2010 OUTLOOK
For years Bill Belichick has had the perfect blend of veterans, players hitting their prime and rookies to learn the ropes of the system, allowing the Patriots to turn in a dynasty that lasted nearly a decade. But after New England had its doors blown off by Baltimore in the wild-card round, 33-14, it was evident that the equation changed enough to force drastic changes or the Patriots risked getting buried in the AFC. Belichick is set to take over the controls on both offense and defense as he tries to steady the ship…As long as Tom Brady is healthy—and that was a major question last season despite 4,398 yards passing and 28 touchdowns—he’ll carry the offense on his right arm. The weapons surrounding him are getting older, most notably Randy Moss (33 years old), but the offensive line is still at the top of its game, so protection shouldn’t be an issue. And when Brady has time to throw, he’ll find the open guy. Brady was sacked just 16 times and despite the lack of a dominant runner—Laurence Maroney led the way with 757 yards—New England still ranked 12th in rushing (120.1 YPG). If offseason reports are true, WR Wes Welker, who led the league with 123 catches, could be back in uniform for Week 1 after tearing an ACL in the season finale…The stop unit is going to get a major facelift, if not this fall, then certainly by the start of 2011. Belichick has started laying the new foundation to help out the centerpiece, LB Jerod Mayo, by adding fresh blood at every level of the unit…Little separated New England from the rest of the AFC East pack last season, and for once, age appears to be more than just a number. The franchise isn’t down & out but might finish out of the playoffs. Sports Scores

Sportsbook.com Regular Season Wins Prop: Over/Under 9.5
StatFox Steve’s Take: The early schedule doesn’t do any favors for the Patriots as they look to start fast and erase the memories of last January’s playoff loss. The first seven games are made up of five defending playoff teams and two other divisional foes. Still, Tom Brady is still around and remains one of the best in the business. I’ll lean slightly over and look for a 10-6 campaign.