For the first time in a very long time I was able to throw on my New England Patriot hat this morning without feeling any sense of shame or depression. To what or who we owe the conclusion of this lockout we may never know. Perhaps Roger Goodell finally got fed up with pulling in $1 a day for the past four and a half months. Or maybe the multi-million dollar athletes finally figured out that it was more fiscally beneficial to make millions of dollars to actually play football rather than argue about making many more millions of dollars while not actually getting paid anything to do so. In all reality it was probably a carrying combination of both. But whatever the reason, I’m just glad all this nonsense is finally over.
Along with the excitement the promise of a guaranteed season brings this fall, there are also several notable questions the Patriots will need to answer within the frenzy of activity that will unfold in the NFL over the next few days. Despite compiling the best record in the regular season last year, the Patriots failed to win a single playoff game. This embarrassing performance exposed a few glaring deficiencies that will need to be addressed if the Pats hope to contend in a fiercely competitive AFC East.
The first priority of Mr. Robert Kraft and his staff should be to re-sign offensive tackle Matt Light. One of the premier players in the league at his position, his presence is vital in protecting the Patriots’ most valuable asset – Tom Brady. The price tag will be high, but given his level of production and familiarity within the system, it would be much more fiscally painful to lose him.
The most glaring deficiency from last year’s failed season was the lack of a consistent pass rush. With no accomplished pass rushers on the current roster, it seems that the solution to this problem will have to be found within the free agent pool. The Patriots would do well to turn their attention toward the available linebackers and defensive ends to help supplement the core of young players they presently have at these positions.
One potentially beneficial addition to the inside linebacking core could be former Buffalo Bills defensive star, Paul Posluszny. Only being able to play in three games in his rookie year due to a broken arm, his production has seen a steady increase since the injury. Last season he was able to log career bests in tackles (151) and sacks (2). The twenty-six year old is a relentless worker and would add a wealth of depth and talent to an inexperienced bunch.
Looking at the outside linebackers who are unrestricted free agents, the most appealing option for the Patriots is James Anderson. Last season was his first year as a full-time starter and he took full advantage of the opportunity. He recorded career highs in tackles (130) and sacks (3.5) while forcing two fumbles and adding an interception as well for good measure. With only one full productive season under his belt, some teams may be skeptical to take a shot at him which could mean the Patriots might be able to land him for a very reasonable price.
Although the linebackers may not rack up huge sack totals, their hard work creates opportunities for the defensive ends to attack the opposing QB and reap the benefits in the form of a sack. There are several key players coming off career years that the Patriots could definitely use. Jason Babin is an intriguing player. The former Tennessee Titan earned his first Pro-Bowl honor by piling up 12.5 sacks last year. It was a breakout season and he will certainly be looking to cash in big on the tails of that success, but if New England could lure him in at the right price, his presence would be a very welcomed addition.
The emergence of the backfield combination of BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Danny Woodhead not only electrified the New England fan base last season but they also provided the Patriots with some unexpected production which afforded them the opportunity to unload a perennial disappointment at the running back position -- Lawrence Maroney. While the surprising success was a nice story, questions remain on whether Ellis is a legitimate every-down running back. With Fred Taylor and Kevin Faulk being unrestricted free agents, the Patriots could be looking to a crowded free agent pole to help solidify this position for the upcoming season.
A potential option for the Patriots could be a player who is in a position that is eerily reminiscent of a former Patriot – Corey Dillon. Also playing for Cincinnati, his troubled past will scare off many suitors, but a rigid organization and stout locker room leadership could yield tremendous dividends, just as Dillon’s addition did. Enjoying a resurgent career in 2009 and 2010, he racked up almost 2400 yards rushing and scored 13 touchdowns. His downhill running style could be the perfect complement to the two change-of-pace backs already in the backfield.
While it’s unlikely these seemingly perfect pieces to the puzzle would all find their way to Foxborough next season, we’re at least discussing the possibilities and that is certainly far better than the alternative that had been facing fans for the last few months. Although two-a-days have been terminated for the players under the new CBA, there is only one day that matters to football fans now – September 8th; and it is right around the corner.
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