After having the only 16-0 regular season in NFL History, the Patriots are looking to follow that up by actually securing the Superbowl this year. On paper this team is as strong as any, but has 4 potential weak spots: Cornerback, Tight End, Running Back, and Right Tackle. Despite this the Patriots play a comically easy schedule, and should have little trouble securing a 1st round playoff bye week. So lets look at the Patriots position by position on their roster.

Offense:

Quarterbacks:  There isn't much to say that hasn't been said about the group's leader Tom Brady.  He threw for 50 touchdowns last year setting an NFL record as well as leading the league in completion percentage, yards, and passer rating.  He will look to continue his success this year with mainly the same supporting cast.  Backing him up will be an interesting battle in training camp.  The Patriots took Quarterback Kevin O'Connell in the fourth round of the draft and he seems likely to get a roster spot.  That leaves the two other quarterbacks from last years squad fighting for the backup position.  Matt Cassell has the most experience in the Patriots system, but hasn't shown much in the few opportunities he's had, most notably in the game against the Dolphins last year in which he threw an interception and was promptly replaced. Matt Gutierrez did not get on the field last year in his first year with the team and is an unproven commodity.

Running Backs:  Many times there is a question of which running game is going to show up for the Patriots.  The team returns their starter Laurence Maroney.  Maroney has at time appeared dominant while at other times wholly ineffective.  He turned it on in the playoffs last year and the Patriots hope that this is the player that will show up in the fall.  Backing him up will be Sammy Morris who ran effectively last year before suffering a freak injury that ended his season. Kevin Faulk remains one of the better third down backs in the NFL and is deadly coming off of screens and draws.  He lacks the ability to be an every down back so that job falls to Maroney and Morris

Wide Recievers:  Here also the Patriots return a player fresh off a record setting season. Randy Moss year broke the record for touchdown receptions surpassing the old record held by Jerry Rice.  He will look to have another productive season alongside slot specialist  Wes Welker who tied for the NFL lead in receptions last year with 117.  This duo work extremely well together as when moss is double teamed, it opens the underneath routes that welker preys upon.  When teams focus on Welker, Moss burns them deep.  The recieving corps did lose reciever Donte Stallworth to free agency, however he had been slipping in the depth chart during the season and the team feels that reciever Jabbar Gaffney will be an adequate replacement.  The team will also hope that Chad Jackson fill the potential he had when the Patriots drafted him in the second round.  Thus far he has been hampered by injuries, but he should be coming in healthy this season and If there was ever a time for him to show some development it's now. His skill set mirrors that of Stallworth, so much so that he even looks like him.

Tight Ends:  The pats have a solid group of tight ends though definetly not an elite grouping.  Ben Watson is the leader of the group and had a solid year although abbreviated due to injuries and overshadowed by the group at wide reciever.  He can dissappear at times and needs to show more consistency in his play. He has somewhat sub-par hands as well. Behind him is David Thomas who most say has the best hands on the team.  He didn't get on the field last year due to a foot injury, but looks to be healthy going into training camp.  The team also brought in Marcus Pollard who will look to fit in somehow with this group.  This group lacks a true blocking tight end as all three of the above are more recieving tight ends.  I would not be surprised to see them add another tight end to come in and block in three tight end sets. 

Offensive Line:  This is a group that performed very well all year long and then completely laid an egg in the superbowl.  The unit returns three Pro Bowlers in Matt Light, Logan Mankins, and Dan Koppen.  Light is a bit of an enigma.  He can at times stop elite pass rushers dead in their tracks and at others players can eat him up.  Mankins is an animal at the left guard spot.  He plays with the mean streak that teams love to see in their lineman and is a dominant run blocker.  Koppen is a very intelligent center who rarely makes the wrong call at the line.  On the other side Stephen Neal is a decent player but is often hurt and definetly not a superstar.  at the right tackle comes one of the more interesting story lines going into training camp.  The presumptive starter Nick Kazcur was involved in an offseason incident involving oxycodone and it is unknown as of now whether there will be discipline from the NFL.  If he is suspended then Ryan O'Callaghan will move to fill his spot.  O'Callaghan has a shot to be the starter regardless as there is not much of a drop off between the two players.  I see this being a hotly contested battle in training camp.  The team also signed free agent Oliver Ross who has also had a very productive year.  As backups the team has Russ Hochstein who can play both guards and the center position in addition to Wesley Britt, and Billy Yates.

Defense:

Defensive Line:  This is one of the better defensive lines in the NFL.  The group doesn't necessarily put up the numbers of a 4-3 front, however, their job is to occupy blockers and the big bodies up front do that as well as anyone else.  The leader of the line is Richard Seymour who missed his first pro bowl in five seasons last year as a result of being injured. When healthy Seymour is the best 3-4 defensive end in the NFL and arguably the best D-lineman in the NFL. Vince Wilfork is an absolute beast on the inside who constantly commands a double team.  At the other end Ty Warren is the best pass rusher of the group and compliments the other two exceptionally.  At backup the patriots have defensive end Jarvis Green who would start on most teams. Mike Wright and Le Kevin Smith round out the unit.

