Does the title sound like a familiar quote from a former NFL head coach? It is really surprising that a quote of that stature and nature has never been used before. Seriously, how many times, whether in sports or in life have you said “I knew that”. Or “we would have won had we stopped their strengths”. With that being said, the Patriots through four weeks of the season are exactly what we thought they would be heading into the season. True, the Pats are a very solid 3-1, including a blowout over the Cincinnati Bengals and most recently the division rivals in the Miami Dolphins. We knew the Patriots could score with the best of them. Included in the arsenal attack for Tom Brady is his favorite target and All Pro Wes Welker. But it is more than just them, rookie tight ends Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski have become valuable targets for Brady. The lone problem on the offensive side now is who can replace Randy Moss? With the October 6th trade to Minnesota, the Pats suddenly dont look as fearsome. However, Brandon Tate has proved he can be explosive on the kick return game as well as wide receiver and should greatly benefit from Moss leaving town. The part that many fans and media also knew is that the defense was going to be the weak point of the team. The offense alone would nearly guarantee a playoff spot, but if the defense could not stop anyone, it would be another one and done with a long off-season. There is a lot of talent on the defensive side, but also a lack of inexperience. Three of the eleven starters on defense are rookies, two of them being at outside linebacker, the other being a cornerback. Inexperience would be ok if there were veterans surrounding them and playmakers to make the rookies transparent. But this team does not have veterans, at least on defense. Vince Wilfork is the longest tenured player on the defense and he is only 28. Players like Brandon Meriweather and Patrick Chung have the opportunity to become All Pro safetys but they need the reps and the playing time. Due to that, there will be growing pains and frustration that will turn Coach Belichick’s hair grayer than it already is. However, this team with the solid start, can build their confidence and become players in the AFC. As long as Brady and Belichick are at the helm, the Patriots will always be who we thought they were: a team who wins the division and competing for a Super Bowl. In Laymen’s terms, there is nothing wrong with that
Diary of a Sports Maniac
October 12, 2010
MassMedia/CreativeCommons
Though talented, youth will prevent the Pats from hosting the Vince Lombardi trophy