Patriots Lose Revis

Darrelle Revis signing with the New York Jets is a big blow to New England's secondary. Bill Belichick will find replacements that will get the job done this season, but there is no denying that Revis is one of the top two corners in the league. For a team that has been so dominant over the past decade plus, it really felt like Darrelle Revis and a healthy roster were the reasons this team finally won another Super Bowl after a ten year drought. Now, I still believe the Patriots will win the division and likely make it back to the AFC championship game, but I really wonder how big of a difference Revis' play was for them. Going forward we'll see if New England picks up a corner or at least a replacement for Shane Vereen (Reggie Bush, Roy Helu, CJ Spiller). New England will still be one of the best in the league, but it will be important that they hit on a couple draft picks this spring.

Will Revis Stay in New England?

It seems like a no brainer, but with free agency approaching the question is out there. The New England Patriots must re-sign Darrelle Revis as he became the best defensive player for the Super Bowl winning team. Without Revis this team may have to scramble to find a replacement. No offense to Logan Ryan or Brandon Browner, but neither are Revis. We know what the Pats will do, they never offer some crazy amount to any player, so it will be up to Revis to decide. Does he want more money, or does he want to stay on the team that brought him the most team success? We will see.

Key to Super Bowl Sunday

How can the Patriots win this weekends Super Bowl? It can't be simply Tom Brady's greatness, or Belichick's genius. There has to be more. At the end of the game, if the Patriots are victorious, of course those two will receive much of the credit. However, the play of New England's defense will be the key to a victory on Sunday night. It is important that Chandler Jones and Vince Wilfork create pressure both on the quarterback and in the middle. Holding Seattle running back Marshawn Lynch to a sub-par game is critical. It will also be key that the New England linebackers contain Russell Wilson, and do not let him break out for any big plays outside of the pocket. Lastly, the secondary will be imperative. Darrelle Revis and other cornerbacks must make sure they continue to cover well, even when Wilson is able to extend plays with his feet. If the New England Patriots defense are able to do all this, they may not even need an MVP performance from Brady, just a solid one.

Patriots Last Place in the AFC East?

As I look at the NFL standings, following the first Sunday of the season, there is something shocking about the AFC East. There are three teams tied for first in the division: the New York Jets (W 19-14 vs OAK), Buffalo Bills (W 23-20 vs CHI) and Miami Dolphins (W 33-20 vs NE). This leaves just one team sitting dead last, and that team, is the New England Patriots.

For the first time since 2003, a Tom Brady-led squad lost in week one of the season. The Patriots, as usual, are Super Bowl contenders this year. So, an opening week loss to an injury-plaugued Miami team comes as a bit of a shock to most fans, including myself. Now don't get me wrong, the Patriots and Dolphins always play great games in Florida, but never have I seen Miami's defense so dominant. After a strong first half from Brady and the offense, Miami ramped up the pressure. The Dolphins were able to get to Brady four times, twice forcing fumbles. Miami defensive end Cameron Wake forced both of the those fumbles, the last of which all but sealed the win.

New England was dominated in the second half of Sunday afternoons game, and were left as a last place team. However, the last two times the Patriots lost their opening week matchup, they went on to win the super bowl. That is not to understate how bad the Patriots looked in the second half, but it is interesting. Going into this year the Pats are once again favorites to compete for the Lombardi trophy. Most view them and the Broncos as a lock for a rematch of last years AFC championship game. One that saw the injury-riddled team come up short at Mile High.

This years team is revamped. Especially on the defensive side. The addition of shutdown corner Darrelle Revis is huge for the Pats, considering they let Aquib Talib go to the Broncos. It also gives gives Belichek one of the best corners in the game. Perhaps the biggest addition of all is simply the return of multiple players from injury. From tight end Rob Gronkowski, to middle linebacker Jerod Mayo, New England had many players finish last year on injured reserve.

So, the return of players like Vince Wilfork and Rob Gronkowski should make for a very successful regular season in Foxboro. Whether or not the offensive line holds up is another question. I'm not too concerned just yet, but if the Patriots have more performances like they did in South Beach, a trip to the AFC championship might not be so easy.