In the first quarter of the first game of the NFL season, the New England Patriots saw their hopes seemingly go down the tubes. Tom Brady, the superstar quarterback of the Patriots, tore knee ligaments and was lost for the year. Nearly two months later, the Patriots find themselves in a familiar spot - atop the AFC East. At 5-2, New England hasn’t quite rolled over died just yet.

After a 30-10 defeat at the hands of the San Diego Chargers in Week 6, things looked bleak. But two consecutive wins, against the Denver Broncos last week and this week against the St. Louis Rams, have restored faith in the Patriots being an elite team in the NFL.

This week’s win against the Rams was quite impressive, especially considering that the Rams were coming off of a stunning victory against the Dallas Cowboys. In the Week 8 contest, the Patriots won 23-16 to hand new Rams coach Jim Haslett his first loss.

While the Patriots undoubtedly miss Brady being behind center, backup quarterback Matt Cassel has played increasingly well as the season has progressed. Star wide receivers Randy Moss and Wes Welker are starting to blossom and the defense has looked much improved since the embarrassing loss against the Chargers.

The main question mark for the Patriots right now is at running back. Opening week starter Laurence Maroney was lost for the season following a shoulder injury. Backup running backs Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan are also currently injured. That leaves the running back duties to veteran Kevin Faulk and rookie BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

If the Patriots can find a working combination at running back and their defense can remain stout, New England could shock the NFL world by becoming a force in the 2008 NFL playoffs. Their Super Bowl hopes remain a long shot but those chances are looking better and better.

Tags: afc east, dallas cowboys, Football, new england patriots, NFL, tom brady
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