The Patriots offense was one for the ages last season. After breaking virtually every major NFL passing and scoring record, not to mention coming within one minute of a perfect season, the Patriots passing attack could be even more dangerous in 2008. Not a very comforting thought for NFL defensive coordinators.
The reason New England's aerial attack has a chance to be even more potent is because of the potential displayed by third-year receiver Chad Jackson. After battling injuries during his first two seasons in the league, Jackson is primed to replace Donte' Stallworth and start opposite Randy Moss in the Patriots quick-strike offense.
At 6-1, 215-pounds, Jackson looks more like a defensive end than a receiver. A physical marvel, the young receiver stood out in New England's passing camp. He's starting to show the tools on the field that intrigued the Patriots enough to trade up into the early second round to select Jackson in the 2006 draft.
"Its an important year for me. This is what they drafted me for," Jackson said about playing a bigger role in the Patriots offense this season. "So I'm going to come out here and show the coaches what I can do and show the fans what I can do and help out this team any way I can.
"It feels good to be out here with the guys finally. Last year I was going through the injury and stuff and this year is more of a control year and a settle down year for me. Everything is coming along easier for me right now and all I'm doing right now is concentrating on getting the plays down and getting on the same page with the quarterbacks and the coaches. Now that I'm healthy, I expect to contribute a lot more this season."
This is an important year for Jackson. Injuries and inconsistency have led to a delay in his development while causing him to appear in just 14 games and being limited to 13 receptions (all in 2006) in two seasons with the Pats. But an unlikely veteran is mentoring Jackson: superstar wide receiver Randy Moss.
"Randy, he's been a great guy to me. He's been a great role model to me and he sat me down to talk to me," Jackson said. "He told me about the game and what he's learned from it and what he's taken from it. He's been a real positive influence on not just me but everyone on this team."
Late last season defenses figured out how to slow down the Patriots dynamic passing attack. Because teams didn't fear Stallworth, they began putting a starting cornerback on slot receiver Wes Welker and double-teaming Moss with a corner and safety.
The strategy worked because Brady lost faith in Stallworth and that allowed teams to take Moss away in the playoffs, limiting him to just seven receptions for 94 yards and one score in three games. However, if Jackson emerges and lives up to his potential, he'll give New England another receiver on the outside with sub 4.4 speed and make it difficult for defenses to use extra defenders on Moss.
Some fans might wonder how a guy who has barely played in the NFL can be the cause for so much optimism in New England. But if you listen to people close to the Patriots, Jackson is a player who is ready to burst upon the NFL scene in 2008.
"He's the most physically gifted receiver we've ever had here in New England and that's saying quite a bit with Randy Moss on the roster," a Patriots scout said. "Randy is faster but Chad has speed to go along with that Terrell Owens-like size. This is the first time since we drafted him that Chad has been healthy heading into training camp.
"He has a good grasp of the offensive system now and with his physical skills, the sky is the limit for him. We're expecting a big year out of Chad and if he continues to come along, our offense has a chance to be even more dangerous than it was a year ago."
Defensive coordinators, you've been warned.