Linebackers:  This unit underwent a major overhaul in the offseason.  This could be unit that puts up a lot of sacks as Mike Vrable and Adalius Thomas should both play exculsively on the outside this year where they are both most comfortable.  Both are very effective edge rushers and Vrabel is an all pro from last season.  On the inside Tedy Bruschi will return for another season.  Although he is nowhere near the player he once was he can still be effective in small doses.  In order to make those doses small, the patriots brought in a pair of other linebackers to give the team a three man rotation at ILB.  The team signed free agent Victor Hobson from the Jets.  Hobson is already familiar with a similar defense from his time playing under Belichick disciple Eric Mangini.  He should adapt quickly and I think will be a very solid contributor to this defense.  The team also used the tenth pick in the draft to draft linebacker Jerod Mayo out of Tennessee.  Mayo is an athletic backer who excells in space and has the speed to be very effective in pass coverage.  The team also drafted outside linebacker Shawn Crable who is a bit of a project, but has the raw skills to be a monster pass rusher.  Another interesting player is Vince Redd.  He is very raw but has a great deal of size and athleticism that could allow him to stick around if he can make himself a spot on special teams.  There is also the possibility that Junior Seau could return for yet another NFL season, however that is an unknown at this point. 

Defensive Backfield:  In my opinion the shakiest unit on the team.  The loss of Asante Samuel will hurt as he was their most consistent player in the backfield. Ellis Hobbs will now be asked to be the team's #1 corner and there is considerable doubt as to whether he can handle this.  The team signed free agent Fernando Bryant and at this time he is the presumptive starter opposite Hobbs.  The team also signed corner jason Webster and used a couple of draft picks here in Terrence Wheatley and Jason Wilhite.  Wheatley has a chance to make an impact this year as the nickel back while Wilhite will be in a battle to make the roster.  At safety the situtation is a little more stable. James Sanders is an extremely underrated starter. Rodney Harrison will man the Strong Safety position and should be solid unless an injury crops up as they seem to have done in recent years.  Backing up Sanders will be Brandon Merriweather who started to come on late in the season last year and could have a chance to start at some point this season.  We just have to hope that he spent a lot of time on the juggs machine this offseason as he dropped at least five passes that should have been intercepted.  Backing up Harrison will be free agent pickup Tank Williams who was once a highly touted young safety, but had some rough years with the Vikings. 

Special Teams:  The team returns Kicker Stephen Gostkowski to handle kickoff and field goal duties.  Gostowski has a booming leg and can pin a team deep on kickoffs.  On field goals, he is solid but not exceptional and his ability to kick in the clutch is largely unknown as the team was ahead pretty much all of last season.  handling the punting duties will be Chris Hanson who is more of a dicrectional punter than a power punter.  He excells at pinning teams down near the goal line.  Punt retruns will likely be handled by Wes Welker as Belichick likes surehanded players to handle that spot.  Kickoff returns are a bit of an unknown at this point. It is likely that they will be handled by a variety of different people as the season goes on.  Maroney, Faulk, and Hobbs have all handled kicks in the past, but the team drafted special teams specialist Matt Slater who also has a chance to return kicks if he has a good camp.

Team Strength:  The passing game.  The record setting unit from last year is mostly intact.  Look for another good season from this group although it would be hard to replicate the success of last season.

Team Weakness:  The defensive backfield.  Already a weakness on the team, it was further hampered by the loss of Asante Samuel.  A lot will depend on the ability of the rookies to play as well as the performance of Fernando Bryant.

Predicted Record 14-2: The Patriots schedule consists of potential blowouts. They play 6 of the 7 worst teams last year and play the Dolphins and Jets twice. They should be pumped up enough to beat both the Chargers and the Colts this year, but they will lose in Seattle because it is a notoriously tough place to play, and in Denver because they always lose to Denver.

With Training Camp mere days away I thought now would be a good time to put out my season predictions. I figure I'll start by saying who will make the playoffs and how they got there, and then move to the actual playoff games. So without further ado here is my list.

AFC East Division Champions: New England Patriots 14-2

No suprises here, after coming off a 16-0 regular season and a runner up finish the Patriots appear equally loaded to make another run. Returning is virtually the entire record setting offense which should continue to be the best in the league. Maroney should emerge into a 1000 yard back, and balance out the offensive attack. On defense arguably the best defensive line should be bolstered by a healthy Richard Seymour for the first time in several years. There is some fresh blood at linebacker which should improve the pass defense in that area. However, the secondary is an absolute mess with the departure of Asante Samuel. The starting corners are Ellis Hobbs and Fernando Bryant, and if the latter isn't good enough for the Lions than he definately isn't good enough for the Pats. The 2 losses will come from the Broncos and the Seahawks.

