Top Ten Reasons to be Concerned

Top 10: Patriotic Concerns

It’s easy to look at the Patriots and be thrilled with what we have seen on the field. 59-0 against the Titans. 35-7 against the Buccaneers. What’s not to like? Well, I’ll give you ten things that should concern all Patriots fans as we come out of the bye week. If you think I’m wrong, hit me up on Twitter @PatsChowder and let me have it. I’m ready.

10. Punting Game

Ok, you got me. This really isn’t a concern that will keep Patriots Nation up at night; however, it is still a concern when your punter ranks 32nd in the league in Net Average (33.3). 32nd. Can we double check? Yep. There are 32 teams in the league. That’s awful and it needs to be addressed. Chris Hanson might not make it the rest of the season.

9. Nothing from Tight End

Granted, the Patriots offense has never been one for using the tight end position as a primary target, but the production from the position this season has been eerily absent. Ben Watson is the only one who has shown up at all and after all of the preseason hype among the tight ends the group has fallen flat. Is Chris Baker even on the roster anymore? (Answer: Yes.)

8. Remaining Depth on O-Line

Despite Matt Light already being held out of games because of an injury, the Patriots are currently feeling good about their offensive line. They were able to shift personnel around and get rookie Sebastian Vollmer more involved with surprisingly great results. If and when Light returns all will be well, but one more hit to the line could really open up things for opposing defenses.

7. Clubhouse Presence

I laughed this concern off earlier this year because there were still plenty of veterans in the Patriots clubhouse. However, as the season drudges on, the youthful Patriots defense will look to the playmakers for leadership. Namely, I’m talking about Jerod Mayo and Brandon Meriweather. I love them both and I hope they are ready to assume the role, but until they do it I have to remain a little cautious. This could be why Junior Seau’s presence was requested.

6. Edelman, Aiken, and Tate

It sounds like a law firm doesn’t it? Have you been wronged in an accident? Insurance companies aren’t fighting hard enough for what’s right? Call Edelman, Aiken, and Tate and we’ll get you what you’re owed. Come to think of it, that’s exactly what the Patriots are hoping for. No more Jabar Gaffney, no more Joey Galloway. Let’s just stop using wide receivers with the initials J.G. all together. This trio of youngsters will get leaned on heavily down the stretch.

5. Young Linebackers

I already mentioned Jerod Mayo once, but his on-the-field contributions are not in question. Gary Guyton has really stepped up and the Patriots are hoping it will continue all season, but as teams learn what he can do they will game plan for him. Pierre Woods needs to make his presence felt.

4. Cornerbacks

I know that interceptions are not the only barometer for cornerbacks. Far from it. However, when you’re top two corners (Leigh Bodden and Shawn Springs) have a combined one interception half way through the season I don’t think we’re looking at a strong unit. When they were both brought in I thought they would form a three-man rotation with Ellis Hobbs. After Hobbs was dealt, they were left to carry the load and I have been hesitant since.

3. Tom Brady’s Knee

Yeah, yeah. The knee is fine. I know. However, I voiced my concern a week ago in Tom Brady is not THAT Good. I think the Brady we may have been watching recently is evident more of the schedule then it is the talent. Granted, he’s obviously getting more and more comfortable each and every week, but let’s wait until he plays some real competitive defenses like Miami and Indianapolis in the next two weeks.

2. Lack of Pressure on the QB

Let’s keep this simple: 13.0 sacks on the season. The only teams worse then that are Green Bay, Houston, Tampa Bay, Kansas City, and Jacksonville. Those five teams are a combined 13-23. Nice.

1. Running Back Depth

What once was only a concern for fantasy football players because of the remarkable depth has now become a concern for everyone involved with the Patriots for the exact opposite reason. No more Fred Taylor. He’s done for the year. Sammy Morris is banged up and out of action for a few weeks. So we’re down to Laurence Maroney who has had his fair share of injury issues in the past. Maroney needed to step up and he has, but his history, both on-the-field and injury, cause almost all Patriots fans some concern. If they lose him it the BenJarvus Green-Ellis show with a healthy dose of Kevin Faulk. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

Gross.

Tags: Ben Watson, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Brandon Meriweather, Brandon Tate, Chris Baker, Chris Hanson, fantasy football, Fred Taylor, Gary Guyton, Jerod Mayo, Julian Edelman, Junior Seau, Kevin Faulk, Laurence Maroney, Leigh Bodden, Matt Light, New England Patriots, Pierre Woods, Sam Aiken, Sammy Morris, Sebastian Vollmer, Shawn Springs, Tom Brady, Twitter