2009 preview roundup

Hey, Brady’s back. Have you heard?

In the simplistic world of predicting pigskin prevalence, it comes down to this equation: Tom Brady and his surgically-repaired knee are back to pick up where we all left off 21 months ago in the desert of Arizona. Put the rest of the NFL on alert, and be prepared to use whatever hackneyed Gisele reference is at your disposal at a moment's notice.

Still, the Patriots aren’t seen as overwhelming favorites to be the AFC Super Bowl entrant as they were a year ago headed into the 2008 season. This year’s darling team appears to be San Diego, which is humorous on many levels. Yes, the defense will be better with the returns of Shawne Merriman and Antonio Cromartie, but it’s a game in itself trying to pick which whiny particular is going to self-destruct first; LaDainian Tomlinson, Philip Rivers, or Norv Turner. Super Bowl champion Chargers? Right.

Baltimore? Maybe. Joe Flacco had a nice rookie season and all, efficiently handling the Ravens’ offense. But Derrick Mason and Mark Clayton is really one step above what Brady had in New England back in ’06. If Flacco can do what the latter managed to with his B-class receivers, then sure. Baltimore is in the mix. Good luck with that. Tennessee? If you think Kerry Collins can capture whatever pixie dust he had at his disposal a year ago, sure.

Like most seasons this decade, it’s going to come down to the three preeminent teams in the conference: New England, Pittsburgh, and Indianapolis. If you like offense, the Pats are your team. If you’re a defense wins sort of fella, go with the Steelers to repeat. Somewhere in the middle lies the Colts, which could either mean great things this season for Indy or getting lost in the playoff shuffle of New England and Pittsburgh dominance.

Here’s how folks from around the country see the Patriots’ 2009 season unfolding: