// 2011 Patriots Preview

Patriots 2011 Quarterbacks Preview: Brady, Hoyer, Mallett

By ⋅ August 30, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Sports of Boston concludes its position-by-position preview of the 2011 Patriots with the most important position of all: the quarterback. Now, not every great quarterback won a Super Bowl, and not every Super Bowl champion team had a great quarterback. Quarterbacks need quality receivers, and teams can structure themselves around a running game or even [...]

Patriots 2011 Wide Receivers Preview: Ochocinco, Welker, Etc.

By ⋅ August 25, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

After trading away Randy Moss in October last season, the Patriots committed to reshaping the look of their receiving corps. Soon thereafter they brought back Super Bowl XXXIX MVP Deion Branch, and this offseason sent shock waves throughout the league by trading for one of the game’s most notably outlandish personalities in Chad Ochocinco. See: [...]

Patriots 2011 Running Backs Preview: Green-Ellis, Woodhead, etc.

By ⋅ August 23, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Since Corey Dillon’s retirement after the 2006 season, the Patriots have adopted an unofficial implementation of running back-by-committee that has supported some of the most potent and productive offenses that the NFL has seen. The 2011 season is shaping up to feature the most versatile group yet. They are also poised to take on a [...]

Patriots 2011 Tight Ends Preview: Gronkowski, Hernandez, etc.

By ⋅ August 19, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

During his 11 season tenure as Patriots’ head coach, Bill Belichick has searched for production from the tight end position through many different avenues. From using first round picks on Daniel Graham and Ben Watson, to exploring the free agent market with acquisitions like Christian Fauria, Kyle Brady and Alge Crumpler, Belichick has struggled to [...]

Patriots 2011 Special Teams Preview: Tate, Edelman, Gostkowski, Etc.

By ⋅ August 15, 2011 ⋅ One comment

In 2010, the Patriots’ special teams units turned in some of the best performances they’ve seen in years. Under second year special teams coach Scott O’Brien, the Pats finished in the top five in the league in 10 of 22 special teams statistical categories, including in scoring, blocked kicks, and, perhaps most importantly, fewest penalties. [...]

Patriots 2011 OL Preview: Light, Mankins, Vollmer

By ⋅ August 11, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

The offensive line has been a constant strong point throughout the Brady-Belichick era, and this year should be no different. With a lot of familiar faces returning, lets take a look at the 2011 New England Patriots offensive lineman. See: Our 2011 Patriots Previews Matt Light With this historically hectic off-season in full swing, and [...]

Patriots 2011 OLB Preview: Cunningham, Ninkovich

By ⋅ August 10, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Last week, in our Patriots season preview, I took a stab at the inside linebacker position. While in a 3-4 defense, the inside linebackers have responsibility to diagnose plays and maintain gap responsibility; meanwhile, the outside linebackers are geared toward accomplishing one of two goals: Put their hand in the dirt and rush the opposing Quarterback. Set the [...]

Patriots 2011 Defensive Line Preview: Wilfork, Haynesworth

By ⋅ August 9, 2011 ⋅ One comment

In 2010, injuries decimated the Patriots defensive line. Only Vince Wilfork and Gerard Warren played in all 16 games last season. Eight different defensive lineman cracked the starting lineup for New England, with Landon Cohen, Kyle Love and Brandon Deaderick being called into action because of injuries to the Patriots core starters. See: Our 2011 [...]

Patriots 2011 Safties Preview: Meriweather, Chung, Etc.

By ⋅ August 6, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

Over the past few seasons, no group of players in the New England organization has been subject to as much criticism as the Patriots’ defensive backfield. Heading into 2011 however, this group finally appears to have a firm foundation of talent and experience that has plagued the back end of the Pats’ defense since their [...]

Patriots 2011 Cornerbacks Preview: McCourty, Bodden, Etc.

By ⋅ August 5, 2011 ⋅ 2 comments

Over the past few seasons, no group of players in the New England organization has been subject to as much criticism as the Patriots’ defensive backfield. Heading into 2011 however, this group finally appears to have a firm foundation of talent and experience that has plagued the back end of the Pats’ defense since their [...]

Patriots 2011 Inside Linebackers Preview: Mayo, Guyton, Spikes

By ⋅ August 2, 2011 ⋅ Post a comment

In a Bill Belichick-coached 3-4 (3 down linemen, 4 linebackers) defensive scheme, the linebacker position has always been considered paramount to success. The system hinges on the defensive line taking up space and handling multiple offensive linemen, while versatile linebackers take advantage. (Note: This is why D-lineman never rack up huge amounts of sacks in [...]

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