Yes, New England Patriots fans, preseason game number two is upon us.  For your viewing pleasure, tune in to The NFL Network or WCVB / Channel 4 @ 8:00 PM.  I'll have the game thread opened up around 6'ish as well.

After preseason game number one against the Ravens, I have a few things I'll be looking for, so here's a breakdown:

Quarterbacks - Matt Cassel did not have a good game.  Communication with wide receivers was off, despite a lot of reps in training camp.  Hopefully Belichick and the coaching staff worked on that aspect of Cassel's game and he comes out with a little more polish than we witnessed.  Matt Gutierrez wasn't much better, but he's backup to the backup; I'm less concerned about him.  Kevin O'Connell was a welcomed surprise and I hope to see more of the same.  Tom Brady did not make the trip to Tampa Bay due to a sore foot.  Which foot it is has not been revealed.  Happy place...happy place...ohhhhmmmm.  Seriously, relax.  Preseason is not the time to push an injury, especially with your star quarterback.

Wide Receivers - After Welker got off the PUP a few weeks back, he commented how it'll take some time to get back in the swing of things, that he was working to get his timing back with the QB's, specifically Brady.  Apparently, it didn't take long.  Mike Reiss has reported that the triumvirate is looking as sharp as ever.  Look for more playing time from Moss, Welker and Gaffney.  C.J. Jones is fighting for his job.  He did not have a good showing and will need to step up.  "The Chad" is another that needs to amp it up a bit.  I really hope he succeeds; we could really use the skills he projects to have.

Running Backs - LaMont Jordan was killer against the Ravens.  At this point, I really feel like he could own the redzone/goal line RB job.  I think Maroney and Morris will see more playing time as well as Faulk.  I'd like to see a few successful options to Kevin before a feel better.

Offensive Line - JHR is the guru, but overall the O-line struggled against the Ravens and has been hampered by injuries.  Barry Stokes has been IR'd and the boys are getting older.  A younger OL is a necessity, IMO but we needed to fix linebacker first.  Let's just hope we don't need Kevin O'Connell scrambling skills all around.

Linebackers - An area focused on so heavily, the linebacker corps appear to be shaping up nicely.  OLB draftee Shawn Crable is really looking good while ILB Jerod Mayo is turning into a stud and Pierre Woods was an animal against the Ravens.  OLBs Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas will see more reps as will ILB Tedy Bruschi.  I think if this lineup proves successful, fan favorite ILB Junior Seau will retire.  I'd like to see ILB Victor Hobson do well.  He's been struggling after moving from OLB for the Jets.  Rookie ILB Gary Guyton continues to impress.

Cornerbacks - Hobbs and Bryant continue to be the starters in my mind and rookie Terrence Wheatley has really gotten himself noticed in a field of 10.  Why so many?  Belichick's looking for something, some secret sauce that'll spell disaster for opposing teams.  With that many cornerbacks on the roster, this says to me he thinks this will be a key position for 2008.

Safeties - The Denver Broncos released veteran John Lynch and Belichick promptly snatched him up.  Lynch is known for being a super hard hitter and has signed a one year deal with the Patriots.  This appears to be a direct response to the loss of Tank Williams, the hybrid safety/linebacker guy who was such a good fit for the nickelback position.  I'll be watching John.

Defensive Lineman - Jarvis Green is back and Richard Seymour is feeling pretty good.  An interesting note: Belichick had the guys practice switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3.  A 4-3 is a good overall defense, but is very effective against the run so look for it during an obvious running situation.

A bunch has happened in the last few days, so let me see if I can break it down:

• Recent signings of veterans Jeff Shoate and Ade Jimoh have swelled the cornerback ranks to 10.  In addition, the Patriots have been talking to veteran safety John Lynch and have put him through a physical.  I can only assume our team from Foxboro is carrying so many defensive secondary players so they can find that elusive combination, that pot of gold that will prove to be unstoppable.  In particular, the loss of safety Tank Williams to a knee injury in our preseason opener with the Ravens leads me to believe Belichick and Pioli are looking for that hybrid cornerback/safety player who can fill the nickelback role.
• Ellis Hobbs and Fernando Bryant project to be the starting CBs with rookie Terrence Wheatley as third.  I'm psyched for Wheatley.  With a crowded field of cornerbacks, this draftee is getting noticed.  Can you imagine how good he'll be with more NFL experience?
• ILB Jerod Mayo is the standout of the rookies.  He was supposed to be eased into the rotation, but it appears he's going to see more snaps than originally expected.  Given we were hammered in 2007 for an aging linebacker corp, I'm really stoked about this one.  This will be the first undergarment put on by opposing running backs:

