2011 New England Patriots NFL Expert Predictions, Picks, Vegas Super Bowl Odds and Schedule – New England NFL Football Season Preview: If any team has become the victim of its own success the last few seasons, it is the New England Patriots. After all, last year’s 14-2 regular season essentially became a failure when the Patriots fell in the divisional round of the playoffs to the New York Jets. For Bill Belichick, it has become Super Bowl or bust every year, and nothing has changed heading into the 2011-12 season. Throw in a couple high-profile free agent signings, and expectations are once again sky high in New England.
Fortunately for Belichick, he has reigning NFL MVP Tom Brady to help his team reach those lofty expectations. Brady was the architect of the top-scoring offense in the league, throwing 36 touchdowns compared to just four interceptions. That ratio is absolutely ridiculous, and it is a testament to Brady’s ability to spread the wealth and find the open man. From receivers Wes Welker and Deion Branch to tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the Patriots have plenty of weapons at Brady’s disposal. During the offseason, the front office added another when Chad Ochocinco was brought to down. While he likely won’t have the impact Randy Moss did when he was brought in, Ochocinco does give Brady another reliable target to look for.
While the passing game usually puts up the points, the running game provides plenty of yardage as well. In fact, the Patriots ranked in the top 10 last season in terms of rushing yards. BenJarvus Green-Ellis finished the year with over 1,000 yards and 13 scores, while Danny Woodhead emerged as a contributor in both the running and passing game. Throw in a pair of rookies drafted in the first three rounds of April’s draft, and New England will likely find a way to field a strong ground attack even without a lead back. The addition of first-round pick Nate Solder to the offensive line should only help matters.
If there was a weakness on the Patriots’ team last season, it was on the defensive side of the ball. The 3-4 base that has given opponents fits in the past failed to produce an effective pass rush, exposing a weak secondary. In fact, New England ranked 30th in passing defense a year ago. Cornerback Ras-I Dowling was drafted to help solve the secondary issues, but it is the addition of two veterans that turned a few heads. Disgruntled defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth was brought in to team with Vince Wilfork along the defensive front, and Shaun Ellis was added as well to provide some pressure off the end. If Haynesworth can be half the player he was in Tennessee, the New England front three should open up plenty of room for playmaking linebackers Jerod Mayo and Brandon Spikes to some serious damage.
Even if the acquisitions of Ochocinco and Haynesworth turn out to be busts, this Patriots’ team should still be able to win the AFC East. Brady and company simply put up too many points on a consistent basis not to win a lot of games. That being said, New England is going to have to find a way to be more effective on defense if a Super Bowl run is going to happen. After all, the last time Belichick won a playoff game was 2007. The defense has gotten younger and more athletic in recent drafts, and this year’s unit has a solid core of veterans as well. A deep playoff run is certainly within reach.
Preseason 2011 New England Patriots NFL Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 Super Bowl: +645
Odds to Win 2011 AFC Championship: +325
Odds to Win 2011 AFC East: -165
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2011 New England Patriots NFL Football Schedule
1 Monday Sep. 12 7:00 PM at Dolphins – – –
2 Sunday Sep. 18 4:15 PM Chargers – – –
3 Sunday Sep. 25 1:00 PM at Bills – – –
4 Sunday Oct. 2 4:15 PM at Raiders – – –
5 Sunday Oct. 9 4:15 PM Jets – – –
6 Sunday Oct. 16 4:15 PM Cowboys – – –
7 Bye Week
8 Sunday Oct. 30 4:15 PM at Steelers – – –
9 Sunday Nov. 6 4:15 PM Giants – – –
10 Sunday Nov. 13 8:20 PM at Jets – – –
11 Monday Nov. 21 8:30 PM Chiefs – – –
12 Sunday Nov. 27 4:15 PM at Eagles – – –
13 Sunday Dec. 4 8:20 PM Colts – – –
14 Sunday Dec. 11 1:00 PM at Redskins – – –
15 Sunday Dec. 18 4:15 PM at Broncos – – –
16 Saturday Dec. 24 1:00 PM Dolphins – – –
17 Sunday Jan. 1 1:00 PM Bills – – –
Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 NFL Over Under Team Wins Odds and Predictions and 2011 AFC East Odds and Predictions articles.
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