VIEW FROM THE COUCH: VOL. V

By D'Arcy Maine, NFL Draft Bible

The New England Patriots franchise has managed to create astonishing success during the last decade around fundamentally-sound, team players. But after winning three Super Bowl titles in four years (2001, 2003, 2004), the last two seasons have been disappointing, with postseason losses to the Denver Broncos and Indianapolis Colts, respectively. The team decided to make some risky moves this off-season. Bill Belichick and company acquired a group of new players, including some with checkered pasts. Like many, I was surprised by these signings and was excited about the potential of several of the new players but concerned how character issues could plague this promising squad.

After watching the pre-season exhibition game pitting the Patriots against the Carolina Panthers last week, the lopsided score, 24-7, doesn’t give justice to the Patriots win. New England dominated from the kick-off and never backed down.

Pre-season games of course are just that and don’t count for anything other than pride. But if that game is any indication of what we can expect from New England, this team should be playing deep into the playoffs.

Quarterback (turned new dad and gossip fodder) Tom Brady expressed his disappointment last season regarding his lack of quality receivers after losing Deion Branch to the Seahawks. Despite a solid season by the team, Brady’s concerns were heard by management- and a highly aggressive off-season pursuit for offensive help ensued.

Draft weekend proved particularly fruitful for the team - most notably with the trade for controversial wide receiver Randy Moss from the Oakland Raiders. Moss is a superbly talented athlete who shined as a five-time Pro-Bowl player in his seven years with the Vikings. However, his career has been plagued with legal problems and in his last two seasons with the Raiders questions regarding his lack of commitment and dedication to football constantly arose.

Moss promises a fresh start in Foxborough and so far has delivered by working hard during the summer practices and bonding with his new teammates. Lest we forget that Moss also took a pay-cut to join the ever-improving Patriots’ team. It remains to be seen if Moss can keep it together all season, but skeptics also had doubts that Corey Dillon would be a team player after arriving in New England. Dillon, un-affectionately known as “Dillon the Villain” by fans of the Bengals, proved everyone wrong and was a key element in the 2004 Super Bowl winning season and provided leadership on and off the field.

Wide receiver Donte’ Stallworth was acquired in free agency, bulking up an impressive receiving corps. Stallworth has been plagued by injuries but, when healthy, his incredible speed and agility make him extremely difficult for cornerbacks to defend. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported a substance abuse problem last year but it seems the Patriots are convinced Stallworth has overcome this.

Rookie safety Brandon Meriweather was the team’s first round draft pick in 2007 out of the University of Miami. At just 22, Meriweather has experienced his fair share of controversy, having shot a man and being involved in the notorious Miami-Florida International brawl last season. Meriweather was seen stomping on several of the players during the on-field fight. However, amidst the controversy, he is very talented with enormous potential.

Coach Bill Belichick displays little, if any, tolerance for players who step out of line, and this no-nonsense attitude has worked to keep his players out of trouble. Owner Robert Kraft hopes this method continues to work with his new acquisitions.

The Patriots have one of the most consistent defenses in the NFL, led by the fan-favorite linebacker Tedy Bruschi and safety Rodney Harrison. After months of contractual disputes, cornerback Asante Samuel has returned to the team and will begin practicing as soon he passes his physical exam. Last season, Samuel led the league in interceptions and should dominate this category again in 2007. The team also signed linebacker Adalius Thomas as a free agent during the off-season and he provides depth and versatility to the already impressive squad.

The Patriots have had many players come and go since their first championship but a few things have remained - Belichick, Brady, and a team-first mentality. Belichick, with his gruff attitude and unbelievable attention to detail, has an approach to football that few can match. The always-focused Brady, with his unselfish play and affable personality, is the perfect complement to his head coach, turning Belichick’s ideas and concepts into reality. Together they have turned mediocre receivers into some of the league’s best by devoting themselves to the good of the team and not the individual.

While the new additions to the roster bring more talent to New England than the squad has perhaps ever seen at one time, it will still be up to Belichick and Brady to keep the team focused and united as one. If they can do this, the on-the-field success should come almost effortlessly and the New England Patriots will be crowned Super Bowl Champions of the 2007 season.

Catch D'Arcy Maine's "View From The Couch" all season long exclusively at the NFL Draft Bible. You can email D'Arcy at: d'arcy@nfldraftbible.com