• Trio of Brady-Moss-Welker looks really sharp (See Ogor?  It wasn't just about Wes. ;-))  I think this is the most dangerous QB/WR combination in football.  They literally carpet bombed opposing teams in 2007 and I see more of that in 2008.
• When asked about Belichick's history with the penalty lap, he was quoted as saying, "Maybe the guy who made the mistake gets some advice from some of the guys who are running – but don’t feel like running,” Belichick said, which yielded some laughter from media members.
• Brady will see some time in this Sunday's preseason game @ Tampa Bay.  The game is on NFL Network / WCVB Channel 4 at 8:00PM.
• Finally, public training camp practices have been extended by one day.  Friday's practice, starting at noon, is open to the public.

www.boston.com

Wes is back! Wes is back! Wes is back!  Most of the PatsPulpit faithful know of my somewhat creepy obsession with the little engine that can.  As much as I admire Moss, I think Welker had the biggest impact on the 2007 season of any player...other than Brady, of course.  Wes will never put up big TD numbers, but he's the guy marching the offense down the field when the Patriots change to quick slot or underneath routes.  Apparently, Wes dropped a few balls and had this to say:

I think it’s, you know, hard to meet up with the guys in the offseason and get balls as hard as these guys can throw," said Welker. "So, I think that’s one of the tougher parts, especially if you’re not in shape. First off, being in shape, and then getting used to getting those balls and catching them and tucking them away.

The sky is falling!  The sky is falling!  Bull crap.  This is training camp, sports fans.  Dropped balls mean diddley, especially with a guy like Wes.  Any doubts that he'll be in fine form for the season?  I think not.

At any rate, he was pulled off of the PUP along with rookie ILB Bo Ruud and CB Ellis Hobbs.  Hobbs, the CB veteran of the team, is almost guaranteed a starting spot; along side who is anyone's guess, although Fernando Bryant is looking good.  I think the term "starter" is somewhat overrated these days with all the speciality packages and substitutions taking place on a regular basis.  It's more a matter of how many snaps a player plays, in my opinion.

Nick Kaczur spoke to the media about his off-season goings on:

I definitely made a mistake," said Kaczur. "It's football season now. I'm trying to put everything behind me and concentrate on the season now. It's a good thing I have the support of a great organization, and my teammates were all behind and my family and my wife. It's just time to focus on the season now and put everything behind me.

That's it, Nick.  Drink more coolaid and say all the right things.  Keep your nose clean and stay away from dudes on the street selling prescription drugs.  Heck, can't you just ask the team doc?

And last, but not least - the Patriots first pre-season game against the Baltimore Ravens is Thursday, 8/7/2008 @ 7:30 on WCVB/Channel 5.  I will have an open game thread going for your comments.  Throughout the week I'll be putting together some things to look for with our new acquisitions as well as the vets.

Whoo hoo!!  Training camp starts today and...it's raining. :-(  This means the boys hold practice inside at the Dana-Farber Field House, closed to the public.  This is a perfect example of why you should check patriots.com before making the trek to Foxboro.  The first bit of news is players on the PUP or Physically Unable to Play list:

DL Jarvis Green
RB BenJarvus Green-Ellis
CB Ellis Hobbs
OL Nick Kaczur
G Stephen Neal
OT Oliver Ross
LB Bo Ruud
LB Mike Vrabel
WR Wes Welker
C Ryan Wendell
DL Mike Wright

Before you freak, like I did (Wes/Vrabel/Hobbs?!?!?), here's an explanation from Mike Reiss about the difference between the active/PUP list during training camp and reserve/PUP list during regular season:

These players can return to practice at any time in training camp, once they are cleared to practice because they are on the active/PUP list. The active/PUP list is different from the reserve/PUP list during the season. When players are on the reserve/PUP list during the season, they miss at least the first six weeks.

