Pats Lose Ty Warren for the Year

On the day after a very impressive win in their preseason opener against the New Orleans Saints, the Patriots suffered a big loss on the front line of that defense of theirs. Left end Ty Warren injured his hip today and will require season-ending surgery. It's being called a labral tear, and although it will not be career-threatening, it will require the surgery. That procedure is scheduled for Monday.

Warren has been injury-riddled for the past few years, and it is tough to see him gone already. That being said, this is an issue that the Pats have dealt with before. We saw a few promising signs in the preseason opener when it comes to filling that gap. Newcomers Gerard Warren and Marques Murrell both impressed on the defensive front. Although neither of them are technically defensive ends -- Warren is a defensive tackle and Murrell is a linebacker -- both guys seemed pretty versatile and could potentially fill the void. Additionally, the Patriots welcomed back outside linebacker and defensive end Derrick Burgess for another year. Burgess reported to camp this morning and passed his physical and conditioning test. He will practice with the team on Sunday. That's another good guy to bring back, considering he is a knowledgeable veteran who knows how to pass rush. He recorded 5 sacks last year. Outside linebacker and defensive end are two of the thinnest positions on the Pats defense, so Burgess is sure to be a helpful addition.

Bottom line is that losing Ty Warren definitely hurts. Still, it isn't a blow that I believe will change the big picture result of the Patriots season. I'm still picking them to win the division at 12-4. Do you want my crazy-ass predictions for the rest of the division? Buffalo brings up the rear at 4-12. But my middle picks may surprise you. The Jets finish third at 9-7. Miami finishes in second at 10-6. Wait.. what? The Jets are a Super Bowl contender according to everyone else! Well, I don't care. The Dolphins and Patriots will both be better than the Jets this year. Write it down and then when I'm wrong you can make fun of me in 20 weeks.