TA's Take

The Patriots offense has not had a running game like this since 2004 when Corey Dillon was taking handoffs from Tom Brady. The Patriots have had a number of running-backs line up in the backfield over the last eight years from Laurence Maroney to Fred Taylor to BenJarvus Green-Ellis and none of them were able to replicate Dillion's production. The Patriots have been unable to find their next great running-back until now. Stevan Ridley has emerged as the Patriots lead rusher and he's running with it, pun intended. Ridley has 4 touchdowns and is currently fifth in the NFL with 490 rushing yards. He has back to back 100 yard games and 3 on the year. He is showing the ability to not only pound the rock up the middle but also bounce it outside and show his speed to the corner. He reads defenses extremely well, finds the holes and makes beautiful cuts. He is the most complete back the Patriots have had in a long time. Everyone has tried to come up with reasons why the Patr...

1. Aaron Hernandez will lead the Team with over 1,300 receiving yards and 12 Touchdowns. I expect Hernandez to be the focal point of this offense moving forward. I think Josh McDaniels will be able to utilize him like no other player. He will line up at TE, WR, and RB. Hernandez also has a chance to lead the Team in receptions, he should have over 100 but I'll still give the nod to Welker in that category. He might even add a couple hundred yards rushing. Hernandez is a special player and will show it in 2012. 2. Brandon Lloyd will have 75 catches. I believe Lloyd will have a pretty solid season for the Patriots but won't be off the charts. He is not the second coming of the 2007 Randy Moss. I can see him having around 75 catches for 1,000 yards and 7 Touchdowns. He is going to be the 4th option on this team behind Hernandez, Welker and Gronkowski so those numbers will be great for a 4th option. 3. Rob Gronkowski will have 10 Touchdowns. I think Gronkowski is going ...

     The Patriots have looked extremely impressive so far this Preseason. Both the Offense and maybe even more surprisingly the Defense have looked absolutely Dominant in the first two Preseason Games vs. the Jaguars and Buccaneers. While there have been many solid Performances here's a look at the Players who have really stood out in my opinion and have been Playing the Best Football for the Patriots in the Preseason. 1. Stevan Ridley, RB: Ridley went for over 100 total yards with 3 Touchdowns in his first NFL Game last week vs. the Jags and people wondered if it was just a Flash in the Pan or could he do it again. Well I think he answered that question with a nice follow up Performance vs. the Bucs the other night going for 84 yards on 14 carries. I don't think Ridley will overtake BenJarvus Green-Ellis this season but it will happen eventually. This kid will be a Legit starting Running back in this League one day. 2. Aaron Hernandez, TE: Hernand...