New England Patriots

ENEMY lines WHAT A RIVAL COACH SAYS

"THIS TEAM IS going to throw the ball. The only reason the Patriots run it is to aggravate you.

Tom Brady is one of the league's premier players, and he will continue to be. He's going to have another incredible season.

The No. 1 tight end I would draft in fantasy football would be Rob Gronkowski. And the No. 2 tight end may be on the same team: Aaron Hernandez. Both of these guys are amazing, but I would be shocked if Gronk matches the year he had last season.

Wes Welker may be the best slot receiver playing the game. On every third down of six yards or shorter, he's going to get the ball.... Brandon Lloyd will take over Deion Branch's starting spot and fit in perfectly because he knows the scheme from his days in Denver with Josh McDaniels. He'll be productive, but he'll be the fourth-most-productive guy in this offense. There aren't enough footballs to go around.

You're not going to see Branch or Chad Ochocinco much. The offense will run more two-tight-end sets than three-receiver sets because the second tight end is better than the third receiver.

If the Patriots hand the ball off to Stevan Ridley or Shane Vereen often, they would not be utilizing the talents of this team properly. I wouldn't expect a surprise season from either of them. I feel the same way about Joseph Addai, who they signed. The team is counting on him to pick up blitzes, not to run the ball for 1,000 yards."

2012 schedule GAMES WEEK TO WEEK

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