What We Learned About The Patriots Last Night

So the first exhibition game has come and gone. So, what have we learned about the 2010 New England Patriots?

1. New Offensive identity - Ok maybe it hasn;t completely changed, but the Patriots did run the ball a lot more last night, and used a lot of formations that had 2-3 TEs on the field. Brady was using much more play action, which is something they had gotten away from with their "spread" offense. I have been saying they needed to put Brady under center the last 2 years. He was one of the best play action QBs in the league back when they were winning Super Bowls and I think it's important they get back to the kind of offense that can control a game rather then just trying to blow the doors off everyone. Before we go to far though, the Patriots did this last preseason and then ended up running their spread offense for most of the regular season.

2. Welker - I knew he wouldn't play. I wouldn't read into this much, I mean did you really think they would risk him in the first preseason game?

3. Julian Edelman - What a great game last night (six receptions for 90 yards and returned a punt 40 yards). Even if Welker isn't 100% I feel a lot better now that Edelman is turning into a very reliable receiver. I was hoping that we would see Tate get more touches, but his 1 catch was an important 20 yard catch. Still is going to need to show more then that if he wants a starting job.

4. Defense - When the starters were out their they looked pretty good. The Saints punted four times on their five first-half possessions and managed just a field goal on their last four of the game. It's just a preseason game, but at least it has to give the Patriots some confidence, since they were going against arguably the best offense in the league.

5. Running backs - They played well last night. Laurence Maroney had 2 TDs, but I wasn't overly impressed with the way he ran. I have just been fooled by him too many times. Still, he (along with rest of the running backs) should be improved this year, especially if the Patriots are going to starting basing their offense a lot more on play action, and 2/3 TE sets.

6. Brandon Spikes - You can tell Belichick really believes in this kid. He got the chance to start with Guyton hurt, and he looked comfortable. On top of that after the first team left Spikes stayed out there, and looked as if he was running the huddle for the defense. Pretty impressive for a rookie in a Belichick defense.

Overall it was a good first preseason game for the Patriots, and they have plenty to build off of.