What We Learned About The Patriots Last Night

We learned that Bill Belichick was more then a little bit upset with the performance a week ago against the Rams. The Patriots never play their starters in the 4th preseason game, but there they were to start the game.

The defense didn't look good, but that was more about schemes then their actual play. They were playing shorthanded at the CB position, so they were not able to do matchups, plus it's the 4th preseason game and the Patriots didn't want to tip their hand too much.

Brady was solid, he had one ugly pass to Moss that was picked because it was underthrown, but he also had a TD to Rob Gronkowski. All I can say is that TEs better be a big part of this offense, because they have been the best part of this team so far.

The key was no one got hurt, and Belichick got his message across that the Patriots have to bing better effort then what they have been giving. Yet, I question if it is just effort. In my eyes this is not the best built team. I've been wrong before, but I still feel they could've done a lot more then offseason.

It was great to see Devin McCourty play better. He was terrible against the Rams, but bounced back nicely. The Patriots really need this rookie to step up with Bodden out for the year.

Anyways, thank god this bullshit is over and we can get to games that actually matter.

Things To Watch For During Tonight's Patriots Game

It's the preseason finale tonight (thank god), and although there isn't a whole lot to watch for there are a couple things I got my eye on.

- Maroney - He has dress the last 2 preseason game, but hasn't touched the field. In classic Patriots style we have no idea he is hurt, or they just want him healthy for the regular season. Either way, I would like to see Maroney at least get a couple touches before the regular season.

- CBs - Leigh Bodden is out for the year, and that leaves a big whole. Darius Butler will take over for Bodden and Devin McCourty will be asked to do more as a rookie, but I want to see how all the pieces fit together with guys like Jonathan Wilhite, Terrence Wheatley. Solid play from any of these guys could mean a lot more playing time come the regular season.

- Offensive line - I don't Brady will play much (if at all tonight), but there are a couple guys on the bubble here (George Bussey, Mark LeVoir and Ted Larsen) and they are going to need very strong performances tonight if they want any shot at making the team.

Other then that there really isn't much to watch for. Can't wait for this shit to be over and we get to something that matters.

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

What To Watch For During Patriots Game Tonight

Exhibition games suck, but here is what you die hard fans should be watching for...

1. WRs: I doubt Welker will play tonight, so we can leave him out of this mix, and we all know Randy Moss is awesome and in a contract year. Even Edleman has found his spot as the Welker replacement, the question is behind those guys. Holt is now gone, and David Patten retires, so it is up to the young guys to make up the difference. Tate has been good this preseason (according to reports), and I really think he will get a lot of playing time this year. The other option is the speedy Taylor Price. Watch to see how Tate and Price compare because the Patriots are going to need another deep threat other then Randy Moss.

2. The defensive line: Ty Warren is lost for the year, and that leaves a huge hole in this defense. Gerard Warren and Damione Lewis were solid pickups this offseason, but I'm really not sold on them. I like Mike Wright, but I really think of him as more of a backup, That’s why the development of second-year players Ron Brace and Myron Pryor and the assimilation of rookies Brandon Deaderick and Kade Weston is so important, because who knows what they'll get out of Derrick Burgess. Look for how the Patriots go against the run, and how they are getting pressure on the QB, because honestly right now I am really worried if they will be able to do either of those things.

3. CBs: They played well overall in the first game, and that is encouraging for this young secondary, but there are still a ton of questions. The Patriots need to cause more turnovers, and if this defensive line is going to be below average then the Patriots are really going to need their CBs to pickup the slack.

4. Offensive line: Looked good in the first game, but with Mankins out and some injuries this has to be an area of concern. Watch to see if the Patriots get a good push up front when running the ball, and how they protect Brady during any kind of deep drop. Doesn't matter who your QB is if he doesn't have enough time to make his reads.

Game starts at 8pm.

What To Watch For During Patriots Game Tonight

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.

Things To Watch For In Tonight's Patriots Game

Well we are at the 3rd preseason game, and if you know football at all this is by far the most important. Usually this is the game when the starters play the deepest into the game. So here is what to watch for...

1. Running back Situation - We are finally going to get to see how the Patriots plan to use all their running backs. A lot of people have been saying how well Maroney has looked in camp. If he wants to get his touches then he is going to need to step up in this game.

2. Pat Chung needs to have a much better game. Last time out he muffed a punt, and missed some tackles. This is a team with Super Bowl aspirations, so a young guy like Chung really needs to play like he belongs all the time, or he will be riding the pine.

3. What is the deal with the patriots defense. Last time out they went 3-4, but there has been a lot of talk of switching to 4-3 (which I like). If they do go 4-3 is there really any need for Bruschi on this team? Watch for how they use him tonight...

4. Will Shawn Springs play? He hasn't yet, but you would really like to see him out there getting comfortable with the other guys on the defense. Keep an eye to see if he is out there and healthy.

5. This could be Watson's last game as a Patriot. He needs a big night to even stay on the roster. Keep an eye to see how they use him, and how he is able to preform.

Vick To Play Thursday

But what will be his role?

"With Michael Vick eligible to participate in the Philadelphia Eagles' third preseason game on Thursday -- his first action since his release from incarceration -- the rumors have been swirling as to what his role will be in that contest. As per the Philadelphia Daily News' Eagletarian blog, you can expect Donovan McNabb under center through the first half, followed by Kevin Kolb in the third quarter and Vick in the fourth quarter. An official announcement on Reid's plans is expected in a news conference today, and we'll have more on Vick as the week progresses (ESPN)."

Hate him or love him I think we can all agree we are all a little interested to see what he looks like after 2 years in jail. Will he have the same speed? Can he read a defense? How will he fit in with the Eagles? How will the crowd react? I know I'll be watching...

Things To Watch For During The Patriots Game Tonight...

The Patriots are entering their 2nd preseason game tonight, as the Bengals travel to Foxboro. A lot of questions seems to be answered last week. Tom Brady seemed healthy, and the offense overall looked to be finding a groove. Tonight the Patriots have a whole new things to watch for...

1. We know Tom Brady will be the starting QB, and seems healthy. He has been taking less snaps this week, which would make me think that we are going to see less of him tonight. The Patriots will be focusing on who is going to be the backup. Basically that means Kevin O’Connell and Andrew Walter battle for the #2 job, while Hoyer battles for a place on the team.

2. Is Joey Galloway going to be cut? Don't laugh there have been rumors after a terrible first preseason game and some unimpressive practices he is starting to fall from that #3 WR spot. He is 37 years old, and if he doesn't show up tonight he might be looking for a new team.

3. Derrick Burgess now has some practices under his belt, and reports are he is fitting in well. Now it is time to see what he can do during a game. Look for him to try to make some noise tonight, as he is fighting to bring his career back into the light.

4. The Patriots have a mess of TEs. It looks like Watson will once again not play tonight (big surprise right?), which leads me to believe he is on his way out. Chris Baker went off in the first game and it looks like he will be the #1 TE for New England, but who is going to be #2. It should be a dog fight between David Thomas, Tyson DeVree, and Alex Smith.

5. What defense will be Patriots play. There have been a lot of rumors that the Pats are going to switch to a 4-3 this year instead of their normal 3-4. This would mean less playing time for Bruschi (which is a good thing), while being able to capitalize on the talent they have on the defensive line. Just keep an eye on what they are playing more often...

Game starts at 7:30pm on CBS.

Patriots @ Eagles Preview

Well it is finally time to see Tom Brady back on the field, and from what I have been reading it sounds like he might see a good amount of time tonight (my guess is at least 1 full quarter). There are a lot of things I am really interested to see in this game. Obviously we start with who won't play tonight, and it sounds like it will be the following people...

CB Shawn Springs
LB Tedy Bruschi
LB Paris Lenon
OL George Bussey
DL Mike Wright

There are two things that I will be looking for in this game. 1 is how Brady moves around with that brace on his knee. Does he follow through with his passes? How much rust can we expect after not playing for almost a full year?

The other thing I will be watching is all the new player (and young players) on defense. I want to see how the Patriots do against the usually pass heavy Eagles offense. I also want to see the development of players like Mayo, Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable. Also, how will the use Burgess?

This is the most I have looked forward to a preseason game in a while. I am very interested in how Brady is, but I also have my concerns. I say it will take about half the season until I don't have a heart attack every time Brady drops back to pass...