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Biggest surprise: Nobody expected second-round pick Deion Branch to step up
the way he has, but the rookie has been quite the playmaker, particularly of
late in a struggling offensive attack.
| |  | | | Brady |
Biggest disappointment: After handling an increased workload well early on,
quarterback Tom Brady slipped into a slump and generally has not made the sharp,
quick, correct decisions he made last season.
Top newcomer: Without a doubt, this would also have to be Branch. Most of the
Patriots' rookies and free agents have been, at best, average. But Branch
has been a rousing success, particularly when he replaced the injured Troy
Brown for a spell.
Player to watch: Tight end Daniel Graham, New England's top pick in 2002, must get
healthy and be the pass-catching force the Patriots want him to be. Flashy
starts by fellow tight ends Cam Cleeland and Christian Fauria have fizzled out, and
Graham must step up.
Coaching assessment: While the Patriots' coaches did everything right last
year, it seems that they've done a lot wrong this year. Some team observers
believe that the coaches have almost outsmarted themselves, going to the
pass more frequently on offense and showing an inability to scheme against
the run on defense.
Key to second half: Unless the Patriots regain their identity on offense and
swagger all around, the second half could be a long, tough road for the
defending champs.
Material from Pro Football Weekly.
Visit PFW's web site at http://www.profootballweekly.com
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