Experts Like Boys, Bolts over Pats

The Patriots received the second-most votes to be the next Super Bowl champion in ESPN.com’s expert predictions.  The Pas received three of 16 votes, with both the Cowboys and Chargers receiving five.  The fact that the Patriots aren’t at least the highest vote-getter in the AFC comes a surprise to this blogger.  One could chalk it up to the tendency of prognosticators not wanting to seem dull by picking the best team, or a team that won all but one game last season.  The Patriots remain the overall favorite to take home the Vince Lombardi Trophy this season.

Could there be real reasoning behind the Pats being somewhat snubbed by the experts?  Brady’s foot injury has to be a concern until he steps on the field and performs like his old self again.  The defense, in this blogger’s opinion, is the biggest concern.  The cornerstones aren’t getting any younger and skills eventually diminish.  The team lost cornerback Asante Samuel, probably their best defensive player, and now find themselves rather thin at the position.  Bill Belichick is known for getting the most out of his defensive unit and turning no-names into studs, but can he do it again?  Most people think so, but maybe the experts have their doubts.

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