The New England Patriots finished their 2013 season at 12-4 and just one game short of yet another Super Bowl appearance. The question always surrounding the Patriots is how many more years can Tom Brady contend for a Super Bowl title. Patriot fans have nothing to worry about though, as Brady continues to prove age is but a number, as he is still playing at an elite level.
The Patriots used their 29th overall selection on Dominique Easley, a defensive tackle out of Florida. Last season this team was plagued by injuries to their front seven as they lost key players Jerod Mayo and Vince Wilfork. These injuries cost the Patriots a lot of talent up front and explains why they ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed per game.
Aqib Talib was the stud of a Patriots secondary that ranked 18th in the NFL in 2013. The loss of Talib to free agency was a big blow but the Patriots wasted no time as they signed Pro Bowl cornerbacks Brandon Browner and Darrelle Revis. Combine one of the best corners in Revis with the physicality that Browner brings and the Patriots now have a deadly secondary that no team wants to face.
Running back Stevan Ridley had an outstanding 2013 campaign as he help New England rank 9th in the league in rushing yards per game. Expect much of the same this year from Ridley.
Tom Brady had yet another outstanding year as quarterback on the Patriots. Even with an injured Rob Gronkowski and a subpar receiving core Brady still threw for 4343 yards and 25 touchdowns, which was good enough to rank 10th in the NFL. Hopefully this year will be a healthy one for Gronkowski and Danny Amendola as it would lead to an even more powerhouse passing game.
Expect nothing less from the Patriots this year as they should finish out the year with a record of 12-4.
—By Brandon Wilson—