The New England Patriots have won the last 5 AFC East Titles and have made it to the AFC Title game 3 years in a row and are primed to make another run this year. Vegas odds currently have the New England Patriots at -250 to win the AFC East and +1000 to win the 2015 Super Bowl. Let’s take a quick look at the New England Patriots, along with their 2014 Schedule.
Last year the Patriots ranked 3rd in the league in scoring, at 27.8 ppg, while also ranking 8th in total yards (384.5 ypg), 10th in passing (255.4 ypg) and 9th in rushing (129.1 ypg). This is an offense that is used to being in the top 5 in most categories, but that was not the case last year as injuries really took their toll on this team. Still even with all the injuries they had a very good year and will be even better this year. Brady is back and he now has another year with a very nice set of WR’s that include Julian Edleman and Danny Amendola, plus newly acquired Brandon Lafell. Having a healthy Gronkowski will help as well, especially in the Redzone. The running game surprised last year with Ridley and Vereen and should be just as solid this year. The OL is good, but they do have a hole at center. Overall this offenses should once again be a top 5 unit.
Defensively the Patriots played a bed but don’t break style as they allowed just 21.1 ppg, to rank 10th in the league, while allowing 373.1 ypg, which was 26th in the league. The Pats also ranked 18th vs the pass (239 ypg) and 30th vs the run (134.1 ypg). Getting back a healthy Vince Wolfork should help and while they did lose Aqib Talib, they did pick up Darrell Revis shortly after. They did address their need for a DT in the draft by taking Domonique Easley (Florida) with their first pick, but they still have pressing needs at LB and even with Revis the defensive backfield isn’t all that great. I see this defense taking a step back this year, in terms of points allowed, but not by much.
The Patriots are loaded again on offense, but they do have some questions on defense. Still this team should win the AFC East by default and once again could very well represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.
2014 New England Patriots Schedule
Sept. 7 at Miami Dolphins, 1
Sept. 14 at Minnesota Vikings, 1
Sept. 21 Oakland Raiders, 1
Sept. 29 at Kansas City Chiefs (Mon), 8:30
Oct. 5 Cincinnati Bengals, 8:30*
Oct. 12 at Buffalo Bills, 1
Oct. 16 New York Jets (Thu), 8:25
Oct. 26 Chicago Bears, 1
Nov. 2 Denver Broncos, 4:25
Nov. 9 BYE
Nov. 16 at Indianapolis Colts, 8:30*
Nov. 23 Detroit Lions, 1
Nov. 30 at Green Bay Packers, 4:25
Dec. 7 at San Diego Chargers, 8:30*
Dec. 14 Miami Dolphins, 1
Dec. 21 at New York Jets, 1
Dec. 28 Buffalo Bills, 1
Info Gathered From CBS Sports
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