Pro Sports Galore: NFL Predictions 2013-14- New England

Let's not panic if you're a Patriots fan just because they fell short to the Ravens at home in the AFC Championship. Simply put, this Patriots team was the third highest scoring offense in NFL history and believe it or not, their defense was pretty good. I'm not saying the Patriot's don't have any concerns because they do, but their is nothing to worry about in terms of whether or not the Patriots will be a contender again because they will.

Draft- The Patriots could go in a couple directions in the draft. They could use another weapon on offense, particularly if Wes Welker leaves town. New England could also use another pass rusher because though the pass rush is improving in increments, it still doesn't get the job done when it really needs to. And of course, the Patriots have concerns in the secondary. While I believe the Patriots will focus more on defense in the draft, I like them to select Tavon Austin out of West Virginia to replace Welker.

Offseason- Well I kind of just spoiled it in the last paragraph when I said that Austin will replace Wes Welker. I believe Welker will want a little too much money and knowing how the Patriots operate, they won't be that upset if Welker leaves. The Patriots will not only not re-sign Welker, but don't count on Aquib Talib coming back either. With concerns of his work ethic, the Patriots will not want to commit long term to a player that has those kind of issues. While I think the Patriots will lose Talib, I believe they will sign Ed Reed to help out their secondary. In addition to Reed, I believe the Patriots will sign cornerback Derrick Cox from Jacksonville. I really was impressed by Cox when the Patriots played the Jaguars in late December and I believe Bellichick took note.

Pressing Questions and Prediction

Will Rob Gronkowski get healthy, stay healthy and return to 2011 form? Gronkowski will get healthy and stay healthy for the most part except for the occasional bump and bruise. And if Gronkowski is healthy, he will produce. Count on at least ten touchdowns next year.

Will the Patriots pass defense improve in 2013? The loss of Aquib Talib will hurt, but I believe the Patriots will add depth to the pass defense with the additions of Reed and Cox. Largely because of the Reed signing, I think Devin McCourty will return to his 2010 form when he was a pro-bowler. As a whole, the Patriots pass defense is good enough to get them to a Super Bowl.

2013 Regular Season Prediction- 12-4- The schedule looks difficult for New England this year, but there is no doubt they will be up to the challenge. I expect some statement wins including one at Baltimore on opening night, but also a couple of surprising losses to Cincinnati and Tampa Bay. All of their "issues" aside, if the Patriots remain healthy, they will win many more games than they lose.

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