New England Patriots

New England Patriots Head Coach Profile

While lacking the charisma of coaching legends like Vince Lombardi and John Madden, Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is the epitome of his profession. Before arriving in Foxboro, Belichick coached the Cleveland Browns from 1991-1995. He was fairly unsuccessful, only managing one playoff victory in 1994. He is well known for his complex defensive schemes and stoic demeanor. He won two Super Bowls as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants in 1986 and 1990. Since taking over the Pats, Belichick has won three Super Bowls and is primed to win a fourth in 2007. The team has won four straight division titles as well.

New England Patriots Off-Season Moves

The New England Patriots upgraded their roster in the offseason. The prize free agent signing was linebacker Adalius Thomas, formerly of the Baltimore Ravens. Thomas brings athleticism and versatility to the defense. The addition of Tory James at cornerback adds depth and experience in the secondary.

On offense, the Patriots completely revamped their receiving corps. The most notable addition is Randy Moss. The team acquired Moss from the Oakland Raiders for a fourth round draft pick. New England also signed free agent receivers Donte Stallworth and Kelley Washington. Wes Welker was acquired from the division rival Miami Dolphins for a second round pick.  These moves give Tom Brady the best group of receivers he has ever had.

New England Patriots 2007-08 Season Outlook

The Patriots enter the 2007 season with a bad taste in their mouth after squandering an eighteen-point lead to Peyton and the Colts in last year’s AFC Championship Game. In response, the team made several changes to the team’s roster. The defense was upgraded with the free agent signing of versatile linebacker Adalius Thomas and cornerback Tory James.

All-World quarterback Tom Brady was forced to rely on wideouts like Reche “Rolling Balls” Caldwell and Doug “even the Raiders don’t want me” Gabriel last season. Seeking to address the Golden Boy’s frustration, GM Scott Peoli and Coach Bill Belichick made the receiving unit a primary focus. The receiving corps has undergone a complete makeover with the additions of Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth and Kelley Washington. Moss finally provides Brady with a legitimate number one receiver for the first time in his career. Brady is determined to bring home another Super Bowl trophy and now has an arsenal of weapons that make the Patriots the early preseason favorites. Anything short of a championship would be a complete disappointment.

The original "Patriot" logo was created in 1960 by artist Phil Bissell. 

The team was originally known as the "Boston Patriots" and later the "Bay State Patriots" before being named the New England Patriots in 1971.

Offensive lineman John Hannah was the first Patriot to be named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.

In 1993, the original logo was retired and replaced by the stylized Patriot head.

Bob Kraft bought the team in 1994. 

The Patriots opened Gillette Stadium in 2002.

Along with Hannah, the Patriots have two other players in the Hall of Fame. Cornerback Michael Haynes was elected in 1997 and linebacker Nick Buoniconti was elected in 2001.

New England Patriots 2007-08 Roster

New England Patriots 2007-08 Depth Chart

New England Patriots – Gillette Stadium

Construction Began: 2000
Opened: 2002
Capacity: 68,000
Location: Foxboro, MA
Surface: FieldTurf

Home to the New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium plays host to what has become one of the greatest football dynasties of the modern NFL era. What began as an idea of team owner Bob Kraft has become a vast improvement over the former Patriot home, Foxboro Stadium. With a greater thrust in seating, each seat offers a better “view,” and several seating areas are available to choose from. Gillette Stadium also offers 80 luxury suites to fans that prefer to watch the game in comfort during the cold New England autumns and winters.