Patriots

2/8/10 Boston, MA - The move of the Carolina Panthers to Massachusetts has overall been considered as a success. The Panthers for years were a team that just quite couldn't get to the Power Bowl but were always competitive. But the last couple of years they had seemed to decline in productivity. 2008 was their worst season yet. So when the NML approached owner Mike Starostki about perhaps moving his team to the Boston area, he jumped on the chance.

2009 was very successful for this team even if they didn't make the playoffs. They just missed

beating out new divisional rival Buffalo to make it in. But they had a good record, which is something they can build uipon. So where to these Patriots go from here?

It's hard to tell specifically since the expansion draft is still weeks away, but there are a few needs this team could possibly address.

Jay Cutler needs to prove more productive, but still is the franchise quarterback. Even though Cutler was a Cowher picked player, Shanahan seems to like the young QB. So other than Cutler needing to pick it up a tad, the offense is actually in great shape going into the off-season.

Even the defense seems to be solid. Previous draft picks made in Carolina are now starting to mature and come into their own. The one area, however, that does need some help is cornerback. After Corey Webster, the team lacks the top talent to be able to stop the Lions and Eagles of the league. Strong safety could also use some help as the decline in play of once great Bob Sanders might warrant a safety in the second or third rounds. And although not really a need right now, a left end would be a good pick as well as Chris Kelsay hasn't lived up to his potential.

2010 should be a great season for this team. Even though they will be in perhaps one of the toughest divisions in the NML, anything but the playoffs would be a huge disappointment.