First preseason games aren't usually much fun, but if you're a harcore fan there are always some things you can watch for...
1) CBs - Leigh Bodden was solid for the Patriots last year, and should be more comfortable in his 2nd year. His best years were under Romeo Crennel in Cleveland, and Belichick obviously runs a very similar systems. After him is what I'm really watching for though. Second-year corner Darius Butler will likely start opposite Bodden, and I want to see him back a big improvement from last year. After those two someone needs to step up and be the nickleback, that'll be the fight between Jonathan Wilhite, first-round pick Devin McCourty, and Terrence Wheatley. Wheatley has been a bust so far, and only played in 5 games last year. I've been reading good things about him in camp, but it is time for this guy to step up or get cut. I think Wilhite sucks, so I really hope this kid Devin McCourty was worth a first round pick.
2) Welker - Does he play? If so how much? Has he lost a step? I don't think he will play tonight, that's my guess, but if he does he will obviously be the biggest story line.
3) #2 WR - I know what you're thinking. Welker is obviously the #2, but I don't count him as that since he is really a slot receiver, which I call the #3. Julian Edelman filled in nicely for Welker last year, but really is a Welker replacement more then someone who will lineup opposite of Moss every play. Who I really want to watch is Torry Holt, second-year pro Brandon Tate and rookie Taylor Price. I don't think Holt has anything left in the tank, so basically I just want to see if he is going to get cut, but maybe he'll prove me wrong. The best reviews I have been reading from camp are about Brandon Tate, if he is going to finally make a name for himself it should be this year. Price has the speed and might do well in a Donte Stallworth kind of way...spreading the field with his speed. He might not show up in the stat sheet a lot, but that doesn't mean he isn't an asset.
4) Offensive line: How will they protect Brady with Kazur hurt, and Mankins holding out. If Brady can't get protection this season is over before it even started, because they did nothing to improve their running game.
5) Brandon Spikes - I think he could be the key to this defense. If he can fit into the Patriots system quickly it could go a long way to fixing a defense that hasn't been all that great the past couple seasons. Plus it'll be exciting if he is really good, because that would give the Patriots Mayo and Spikes at LB for many years to come.
Most people won't want past the first couple of mins, but those are the things I'll have my eye out for tonight.
No comments:
Post a Comment