VJCPatriot
Pro Bowl Player
- Joined
- Apr 28, 2006
- Messages
- 16,781
- Reaction score
- 5,421
Pats strength of schedule this year is only .504. That ties for 15th in the NFL despite them finishing with the top record in the NFL in 2010. (Reported on ESPN). This is ALSO the weakest strength of the schedule in the entire division. Yes, an even easier road than the Jets, Bills, or Dolphins have to face.
Factor into that strength of schedule that the Pats drafted players at positions that have less of a transition, ie the lockout will affect them the least if training camp starts late, and you have an advantage coming right out of the gate.
2011 Draft:
Two RBs - easily the easiest position to translate into the NFL.
Two OL - fairly easy transition coupled with one of the best offensive line coaches in the game once they do make it into camp.
One QB - will hold the clipboard for years with no expectation to start.
One CB - one of the easiest transition positions on defense in the NFL. Not nearly as difficult to learn as a linebacker in the Pats defense.
Now combine the above advantage with the easiest schedule in the AFC East. What's not to like? Taking those factors into account, I see a minimum of 12 wins for the Pats in 2011. Another 14 wins is not out of the question either.
Factor into that strength of schedule that the Pats drafted players at positions that have less of a transition, ie the lockout will affect them the least if training camp starts late, and you have an advantage coming right out of the gate.
2011 Draft:
Two RBs - easily the easiest position to translate into the NFL.
Two OL - fairly easy transition coupled with one of the best offensive line coaches in the game once they do make it into camp.
One QB - will hold the clipboard for years with no expectation to start.
One CB - one of the easiest transition positions on defense in the NFL. Not nearly as difficult to learn as a linebacker in the Pats defense.
Now combine the above advantage with the easiest schedule in the AFC East. What's not to like? Taking those factors into account, I see a minimum of 12 wins for the Pats in 2011. Another 14 wins is not out of the question either.
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