The Patriots are going to win the Superbowl

The Patriots are going to win the Superbowl.
3 in 4 years was sweet. In '05 we were just glad and amazed that Tedy Bruschi was okay.
Coming within inches from stealing one in '06 and having one stolen from us by inches in '07 was amazing and heartbreaking.
'08 and Matt Cassell was a free slice of cheese pizza, maybe not what we would have ordered but since it was free we enjoyed the hell out of it and it filled us up.
In '09 we had to come to terms with the NFL reality Belichik and Brady having been telling us for years- it is hard to win in this league. Gone were the stalwarts of yesteryears defense, fizzled were the high priced free agents and trades, inconsistent were the young stars in the making. Brady was not the best QB in the league (although Football Outsiders had him rated the highest when you factor in weather and quality of pass defense. In the classic argument to sabemetric statistical analysis, I don't think he passed the eyeball test). Belichik was not the best coach in the league. The Patriots no longer had an edge. Not in personel, not in teamwork, not in QB or HC. The league has officially caught up an it is time to rebuild. This is not news to BB and he has been stockpiling young talent (33 players have two years or less experience). This is the year that we find out about the long term efficacy of "the Patriots Way".
2010 is about rebuilding and redemption. In loo of giving uninformed predictions (other than my Superbowl pick) I will introduce you to some of the new faces this year and give a few keys to watch for. For more info follow Mike Reiss's blog on the worldwide leader

New Players (Listed in order of importance according to me)

Gerard Warren, Defensive End, #92, 10th year
Originally a #3 draft pick this 330lb mountain of a man has never been a standout... the Cleveland Browns drafted him 3 picks before the Pats took Richard Seymour, his teammate in Oakland last year... Warren played 4 years with the Browns and 3 with the Raiders, needless to say he enjoys the organization of Pats leadership... I loved his demeanor in this spring media session,
http://www.patriots.com/mediacenter/index.cfm?ac=videonewsdetail&pid=42832&pcid=0

Devin McCourty, Cornerback, #32, Rookie
The Pats traded down and drafted McCourty which raised eyebrows in the media... he has been physical and competitive in the preseason while also getting burned like, well, a rookie... could return kicks at some point... made a tackle against strong runner Michael Turner, which raised my eyebrows.

Rob Gronkoswki, Aaron Hernandez, and Alge Crumpler, Tight Ends,
#87, #85, #82, respectively
Rookie, Rookie, 9th yr, respectively
A 2nd and a 4th round pick, plus a veteran signing revamp the tight end spot... A year ago BB said the TE preseason competition was the best he's ever seen, then everyone was released, traded, or terrible... Gronkowski is huge, Hernandez is explosive, and Crumpler was the superior blocking tight end for the Titan's 2000 yard rusher Chris Johnson last year... the TE's could be a huge part of the passing and running attack this year... Tedy Bruschi said BB was looking for the next Mark Bavaro and may have found him in Gronk... BTW, Chris Johnson highlight package well worth the watch.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JoUr82vUx60

Brandon Spikes, Inside Linebacker, #55, Rookie
Often compared to Tedy Bruschi because of his instinctive play, he would do well to be comparable to Ted Johnson... he will play on early downs to stuff the run... despite a stellar Florida career his draft stock dropped because his 40 yard dash times sucked... he is really slow... no video links for Spikes.

Marques Murrell, Outside Linebacker, #93, 4th year
Signed away from the Jets where he was a backup... Mike Vrabel was a young backup linebacker, signed away from the mighty defense of the Steelers... Murrell may start at outside linebacker if he is able to set the edge against the running game, that means being strong, quick, disciplined, and good at hand to hand combat... It may just be that he is wearing Richard Seymour's # 93, but Murrell looks huge on the field.

Jarrad Page, Safety, #44, 5th year
Acquired in a trade with the Chiefs after Brandon McGowan was lost for the year... started every game since his rookie year but will likely be a part of the sub package this year with the Pats... was injured for most of 2009 and then had a contract dispute similar to Logan Mankins this year.

Jermaine Cunningham, Outside Linebacker/Edge Rusher, # 96, Rookie
The 2nd round draft pick will be counted on to supply pressure off the edge... injured most of the preseason... was the fastest edge rusher in camp... could surprise us all and earn a starting position over Murrell and Rob Ninkovich if he develops quickly... part of the Florida trio drafted (Spikes, Hernandez, Cunningham)... media wondered why he was taken over more highly touted Florida teammate Carlos Dunlap who went one pick later to the Bengals.

Zoltan Mesko, Punter/Holder, # 14, Rookie
A big boomer, I fully expect Mesko to become a probowler once Lechler drops off in Oakland... most important to his job security and my all pro aspirations for him will be his ability to hold for probowl placekicker, Stephen Gostowski... Mesko is huge, if he learns to tackle he may one day cause a fumble... the Romanian born Hungarian immigrated to Ohio when was 12... he became a football punter when a coach saw him knock out a light in a seventh grade gym class kickball game... I wish I had a youtube clip of that.

Tracy White, Special Teams/linebacker, #58, 8th year
The Pats cut last years special teams captain, Sam Aiken, along with two other stalwart special teamers and then traded for this guy... he may lead the team in special teams tackles... I read he was fast... special teams is under reported.

A variety of other backups, a variety of positions and jersey numbers, mostly rookies
You may see these guys if the Pats depth is tested... WR Taylor Price has some buzz... with the usual collection of young lineman in development, possibly a Mike Wright or Russ Hochstein emerges from these as a consistent contributor.


Key Question Marks:
Defensive Backs
The defensive backfield is so young. Rookie McCourty and 2nd year player Darius Bulter have to step up huge at outside cornerback. Safeties Pat Chung and Sir Brandon Meriweather must make plays more consistently and ensure clear communication.

Offensive Line
Dan Connoly replaces pro bowler holdout Logan Mankins at left guard. You may remember Connoly drew my ire in last years column after the 4th and two game. In terms of individual execution he was the goat on both 3rd and two and 4th and two against the Colts. At the time he was filling in for oft injured right guard Stephen Neal. Not a good sign that he is starting although he was solid in preseason. The line will benefit from a full year of the German giant Sebastian Vollmer at right tackle.

Defensive Play Calling
After letting respected coach Dean "Steamed Carrots and" Pees go, BB elected to not name a defensive coordinator this year. He has done this several times with the offense, including this year. With the defense however he will be much more involved by all reports. I look forward to more flavors of defense ice cream this year; Pees always went with vanilla.

Tom Brady
Can Brady regain his status as the top QB in the game? His car accident on the Thursday before the season has me shook, as does the way he looked down and hesitated when a defender fell at his legs this preseason. I like his long hair but will it be enough to restore the unflappable confidence of #12? I obviously think so because as I said....

The Patriots are winning the Superbowl!!!!