Not only are the Pats the favorites, as of now to win it all, but what sucks for every other team in the league is that we have 2 first round picks for next year, a second and 2 thirds. 5 1st day picks.
I think the one thing that could hurt this offense is how well Maroney and the offensive line do in the run game. They'll be able to win some games just throwing the ball, but they need to establish a good run game. I could see Maroney, if healthy, running for 1,150 yards this year. Little concerned about whos gonna be his backup. Sammy Morris doesnt really do it for me, but hopefully I'm wrong. The pass game could be the best in football. Brady should have career numbers next year throwing to Moss, Stallworth, Watson, Caldwell, Welker, Thomas, Gaffney, Washington and Jackson who could be a great WR if he uses his talent, when he comes back from his injury. Theres still Faulk to coming out of the backfield to catch some balls.
Defensively theyve filled alot of holes with Merriweather and Thomas. Theyre D-LINE is the one of the best in the NFL, they have 2 OLB's in Colvin and Thomas who are beasts coming off the edge, although neither are great defending the run. Vrabel and Bruschi the 2 veteran ILB's should be steady as usual running front 7. Bruschi's speeds been declining but i think the addition of Thomas should help him out since now he doesnt always have to cover for Banta-Cain getting beat on the outside. Id like to see Seau back to since we really dont have much depth at LB if someone was to get hurt or need a breather (Hartwell would be another option). I was really impressed with him last year. Get Samuel signed and we should have a solid group of CB. Hobbs improved last year and is a decent #2 corner. James i think could be a big help covering some of the bigger, possession WR and also help against 3 WR/4 WR formations. Could also see some time in the nickel D. It was only a couple years ago when he was a pro-bowler. Id expect Harrison to have a steady season as usual running the DB's and Eugene Wilson's back at FS hopefully he can pick up where he left off before his injury. He was really starting to become a very reliable safety. Merriweather is also available if Wilson moves to CB or under performs, but i think for atleast the start of next year Merriweather will be very valuable as a nickel back. Hawkins is also a reliable back-up who can play SS or FS and knows the system.