AFC South Division Champions: Indianapolis Colts 12-4

After a quiet offseason from Indianapolis the Colts return a strong team. Manning and company should be boosted by a healthy Harrison this year. Addai should emerge into an elite back with another year of seasoning. On defense Dwight Freeney returns from IR, and he will try to continue to continue to be a pass rushing force. They return the #1 ranked pass defense, and that should continue to be a strength for them. The improvement across the division, and dates with the Chargers and the Pats will lead to a few more losses this year for the Colts, but they will nonetheless stay atop the division.

AFC North Division Champions: Cleveland Browns 11-5

This one was an extremely hard choice between the Steelers and the Browns. While I personally believe the Steelers are stronger, they also have to face the Chargers and the Patriots which will be the difference. The young exciting offense of the Browns should put up points in bunches, especially with the embarrasment of riches at the skill positions. However, the real question is on defense with new parts being added to the mix. I believe the 2 new D tackles will dissapoint those who are expecting a huge improvement, since it is difficult to translate D tackles to the 3-4. Kamerion Wimbley should make a bigger impact like he did in his rookie year. The cornerback slot is a mess like the Patriots. They should split the season series with the Steelers and beat the Steelers in by 1 game.

AFC West Champions: San Diego Chargers 13-3

Make no mistake the Chargers are LOADED!! With Phillip Rivers leading the way they can expect to secure a bye while providing some of the most impressive performances of the season. They have drafted so well over the past couple of years that they have enough young talent to split over 3 teams. However, despite the talent they do have the great equalizer Norv Turner. He alone should account for 3 losses. They do need to win a Superbowl soon as their young talent will soon require contracts that are out of this world.

Wild Card: Jacksonville Jaguars 11-5

What isn't there to like about this team? Their two headed monster at tailback will continue to dominate this year. David Garrard is an extremely good game manager, who doesn't make mistakes. On defense they have some weapons with Henderson, Mathis, Nelson, and others. Despite all this they are relying on Jerry Porter and Troy Williamson to improve their passing game.(never gonna happen).  Also they overpaid for Drayton Florence an extremely average corner. My big question with the Jags is why will this year be any different from the last couple? While they are always good they are never great, and I suspect the same is their destiny in 2008.

Wild Card: Buffalo Bills 10-6

Hold your laughter for a second please. The Bills have one of the easiest schedules I have ever seen. It's like taking the Patriots and removing the division champions. Plus, have you looked at the Bills roster lately? I'm naturally skeptical, but this has the look o####ood team. Marshawn #### can create an effective rushing attack, plus Lee Evans is always good for a big play. On defense they added Marcus Stroud who will create more opportunities for the gifted ends on the outside. Also, Mckelvin arrives culminating with the emergence of Whitner and the return of Pozluzney leading to an exciting defense. If this team could scrap together a 7-9 record last year adding 3 wins with an improved team and an easier schedule shouldn't be outside the realm of possibility. If they somehow hold a tiebreaker with the Steelers than they are playoff bound.

The Games: Wilcard

Buffalo@ Indianapolis: Final Score 48-13 Indi

So much for a Cinderella story. The Colts easily handle the inferior Bills at home with Peyton Manning throwing for 5 TD's.

Jacksonville@ Cleveland: Final Score 24-21 Cle

A tough fought game despite over 300 yards passing by Anderson. His mistakes lead to opportunistic points by Jacksonville. However, after Jacksonville ties it with 15 seconds left Cribbs returns the ball 67 yards leading to the GW field goal.

Divisional Round

Cleveland@ New England: Final Score 31-17 NE

New England jumps out to an early lead with twin deep strikes to Moss. Late in the game Cleveland closes to within a touchdown, but the Patriots ice it with a strike to Watson in the back of the endzone.

Indianapolis@ San Diego: Final Score 17-14 SD

Since the Colts couldn't beat the Volek-Turner Chargers their is no chance they beat next years version. The game is an unexpected defensive struggle which leads to defensive TD's by Cromartie and Sanders. At the end of the game with a chance to win it Manning fumbles and the Chargers subsequently drive and kick a GW field goal redeeming Kaeding after years of failure.

Championship

San Diego @ New England: Final 34-31 SD

This year is the year San Diego makes it over the hump. The offenses dominate the game as the defenses look helpless.  Down 4 with less than 2 minutes Phillip Rivers leads the Chargers down to a game winning touchdown with LT on the sideline complaining because it is too cold outside. On the last play of regulation Rivers throws a bullet to Gates down the seam. As he catches it he is drilled by Harrison on the goal line resulting in controversy on whether or not the ball broke the plane. After review the refs rule it a touchdown and the game is over, leading to me on the floor screaming in disbelief as the Chargers are headed to the Superbowl for the 1st time in over a decade.