Patriots preview

I am as keyed up for the upcoming Patriots season as any previous one I can remember. It doesn't mean my expectations are the highest, because we have had teams that were stronger top to bottom, with fewer question marks in important areas. So let's talk about those:

1. Brady's health. Obviously this is key, although as the team proved last year, it isn't the be all, end all of how the season will go, as evidenced by racking up an 11-5 record with a quarterback who had essentially never played before. It really sucks that the Pats missed the playoffs, because this was one of the greatest regular season achievements ever, and it got glossed over because we lost a tiebreaker. But for us to get back to the juggernaut of 2007, we need Tom's knee to hold up. All signs indicate that he is fine, and I relish the thought of watching him play with a chip on his shoulder and the idea, real or perceived, of having something to prove.

2. A big transition year for the defense. Core veterans Tedy Bruschi, Mike Vrabel, and Richard Seymour are all gone. Outside linebacker is the position that concerns me most, but it doesn't seem like Coach Belichick feels the same way, as the Pats didn't do much to strengthen the area on draft day or through trades, aside from picking up hybrid end Derrick Burgess from Oakland. Trading away Seymour makes a lot of sense, as the 2011 first round pick could turn into absolute gold, while we were almost undoubtedly going to let Big Sey walk at season's end anyway. Jarvis Green has done a great job for us before, and I expect him and the two rookie defensive tackles to fill that spot by committee. The bottom line is that we need to generate a pass rush, and I have faith that The Hoodie will find a way to get it done. I also look forward to Defensive Rookie of the Year Jerod Mayo improving, which is a great thought because he's already one of the best linebackers in the game.

3. Can the offense match 2007? Wes Welker made some comments early in camp alluding to the fact that he thought this year's offense might be better than 2007's, which seems absurd since that was the best offensive team in the history of the sport. But he might be onto something, as the team has more depth and talent at running back, tight end, and possibly even wide receiver. They also have added some young depth to the offensive line. It's hard to predict that the Pats can match the sum output of that undefeated regular season, but the pieces are definitely in place to make a run at it. And that makes me really, really happy. Bring back the cries of the Patriots running it up--a charge that I think is absolutely asinine in a professional football league. Bring back the late game "eff you" touchdown. Bring back Tom Brady and company shredding the record books en route to an amazing season. I'm ready for all of it. Let's kick it off already!