New England Patriots: Revisiting Preseason Predictions

DEFENSIVE LINE TAKING SHAPE:

I SAID THEN:

The top two spots on the defensive line are set with future star Malcom Brown building off his impressive rookie season and veteran Alan Branch (back from his team suspension–which was more likely a “veteran practice break” more than anything else). (Markus) Kuhn was a cast-off from the Giants but has one of the biggest surprises on the defensive line playing with surprising athleticism and strength at the point of attack…Young veteran Anthony Johnson was probably the most under-the-radar signing of the offseason…Another strong performance by Johnson could land him on the roster as an interior sub-rusher.

I SAY NOW:
Woof. I whiffed on Anthony Johnson. Johnson did make the roster and played four games but after he was caught in a roster squeeze he was demoted to the practice squad. The Jets poached Johnson from the practice squad and although he did not play much, he should have a decent shot to stick in New York.

As impressive as Kuhn was in the preseason, it was a numbers game inside and the Patriots were more impressed with Vincent Valentine than with Kuhn. Kuhn was out of the league and never caught on with anyone. Valentine was a key substitute and is big, strong, and a classic space-eater in the middle who fits well with the defensive tackle rotation.

Brown played well most of the season but did not take the next step into a dominant, Vince Wilfork type of defensive tackle in his second year. He did end up in Bill Belichick’s doghouse due to allegedly missing practice but worked his way out and should be in his typical role for the playoffs.