By Liam O’Brien
Backed by the emergence of rookie receivers Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson and a formidable defense, the Patriots find themselves atop the division at 6-2 heading into week 8.
Coming off a bitter overtime defeat at the hands of the Jets in week 7 and the second-half comeback against the Dolphins last week, New England looks to re-establish its division dominance at home against Pittsburgh this week.
One of the true bright spots for the Pats so far has been the undrafted rookie Thompkins, whose success this year has surprised many. The unheralded receiver out of Cincinnati has established strong chemistry with Brady in the absence of stars Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski. He looks to capitalize further on his potential as the season continues. He provided the top moment for the Pats so far this season with a game-winning grab in the final minutes in a thriller against the Saints.
Dobson, who’s been chided ruthlessly by Pats’ fans for his tendency to drop passes, has improved steadily throughout the year and now finds himself as one of Brady’s top targets.
The production of these two wideouts will be crucial to the success of the team; however, the return of Gronk is surely a relieving sight. As much as Brady’s receiving corp has improved over the course of the season, the struggle to score is obvious, and the comeback of the superstar tight end has been much anticipated.
Over the past few seasons, the Pats boasted the best tight end tandem in the game, fueling the offense and giving Brady consistent production. However, the troubles of Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez lead to the demise of the group, and their absence has left a gaping hole in what used to be the most high-octane offense in the league, creating what has been a frustrating season for Brady.
Making his return last week, Gronk was impressive, showing resemblances of his old self, though failing to make a critical catch at the end of regulation which would have won the game for New England. His ability to stay healthy will prove to be a key boost for Brady and the offense.
Another injury-plagued area of the team is the defense, where the Patriots are missing their top performers on each level.
On the line, New England will be forced to cope with the 325-pound hole left by the absence of Vince Wilfork, who is done for the season after tearing his achilles. The linebacking corps suffered a huge loss after captain Jerod Mayo tore his pectoral muscle in week 6. The defensive signal-caller, who played every single snap for the Pats before his injury, leaves another gaping hole on the defensive side.
The problems don’t stop there, however, as shutdown corner Aqib Talib, who has been an important piece to the Pats’ success on D, is suffering from a hip flexor. He hopes to return this Sunday, though, to a team eager to have him.
The defense has proved dominant at times this season, but these crucial injuries will place a definite burden on their future, and require for other, less-experienced players to step up and produce in key roles.
The Pats take on Pittsburgh at 4:25 p.m. Sunday.
(Photo by Jack Hooker)