Get back into practice, guys.  Make me feel better.

www.83foundation.org

You knew this was coming. I've gone at least a month without writing an article about, or with, Wes in it. And now it's time.

One of the most productive receiving corps of the 2007 season, the real question is, "Can they do it again?"  Longevity and consistency is the hallmark of a great offense and this is true of this group of receivers.  For 2008, all eyes will be watching.  Will they dominate like 2007?  Can they continue the incredible success they had last year?  The answer is a definitive, homeristic yes.  Why?  Because with this group of guys we seem to have all the bases covered.  Seam - Moss; underneath/slot - Welker; power receiver - Jackson; speciality - Gaffney, Washington.  Let's not forget Aiken, Jones, Ortiz, and Slater.  And, for the stars of 2007 (Moss and Welker) it was their first year in a Patriots uniform.  THEIR...FIRST...YEAR!!  It can only get better.  Let's get to it.

Randy Moss - Breaking the regular season TD record by pulling down 23 touchdown passes, Randy is the gazelle of the group.  There's nothing sweeter than watching Moss "lope" down the sidelines, pull down a pass only he can catch, and then turn on the afterburners.  DBs, who were already struggling to keep up with him, give up as the legs attached to his 6-4 frame extend even further to totally embarrass that back.  While not catching those impossible passes, he draws mucho coverage away from other receivers; a HUGE benefit, if you ask me.  I'm glad he's signed.

Wes Welker - In my opinion, one of the most impactful acquisitions of 2007, Wes owns the slot.  Belichick, always watching other teams, picked him up from the Dolphins because he gave Patriots DBs fits - they just couldn't cover him.  Wes's footwork and quickness make him very slippery and difficult to manage.  He was absent from all OTAs which led to many questions about his health.  A theory which I agree with: he was worn out.  One of Brady's favorite targets as the chain mover of the group, he pulled down 112 catches for a 10.5 yard average.  When Moss wasn't open, Wes was the look of choice; I see that changing a bit as there's just too much film from 2007 showing that exact scenario over and over.  Defenses are preparing for it, I guarantee you.  The little engine that can, he'll succeed no matter what the defense tries.  Where's Wes?  Oh, he's behind you...with the ball...running for the endzone.

Jabar Gaffney - The ultimate speciality receiver, Jabar is brought in to make those impossible "keep both feet in bounds" catches.  Time and time again, I've seen Brady throw the ball at his fingertips and outside the plane of the in bounds line, only for Gaffney to somehow pull it down, keeping both feet in the green.  He's not used a lot and will never have stellar numbers, but he's the guy when you need to make possible the impossible.  The most memorable, however, is the Brady-to-Moss-to-Brady fleaflicker against the Steelers.  Brady ends up launching it to Jabar, burning Anthony Smith yet again.  This year, however, I have a feeling Jabar will take on a more active role with the departure of Stallworth.

Chad Jackson - A lot has been written about this man.  The heir apparent to Stallworth's position, much attention will be focused on "The Chad".  His role is Welker with a few more pounds and some muscle.  He's the chainsaw to Wes's scalpel.  Jackson will be relied upon to produce like an RB post catch; his job is breaking tackles and gaining yardage after the catch, a running back with great hands.  There's a few question marks, though.  Having spent his first 2 seasons injured for the most part, he's considered fragile.  In addition, it's been reported he has trouble with the playbook.  Coaches have been working with him non-stop, so I think we'll see improvement and productivity from Jackson.  He's definitely a guy to watch during TC.

Sam Aiken - A recent acquisition from the Bills and first year Patriot, Sam will be a strong addition to the special teams corp, but I don't see him getting much time on the field as a WR with the group of guys above.

C.J. Jones - Previously with the Browns and Seahawks, CJ has spent much of his career moving back and forth between active roster, practice squad and NFL Europa.  If things get tight and the front office needs to tighten its belt, I believe CJ is in jeapordy.

