Players likely to perform better in 2007:
- Ty Warren: Quietly becoming a force on the defensive line. I anticipate that the addition of Ad Thomas, Warren will become a greater, more visible force on the defense and earn himself some national recognition. Pats fans know how good he is and I think his numbers will be better in 2007.
- Vince Wilfork: I think 2006 was a hell of a year for VW and it is hard to think that his numbers will be better in 2007 with his role being to stay at the line of scrimmage and hold up line men. Nevertheless, Bill knows best and if VW can provide a sequel to 2006, the defense will be better and he will deserve some of the credit.
- Ben Watson: Every year there is this expectation that he will break out, so why would this year be any different? Sure Brady has more targets and Ben won't necessarily set a record for receptions by a tight end. What he will do is get the mismatches and be able to display his freakish abilities every Sunday and a Monday or two. Less receptions, big yards and always a red zone threat.
- Laurence Maroney: Assuming he comes back from this shoulder injury/surgery, I think he will have a solid season. The primary logic behind this assumption (or rather hopeful desire) is that he will get more carries and won't be called upon to return kicks. I think he has the motor and power to be a stud and with other weapons on that defense, it is hard to vote against him having a statistically better 2007.
- Randall Gay and Ellis Hobbs: Gay missed last season, so any on field production is better than none at all. I have to think he is rested and eager to get on the field and earn his next paycheck. Hobbs had flashes of dominance and other moments were full of disappointment. Both corners will benefit from pressure from the defensive line and blitzing linebackers. If Harrison and Wilson can contribute, it will only allow both corners to look better. I do trust that QBs will pass to their side more often after Samuel's big 2006.
- Gostkowski: How does a year under a rookie belt make this guy worse? If the guy can nail a kick against the Chargers, in San Diego, with the game on the line, I think he can overcome a sophmore slump. 2006 was good and there is no reason to think different in 2007.
- Kaczur and Mankins: Got the impression that Kaczur was still getting comfortable, but Mankins was a force that make mistakes like any other o-linemen in the league (even the quality veterans). Neither are going to the pro bowl, but neither leave room to think they are going to drop off in 2007. Marginal gains are to be expected.
- Dave Thomas: I don't think the Pats drafted the guy just to have him play scout team offense. The guy makes legitimate catches and seems to find open areas of the field to sit down in. Seemed Brady was tossing him high passes, making the rookie earn his numbers and if Brady can improve that accurracy, Thomas will have a better 2007 as a pass catcher.
Decliners:
- Bruschi: I've said this all along, the guy has lost a step or two and shows up a second late on tackles and opponent receptions. No longer will we see Bruschi driving and interception a ball in the endzone. The only way he will pull down his interception is if he puts himself in the right spot on the field, which he is surely capable of doing. Still a leader on this defense and the team is better with him at this stage of his career than without him. He just isn't as dominate as he has been in times past.
- Mike Vrbal: Word of some injuries have me thinking that he will be a bit slower in 2007. Like Bruschi, I think he makes the team better even though he isn't as good as he was. The guy just has the smarts and other intangibles to contribute to the team and make this team better. Doubt he has a significant drop off, but I think it is the beginning of the end (but the end is a far way off, see Roman Phifer).
- Caldwell: No longer the go to guy, or is he? For some reason I think he ridded himself of the droppsies last season because he knew he had the offense on his shoulders. With Donte, Washington and Welker, I wonder if the wide eye receiver will be looking over his shoulder, over think his role on this team and lose esteem and concetration on the field. I have a feeling he could be the closest think to a one year wonder as a football player could be.
- Marquise Hill: I'll be surprised if he makes it onto the roster for 2007.
- Chad Jackson: I spy a "IR" tag on the gator.
- Eugene Wilson: In my opinion, I think he is the underrated version of Reggie Nelson. Both are one dimensional safeties and that is one reason I don't see selecting Nelson to be a significant upgrade to the Patriots. That said, Wilson has regressed over the last two seasons and seems to be insignificant if Harrison isn't playing next to him.
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