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Tony's Top 5 candidates to step up in Brady's absence
5
Matt Cassel, QB. Drafted in 2005, he's had three full seasons as Brady's understudy. So is he the next Tom Brady? Or just another Tommy Hodson?
4
Stephen Gostkowski, K. Why is he even on this list? Think about it: With Brady out, doesn't it stand to reason that the Pats might have to start converting field goals?
3
The defense. Last year, the Pats set an NFL record for points scored and dominated games with their offense. Without Brady, their ability to stop opponents grows in importance.
2
The running backs. Suddenly, keeping five in the backfield doesn't seem like such a bad idea. Of Laurence Maroney, Sammy Morris, LaMont Jordan, Kevin Faulk, and Heath Evans, the Pats may need all of them.
1
Bill Belichick. The mastermind has arguably his greatest challenge. If he can win a title without Brady, he'll go down as the undisputed Best Coach in History.
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About Mazz
Tony Massarotti is a Globe sportswriter and has been writing about sports in Boston for the last 19 years. A lifelong Bostonian, Massarotti graduated from Waltham High School and Tufts University. He was voted the Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by his peers in 2000 and 2008 and has been a finalist for the award on several other occasions. This blog won a 2008 EPpy award for "Best Sports Blog".
Tony's Top 5
NFL power rankings
5
Broncos. OK, we’re convinced. Kyle Orton is now 26-12 in his career as a starter. Josh McDaniels looks like a real coach. And the defense is much improved.
4
Saints. Went into Philly and beat the Eagles, went into New York and beat the Jets. Better defense than we thought. Right?
3
Vikings. If you’re a Vikes fan, Brett Favre should scare you come playoff time. But in the regular season? So far, so good.
2
Colts. Don’t look now, but only three teams in the NFL have allowed fewer points than Indy. And have we mentioned the quarterback?
1
Giants. They can run, pass and play defense. And did we mention they’re well-coached? Who needs Plaxico?
Featured Comments
Catching Tiger by the taleTiger doesn't need a swing coach he needs a swinger coach. Someone who can teach him how to step out. Calling her from his cell phone, leaving a recorded message on her phone what a dope.
ppag
A comprehensive breakdown of the PatsLet there be no doubt that this is a highly flawed team. However, there is no one in the AFC who scares me to the point that I don't think the Pats could beat them in January, even on the road which they will clearly have to do now.
internetking
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