Robert Ortiz - 2007 saw him spend some time with the Seahawks after playing in Europe for awhile.  Robert, like CJ, may be in jeapordy if things get tight.

Matt Slater - Matt, a 2008 draftee, has been looking solid during OTAs.  Lining up at both WR and Safety, it'll be interesting to see where he ends up.  Belichick likes multi-role players and I see Matt initially adding value as a kick returner; he's got good hands and, with WR and Safety loaded up, he's an investment in youth, in my opinion.

Kelley Washington - One of the best special teams tacklers on the Patriots, I see more of the same for Kelley.  WR is a crowded position and unless he gets a chance to step in and make a big play, he will most likely become one of the Patriots best special teams guys again.  I hope he gets a shot; I really like Washington.

In a very interesting read, si.com's Don Banks discusses how the Chargers are making serious moves to beat the Patriots.  In particular, Antoine Cason was picked up to handle Wes Welker.  This I want to see - Cason the rookie against arguably the best slot receiver in the NFL today.  Wes, just to rub it in, make a great catch then tie Cason's shoelaces together and smack him on the back of the helmet.

Colts QB Peyton Manning has a bursa sac removed from his knee.  He'll most likely miss training camp with a 4-6 week recovery.  Indy fans now know how we felt seeing Brady walk to Giselle's apartment with a boot on.  Sucks, don't it?  No matter how minor, this crap makes ya nervous.

Mike Reiss, as usual, does a bang up job of breaking down the wide receiver corp and what to look out for.  Besides, isn't this like the coolest picture ever?

New acquisitions, like the Jets's former LB Victor Hobson, are ready to get to work .

I feel comfortable playing football," said Hobson, who will likely contribute on the inside of the Pats' 3-4 defense. "I'll just go out and do my job, whatever that is. Whether it's inside or outside, if they want me to play defensive end or safety, whatever it is I just want to go out there and do the best job that I can.

WR Wes Welker was honored by Pop Warner this past weekend for his exceptional accomplishments on the football field and dedication to at risk youth with his 83 Foundation . 

Patriots owner Robert Kraft talks about the Collective Bargaining Agreement , recent owner activity surrounding it and what it could mean.

Patriots Mailbag , handled by the Boston Globe's Mike Reiss, is chock full of good info this week.

StampedeBlue  bloggers ponder former New England LB Rosevelt Colvin being brought in for a physical with the Indianapolis Colts.

I'm sorry, I'm apologizing up front.  This story is, on the surface, about Moss, but I'm being sneaky.  Most of the PatsPulpit faithful know I have a ridiculous man crush on Wes Welker.  Against all odds, the little engine that can has become one of the most talented receivers in the NFL.  Don't believe me?  112 catches.  1,175 yards.  10.5 yard average.

We're all very much aware of Wes's ridiculous footwork.  He can make 90 degree jukes like noone I've ever seen, leaving DBs stunned.  Welker credits this ability to his love of soccer.  Requiring incredible footwork, extensive practice with a soccer ball generates heightened awareness of your feet and the ability to change direction rapidly:

Moss agrees. So impressed was he with what he saw from Welker last season, he's added his own soccer-specific drills to his training this offseason in Florida.

Welker had this to add:

We've kicked the ball around a little bit and I showed him some of the drills I've gone through," Welker said. "It's pretty impressive how he's gotten it in a short amount of time. He juggles it really well now, moves it around.

Moss's role is significantly different than Wes's role.  A great deal of Welker's routes are in the slot and underneath; fast footwork to get through razor thin seams is required and Wes is the best at it due to his footwork.  Moss, on the other hand, is typically running like a gazelle down the sidelines.  His body may not be built for the fast changes in direction Welker can pull off, but you never know - it could help him tremendously.

I predict many NFL receiver coaches will be adding drills like this after witnessing the success Welker has had.  They'd be idiots not to.  The Wes Welker Method.  And yet, somehow I still think Wes will remain humble:

I was talking to my parents about it and I told them, 'This is crazy - Randy is asking me about soccer so he can use it to make him better. We're talking about one of the best receivers in the NFL, and he's asking me?

The little engine that can.  You're not too bad yourself, Wes.  Not too bad at all.