2006 New England Patriots Preview

The New England Patriots are a team with a lot of question marks heading into 2006. While it is very obvious that any team consisting of Tom Brady and Bill Belichick is a threat to win the Super Bowl, the Patriots have several issues heading into the season. New England is undoubtedly the favorite in the AFC East, but will be tested more this year than in years past. The most critical loss to the Patriots was not on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, but a special teamer. Kicker Adam Vinatieri, who is arguably the most clutch kicker of all time, left New England to play in Indianapolis. Vinatieri was as close to a guarantee at the end of the game as it comes, and now that they don’t have the dependable kicker they once counted on, their offense may be required to win more games. The Patriots also have to improve a secondary which ranked 31st against the pass in 2005. This should not be much of a problem however, as SS and veteran team leader Rodney Harrison returns from injury. Along with Rodney Harrison, 2nd year CB Ellis Hobbs, Asante Samuel, and newly acquired Eric Warfield should give the Pats a very solid secondary that can compete with anyone in the AFC East. If the Pats secondary can stop some offenses, and Brady, Dillon, and Graham can continue to cut through opposing defenses, the Patriots will be in the running for yet another Super Bowl.

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