Patriots Play First Preseason Game Tonight

Football is back! That means Tom Brady is back as well! Brady will indeed start tonight's game in Philadelphia; although, he will not play much at all. On the other hand, Eagles coach Andy Reid said he planned on playing his started for 1 1/2 quarter which may prompt Belichick to play his starters more.

Here are some notes:

-The Patriots have a lot of defensive line depth heading into the season: DEs Richard Seymour, Ty Warren, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright, Le Kevin Smith DTs Vince Wilfork, Ron Brace (our second round pick out of BC wearing #92). There is also speculation that the Patriots are looking to add yet another DE to the mix (Kevin Carter or Vonnie Holliday). Perhaps Belichick will finally use a 4-man line with 3-backers? Belichick has certainly had less to work with before and has kept his 3-4 scheme, but the idea is to get the best players on the field. It will be interesting to watch this development. Personally I think BB will keep the 3-4 scheme more often than not, but we can't question the genius.
-One interesting draft pick to keep an eye on is OT Sebastain Vollmer (#76). The beast 6'8" German OT out of the University of Houston has had high praise in camp thus far. The Pats have a great track record recently of drafting offensive lineman (see Koppen, Mankins). Look for Vollmer to see action on the right and left side. Perhaps he can be groomed into a possible successor to Matt Light who's contract is up after the 2010 season which is the same as Brady's. They'll have to cut costs somewhere and something tells me it won't be TB.
-Other draft picks to watch include CB Darius Butler (28), S Patrick Chung (25), and converted college QB to NFL WR Julian Edelman (11). Edelman was returning punts when I visited Pats training camp, so it should be interesting to see how he handles those duties tonight. They have the realiable Wes Welker and Kevin Faulk for possession duties, but maybe Edelman can provide some explosiveness. Also, there has been speculation Edelman could fit the offense as the Wildcat QB, but the Patriots probably wouldn't reveal much of that in preseason action.
-Maroney returned kicks also when I attended training camp. Look for him to possibly see a return or two. If not, perhaps Matthew Slater will get a crack at the duties, as he has to show something after a lack-luster rookie campaign.
-Watch the MLBs tonight. We know Mayo and Bruschi will be starting opening night, but will formally undrafted backer Gary Guyton step up like he did last year as the 3rd down LB for Bruschi? Or will newly signed former Detroit Lion veteran Paris Lenon step into that role. Will this be the year special teamer Eric Alexander finds his way into the mix?
-Four TEs going for possibly only three spots. Benjamin Watson and David Thomas return. Alex Smith (via the Bucs through trade) and Chris Baker (via the Jets through free agency). Looks as if Watson, who really hasn't lived up to the billing of a first-rounder, or Thomas, who is injury prone, are possibly out. This offense requires that the TE block more and Smith and Baker are huge and have a reputation for such.
-I will not pretend that I know too much about long-snappers, but there is a LS battle. Rookie Jake Ingram (drafted in the 6th round) is battling veteran Nathan Hodel for the duties after the departure of the reliable Lonnie Paxton.
-Not so old friend Ellis Hobbs will be opposing us tonight. He has had nothing but nice things to say about Belichick and the Patriots organization since getting the shaft for two fourth round picks on draft day.

The game begins at 7:30 on channel 4 with pregame coverage starting at 7. The Sox have a day game today so tune in and study up on these Patriots because it is going to be a special year.