NESB 2008 Patriots Preview

As training camp approaches, it is now time to look at the Patriots and the up and coming season. This is just one part in a very large and insightful Patriots preview. NESB will provide the most in-depth preview online.  



Overview

February 3rd, 2008. Enough said.

The Patriots will have their sights set on yet another Super Bowl performance and thanks to the easiest schedule in the National Football League the chances become even more realistic. Aside from the loss of cornerback Asante Samuel, the Patriots have had a successful off-season in which they addressed multiple needs, multiple times. The drafting of Jerod Mayo, whom was the tenth selection in the 2008 NFL Draft, abruptly showed that the Patriots front office wanted to get faster and young defensively. After the drafting of Mayo, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and Vice President of Player Personnel man Scott Pioli selected a host of "fast" players to an otherwise slow defense. Terrence Wheatley, Shawn Crable, Jonathan Wilhite, Matthew Slater, and Bo Ruud would fall in the category as the Patriots only drafted one offensive player in the 2008 NFL Draft, that player, a quarterback. Go figure. However, many of days before the draft, the Patriots dove into free agency signing an array of unwanted veterans. Heading the class was 3-4 linebacker Victor Hobson, who was quickly thrown aside from the New York Jets due in large part to the play of 2007 rookie David Harris and the signing of one year wonder Calvin Pace. Proceeding Hobson was a pair of CB's, one of which, Fernando Bryant, started every game for his respected team, the Detroit Lions, in 2007. Ex Buffalo Bill Jason Webster, who garnered strong interest from the Patriots early on in free agency, had some stellar seasons in Atlanta but has struggled to stay healthy during his tenure in Buffalo. Both should compete for the second CB spot opposite of Ellis Hobbs. more...