tennessee star signed an $18.9 million dollar contract with $13 million in guaranteed money. Jerod Mayo's salary is a slight improvement over last year's 10th pick, Amobi Okoye of the Houston Texans. Okoye received $17.6 million, with $12.8 million in guaranteed, although the final year of his deal is voidable. With the learning curve for linebackers in Bill Belichick's defensive system... Read Full Story

1. Defensive Backs -- Fernando Bryant is still a bit dinged up and rookie Terrence Wheatley will probably start in his place Sunday night. Bryant gave the Raven receivers a ridiculous cushion, which Wheatley was able to shorten up a bit. They both gave up big passes at times, however Wheatley was beaten by some unbelievable throws. Wheatley is angling for a place on the first team, although he will get plenty of time at nickelback even if he fails to make the top eleven. 2. Hold the Mayo... Read Full Story

1. Defensive Backs -- Fernando Bryant was able to play, but it didn't matter, as the Bucs walked up and down the field on the Patriots Sunday night. The Patriots corners gave up underneath routes all night, and the duo of Brian Griese and Luke McCown took what they were given. 2. Hold the Mayo? -- Jerod Mayo filled the hole pretty well against Tampa Bay, but wasn't able to get off of blocks as well as he was against the Ravens. A couple of missed tackles and some questionable coverage made... Read Full Story