Patriots QB Tom Brady

Coming off an extremely disappointing season, the New England Patriots will look to upgrade in many areas for the 2010 season.  Boston-area fans will be happy to know that the Pats have 4 selections in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft, and because of the 2010 uncapped season, they could break the bank for a big-time free agent acquisition.  There are many holes to fill on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball.  Here are the team’s most dire needs as the 2010 offseason kicks off.

Pass Rushing DE/OLB

The Patriots inability to pressure the quarterback last season was a major reason for their losses vs. the Colts, Broncos, and Saints last season.  Both leading pass-rushers from last year Tully Banta-Cain (9.5 sacks) and Derrick Burgess (5 sacks) are free-agents in 2010.  The Patriots will be almost forced to keep at last one of them, with the smart money on Banta-Cain, who knows Bill Belichick’s system more thoroughly than Burgess.  Look for the Pats to upgrade with a free-agent signing like the Cardinals’ OLB Karlos Dansby, or to address this early in the draft with a player like Michigan’s Brandon Graham or Texas’ Sergio Kindle. 

Wide Receiver/Tight End

With Wes Welker’s status up in the air for 2010, the need for another legitimate target for Tom Brady has become all the more pressing.  Tight End Ben Watson also figures to leave in free agency.  There are a slew of restricted free-agents available such as Dallas’ Miles Austin, San Diego’s Vincent Jackson, and Denver’s Brandon Marshall.  However, signing one of these receivers will cost both a 1^st and 3^rd round pick, so the Patriots would more likely go in the direction of an unrestricted free agent like Kevin Walter or Derrick Mason.  They will also need some help via the draft.  Notre Dame’s Golden Tate and USC’s Damian Williams come to mind for second-round options.  Some mock drafts have the Patriots selecting Oklahoma’s Jermaine Gresham in the 1^st, which could be unlikely due to more pressing needs. 

Running Back

The Patriots have not had a 1,000 yard rusher since Corey Dillon in 2004.  While last years’ signing of Fred Taylor looked like a steal, the fact is that he’s not getting any younger, and can’t stay on the field.  Laurence Maroney may have finally fumbled his way out of town after numerous chances to impress.  There will be free agents available such as Larry Johnson, and possibly LaDainian Tomlinson, but they have also hit the dreaded age of 30 for backs.  With 3 second round picks, expect one of them to be invested in a possible solution, but don’t be surprised if they spend a 1^st-rounder on some one like Clemson’s C.J. Spiller or California’s Jahvid Best to take the pressure off the passing game.

2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan

Infiniti MA of Norwood is excited to let all of our fans know that we were the #1 dealer in all of New England for new Infiniti sales in 2009! With our friendly and professional sales team and our dedicated service department, it’s no secret why we continue to solidify ourselves as New England’s best.
We realize that there is so much more to the car buying experience than just having the best deals. It is the long lasting personal relationships that honesty and integrity help build that keep the premier businesses like us at the top of the mountain.
In these unforgiving times of cold and unscrupulous business practice, personal touch and understanding can go a long way. Thank you for a wonderful 2009. We could not have done it without you.
On the heels of a great 2009, the long-awaited 2010 Infiniti G37 Sedan was released this month and has become an instant success among critics. U.S. News and World Report has ranked the 2010 G the second-best upscale midsize car on the market due mostly to its economic value when compared to competitors like the BMW 335i.

Others such as Car and Driver laud the new G37 because of its power, checking it in at a mammoth 328 horsepower. In times like these, it is important to get the most value for your dollar, so why settle when you can get much more for less?
While it is fantastic that critics love our products, infiniti massachusetts does not make cars to appease those who strike the keyboard from a distance.

We at Infiniti Mass of Norwood want to know what our customers think. We would really like to hear comments from those who have recently purchased a G37 Sedan. Tell us your stories involving the car, or just tell us why you love it. We look forward to your thoughts. Thank you, and here’s to a great 2010!

Budding Rivalry

If Boston sports fans are irritated at seeing the New York Jets in Sunday’s AFC Championship game, they should quickly become used to the idea that the New England Patriots will more than likely finish behind Gang Green next season. While the Jets are seemingly riding a wave of confidence spurred by their boisterous rookie head coach, and the Patriots suffer from an apparent “lack of leadership”, the truth is that the differences in the two franchises are much deeper.

Truth #1 – The Jets have drafted better than the Patriots in the last 4 years
The Patriots’ draft philosophy has always been to accumulate as many draft picks as possible to gain depth on their roster, but in the last few years there have been many misses. In the last 4 drafts, the Pats have picked up only 3 legitimate NFL starters, in Jerod Mayo, Brandon Merriweather and Sebastian Vollmer. Only 3 out of 38 total picks. Busts include Laurence Maroney and Chad Jackson. So many choices, so little return.

In contrast, since 2006, the Jets have picked up arguably the best corner in the league in Darelle Revis, two pro-bowl caliber offensive linemen in D’Brickashaw Ferguson and Nick Mangold, two developing offensive weapons in running back Shonn Greene and tight end Dustin Keller, not to mention their franchise quarterback Mark Sanchez. Also in this mix is tow solid player in DB Dwight Lowery and LB David Harris, as well as third down-back Leon Washington, and return man Brad Smith. All this was done with just 23 picks.

Truth #2 – The Jets have had a bigger impact from their free agents
When the Patriots signed LB Adalius Thomas in 2007, they believed they were getting an all-around stud. Instead, they ended up with a malcontent whose best year was 2007 recording 6.5 sacks.

He had 11.5 with Baltimore the previous year. Also billed to be able to play inside, New England had to keep signing Junior Seau for Thomas’ inability to do so. Thomas will more than likely but released this offseason. Other free agent busts that come to mind include CB’s Deltha O’Neal and Shawn Springs. In fairness to New England, the signing of Leigh Bodden was a solid move.

In the past 2 years, the Jets managed to pick up LB’s Calvin Pace and Bart Scott who have helped the Jets’ defense become the best in all of the NFL. They are both fairly young (29) and should be able to keep the Jets in contention for the next few years.

Truth #3- The Patriots best players aren’t getting any younger or healthier
Next year, Tom Brady will be entering his 11th season and will turn 33. Randy Moss will be in his 13th year and also turn 33. Kevin Faulk will be 34, and Wes Welker, although young at 29, will be returning from ACL and MCL surgery.

Even Bill Belichick is getting up there as he approaches 60. The Jets top playmakers such as Revis and Greene seem to be entering their prime, while the Patriots’ best are entering their twilight years. This is a young man’s game. If New England does not get smarter about their personnel choices this year, and replenish their corps with legitimate young talent, winning the AFC East may be the least of their worries.