2009 Recap: New England Patriots

For my first installment, I'll be doing a team-by-team recap in order to get a broad view of where each team stands as we head into the off-season marked by free agency and the 2010 NFL Draft. Today's team is the New England Patriots

In 2008, members of Patriot's Nation were torn when 2-time Super Bowl MVP quarterback Tom Brady went down with a devastating knee injury. Even more fans and football analysts alike were surprised when career backup and 2005 seventh round pick Matt Cassel stepped in and led the team to 11 wins, however, the Patriots did not earn a playoff berth. In the off-season, Cassel along with linebacker Mike Vrabel were shipped off to Kansas City for a second round pick. A year later, Brady stepped back into the lineup and led the team to 10 victories, yet something didn't seem quite right with the Patriots in 2009. With key defensive leaders gone including Rodney Harrison (retirement), Vrabel (traded) and Richard Seymour (traded), the team did not establish any type of identity. Stopping opponents only became more difficult when 2008 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo went down with a knee injury in the first game of the season.

In the team's first game against the Buffalo Bills, the team was on the verge of losing when Bills kick returner and starting cornerback Leodis McKelvin fumbled the ball on a kickoff. Brady looked like his old self, leading the team to the game winning score. However, this seemed to be one of the last times we would see Brady come up in the clutch. The team failed to hold onto fourth quarter leads throughout the year, losing close games to the Jets (9-16), Broncos (17-20 OT), Colts (34-35), Dolphins (21-22), and Texans (27-34).

Although Brady was voted to the Pro Bowl for the fifth time and threw for 4,398 yards and 28 touchdowns, he was not as consistent in years past, especially late in games. It is important to keep in mind that outside of Randy Moss (who was also not consistent) and slot machine Wes Welker, Brady had next to no options to throw to besides tight end Ben Watson and seventh round converted quarterback to receiver Julian Edelman.

The running game, which was supposed to be one of the team's strengths was once again merely above average. Longtime Jacksonville Jaguars running back Fred Taylor was signed in the off-season to add versatility to the group that already included Sammy Morris, Laurence Maroney, and third down specialist Kevin Faulk. However, Taylor suffered a bad ankle injury and only played in six of the team's games. Maroney continued to frustrate fans and coaches alike with his inconsistent performances. Although it can be said he ran with more purpose this season, Maroney developed a knack for fumbling inside the red zone in key situations. As a former first round pick in 2006, Maroney has clearly failed to live up to expectations.

Randy Moss put up good numbers, 83/1,264/13, but there were several times where his effort came into question. After the season, reports have emerged that Moss played with a dislocated shoulder and some leg problems, but he certainly was not as dependable as in his record-setting season in 2007. Welker was a monster despite missing time early in the season. He went on to post a league-leading 123 catches in making his second Pro Bowl. However, Welker's season did not end well as he tore both his MCL and ACL in his left knee in the Patriots' final regular season game. Without Welker in the lineup, the Patriots were dominated by the Ravens in the opening round of the playoffs. One of the Patriots' previous strengths, their receiving core, was clearly a liability outside of their two Pro Bowlers.

On the offensive line, the starting lineup remained in tact from 2008. Left guard Logan Mankins continued to play at a high level, earning his second Pro Bowl nod, however the rest of the line's play could have been better. Starting tackles Matt Light and Nick Kaczur missed time due to injuries. Surprisingly, little-known second round pick Sebastian Vollmer stepped in and played well for both players throughout the season.

The Patriots finished the regular season ranked sixth in the NFL in scoring at 26.7 points per game, but outside of the blowouts against the Tennessee Titans (59-0), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (35-7) and Jaguars (35-7) the offense did not click on all cylinders all the time.

Defensively, the Patriots simply could not come up with big plays when needed. The team traded for defensive end Derrick Burgess in the off-season to help its pass rush, but I don't think anyone would disagree that he was not worth the cost of a third round pick. Veteran cornerback Shawn Springs was supposed to be the leader of the secondary, yet he was inactive for a stretch during the middle of the season. Free agent signee Leigh Bodden played solidly at cornerback, tying for the team lead with five interceptions. Brandon McGowan, an undrafted safety who spent some time with the Chicago Bears, played well in the beginning of the season, particularly when asked to shadow tight ends, however, he lost his starting job to James Sanders towards the end of the year. Former 2007 first round pick Brandon Meriweather made the Pro Bowl after recording five interceptions, but he continued to make mistakes in coverage and missing tackles. He will need to be a more consistent player next season if he is to make a return trip to the Pro Bowl.

The linebacking corp was at best average. Mayo was solid when he returned, but did not register many "big plays" like he spoke of before the season started. Inside linebacker Gary Guyton recorded 85 tackles and two sacks, but his lack of strength at the point of attack was exploited as he was frequently blocked by interior linemen. The team lost two young players in the pre-season, third round pick Tyron McKenzie and Shawn Crable to injuries. Both were expected to be contributors in the rotation. After under performing in San Fransisco, the team's seventh round pick in 2003, Tully Banta-Cain returned and recorded a team-leading 10 sacks. However, his inability to set the edge against the run game made him a one-dimensional player.

One of the team's biggest disappointments and mysteries was Adalius Thomas. Signed to a big contract in 2007, he was a highly-regarded outside linebacker who could rush the passer and play the run game. However, after a good first season, Thomas broke his forearm in 2008, and basically was relegated to a two-down player in 2009. There has been speculation that the coaching staff told Thomas he would be used in a different way, but either way, Thomas simply did not live up to expectations.

Vince Wilfork continued to dominate as one of the top 3-4 nose tackles in the league, earning his second Pro Bowl appearance despite contract issues. At left end, Ty Warren played solid against the run game, but he again was not at 100% for a full season. The team's biggest problem was trying to replace a potential Hall of Famer in Seymour. He was regarded as one of the top 3-4 ends in the game thanks to his great strength and ability to rush the passer while constantly being double teamed. Mike Wright was a nice pass rush presence, but Jarvis Green had a down season.

The Patriots finished the season ranked fifth in scoring defense at 17.8 points per game, but they only ranked 23rd in sacks.

Off-season issues to address:
1. Vince Wilfork's contract: Set to become an unrestricted free agent, Wilfork is the best player on defense. He does not want to be franchised, but it is all but set in stone that if he and the team do not come to terms on a contract, he will be.

2. Pass Rush: While the secondary was often criticized, considering the young players who were on the field, they did a decent job. Anyone can throw against even the best secondaries when there is no pressure on the quarterback. The Patriots need to find an intimidating pass rusher who other teams need to account for.

3. Play makers: With Welker's return unknown and an aging Moss, the Patriots need to address the wide receiver position. With three running backs over 30, they also need to add a more dynamic player who can go the distance. Also, Watson is a free agent who does not seem to be on the team's radar for a new deal so adding a pass-catching tight end would seem to be a need as well.