NFL 2007: New England Patriots

(This is the Corners look at the upcoming NFL season. For the next 32 days we'll be previewing each team and their prospects for the 2007 season. Today we look at the New England Patriots).

The New England Patriots have been a model of consistency during the decade. Head coach Bill Belichick has developed a system that everyone brought into the organization must abide by. The formula has worked. New England has captured three Super Bowl titles and were within an eyelash of going to a fourth Super Bowl in seven years. This offseason, the Patriots, never one to spend big time bucks on free agents, threw the baby out with the bath water and went on a spending spree that brought in Adalius Thomas, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth, Tory James and Randy Moss. The Pats are picked by many to go all the way in 2007.

Offense: New England lives and dies by the leadership and passing arm of Tom Brady. The three-time Super Bowl winner had gaudy numbers in 2007 despite the lack of big play receivers. Brady, who threw for 3,529 yards and 24 touchdowns, looks to do even better in 2007 with an improved receiver corps. Ageless wonder, Vinny Testaverde, returns for a 21st season and will provide backup. Matt Cassell is the number three.

Laurence Maroney takes over as the starting tailback after Corey Dillon retired/left New England. Maroney ran for 745 yards and six touchdowns as a rookie. Impressive numbers, but there are questions about his durability. Kevin Faulk and Sammy Morris provide depth. Heath Evans and Garrett Mills are solid fullbacks.

The biggest change from last season is at wide receiver. New England went out and grabbed Stallworth, Welker, Kelley Washington and the big prize, Moss. Randy the Dandy will look to rebuild his career after two lackluster seasons in Oakland. Throw in holdovers Reche Caldwell, Troy Brown and Chad Jackson, and you have the makings of a potentially stellar group. Benjamin Watson is the pass catching tight end, while Kyle Brady was signed from Jacksonville for his blocking.

A solid O-line returns intact with Matt Light and Nick Kaczur at tackle, Stephen Neal and Logan Mankins at guard and Dan Koppen holding down the fort at center. Russ Hochstein, Ryan O'Callaghan and Wesley Britt provide depth.

Defense: The strength of the team has always been on the defensive side of the ball and this season should be no different. Thomas was the big catch during free agency and his 83 tackles and 11 sacks will fit in nicely with New England's 3-4 scheme.

The defensive line returns intact with Ty Warren and All-Pro Richard Seymour at end and Vince Wilfork at nose tackle. The Patriots are blessed with one of the best front sevens in all of football and with Thomas and Roosevelt Colvin on the outside and Mike Vrabel and Tedy Bruschi in the middle, that unit is even stronger. Barry Gardner, Eric Alexander and Larry Izzo backup at linebacker, while Jarvis Green, Mike Wright and Santonio Thomas provide depth on the line.

The secondary is aging, but still has some chops, especially with the signing of free agent Tory James from Cincinnati. James (41 tackles, 4 INT) will compete with Ellis Hobbs at one corner, while disgruntled All-Pro Asante Samuel (64 tackles, 10 INT) holds down the other slot. Ray Mickens will see action in nickel packages. Ageless Rodney Harrison is back at strong safety and Eugene Wilson and Artrell Hawkins will compete for the free safety spot. Look for top draft pick Brandon Merriweather to see plenty of action as well. The secondary is the one so-so position on the roster. CB Chad Scott is out for the season and Samuel is in the beginnings of potentially long holdout.

Special Teams: Stephen Gostkowski is no Adam Vinatieri but he had a solid rook season nonetheless. Gostkowksi made 20-of-26 attempts and finished with 103 points. He should be a year older, wiser and better. Punter Josh Miller (43.0) is one of the leagues finest. Faulk and Welker will handle kickoff and punt return duties.

Outlook: New England is one of the top teams in the league and have a legitimate chance at another Super Bowl berth. The additions of Moss, Stallworth and Welker should provide even more weapons for the always dangerous Brady. Belichick has built a world class franchise that should compete with the Colts, Chargers and Bengals for the AFC crown.

Prediction: Moss will regain some of his old luster, thanks to Brady, and the Patriots will win another AFC East crown and battle for a Super Bowl berth. Record: 12-4.