Things To Watch For During Tonight's Patriots Game

Finally a preseason game that is somewhat interesting. Why is it interesting? Well if you know anything about the NFL then you'd know the 3rd preseason is basically a dress rehearsal for the regular season (the first half at least). So, here is what I'll be watching for...

- Gary Guyton vs. Brandon Spikes - Guyton was supposed to be the starter, but he has been out with a hamstring pull and most scouts have fallen in love with Spikes. I think Spikes is the obvious choice, but Belichick a lot of times doesn't trust rookies. I think Spikes will be an exception (much like Mayo), and he will eventually get the job, but look for Guyton to try to make a name for himself tonight. It is interesting to see the remodeling of the LB core anyways.

- Pass Rush - Over the past couple of seasons the Patriots have really lacked the ability to get to the QB. Shit, I mean when Tully Banta-Cain is your top sack guy you know you're in trouble. I will be watching guys like Derrick Burgess, who is going to need to step up big time with Warren out for the year. It won't matter how much the defensive backfield has improved if they don't get pressure on the QB.

- WRs - Other then Moss and Welker I am really interested to see how the rest play out. Is Tate going to be anything more then a special teams player. Can Taylor Price spread the field against starting CBs. These are questions that really interest me, because if someone like Tate steps up this offense could be unstoppable (well passing anyways).

- OL - Patriots have a lot of changes on the offensive line. They also should be running the ball a lot more this year, so it'll be interesting to see how they adjust. The big thing is protecting Brady who has had a lot of injuries over the past 2 years (knee, finger, ribs), so I'm interested to see how settled he is in the pocket and how much of a push the line is getting up front.

- CBs - Leigh Bodden returns tonight, and that means someone is losing a starting job. Right now it's between rookie Devin McCourty or second-year cornerback Darius Butler. They have both been very impressive, so it'll be interesting to see who heads to the bench.

Game vs the Rams starts at 7:30pm