2013 NFL Preview: New England Patriots

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Last Season: When we last left the New England Patriots, they were on the losing end of a 28-13 game against the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC Championship game. It was a another disappointing ending to a season for a team that contends every season, having made the playoffs in seven of the last eight season since their last Super Bowl win. Tom Brady and the offense was spectacular, as usual, but the defense was one of the league's worst, a fact that came back to haunt them against the eventual champions in the playoffs.

Offense: The 2013 version of the Patriots will once again be led by sure-fire Hall-of-Fame quarterback Tom Brady. At age 35, Tom Terrific is still one of the NFL's elite QBs and there's no reason to think the coming year won't be another great one. He will, however, have to deal with some changes around him. Gone is his former #1 target, Wes Welker, replaced by Danny Amendola. Brandon Lloyd is also out. Malcolm Jenkins, Donald Jones, and two rookies likely vie for the #2 wide receiver spot. The Patriots offense relies heavily on its two gifted tight ends, Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski, both of whom return, though with some injury issues. Gronk, in particular, has had an injury-riddled offseason, with both arm and back surgeries, and he may not be ready for the start of the year. The offensive line continues to be solid, keeping Brady upright and throwing. The running game was a revelation last season, with Steven Ridley rushing for over 1,200 yards. A successful running game makes a great offense even more amazing.

Defense: As great as the offense has been in New England, the defense has been the opposite. While middle-of-the-pack against the run, they were abysmal in stopping the pass and 27th in the league in total defense. Their scoring defense was pretty good, but this was due to some timely forced turnovers. They'll need to bring down the number of yards allowed in 2013. There is some talent on that side of the ball, starting with Vince Wilfork up front. Wilfork is a mammoth defensive tackle and a five-time Pro Bowler who eats up blockers and ball carriers with equal aplomb. A talented linebacking trio plays behind him and benefits from his ability to occupy blockers. Jerod Mayo, in particular, has established himself as one of the league's best. The secondary certainly takes advantage of bad throws, but has a tendency to give up big plays as well. Devin McCourty seems to be a revelation at safety and will line up along with new addition Adrian Wilson. The cornerback spot is a bit of an unknown, as Alfonzo Dennard has some legal issues. The Patriots would like to improve the pass rush this season and the further development of Chandler Jones is key. He has the ability to be a fantastic one.

Why the Patriots Will Win It All: Tom Brady is still on the team, and New England is a Super Bowl contender until he's not. He's smart, accurate, and as good a leader as the NFL has ever seen.

Why the Patriots Will Fall: The Patriots pass defense has been lacking for more than one season, and could be susceptible again in 2013. They need some of the young guys to step up in order to get more speed on the field.

Instant Impact: For a defense that needed some added speed, Jamie Collins was a good addition. He will probably see some time on third downs as a pass rusher while he develops the rest of his game. He could have some decent sack numbers.

Questions I Have: Is Gronk, and will he ever be, healthy? Can they win with Amendola and Jenkins as their starting WRs? Will Alfonzo Dennard be available?

Overall: The Patriots are contenders until proven otherwise. Brady is one of the best QBs to ever play football, and the offense will likely be one of the league's best. If the defense can back them up, and buckle down in the passing game, they'll be in the hunt for another ring. Sorry Patriots haters. They're going to be good again.

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