1.)   San Diego Chargers (DEF)
The Chargers finished fifth amongst National Football League defenses last year in points allowed per game (17.8) and sacks (42). Plus, they were first in interceptions (30) and tied for third with five defensive touchdowns. The dominant presence of linebackers Shawne Merriman and Shaun Phillips will resonate a feeling of cold fear through the bellies of opposing offenses all season. The Chargers should once again be one of the fiercest defensive units in the game.

2.)   Minnesota Vikings (DEF)
Minnesota sported the league’s stingiest run defense last year while allowing a paltry 74.1 yards per game to opposing ground attacks. Plus, they forced 21 fumbles, which placed them tied for second amongst NFL squads. In addition, they scored a league leading eight defensive touchdowns. The presence of newly acquired defensive end Jared Allen and his 15.5 sacks from last year with the potent mixture of defensive linemen Kevin Williams and Pat Williams pits Minnesota’s defense in an esteemed seat amongst NFL teams. They are one of the safest grabs in fantasy.

3.)   New England Patriots (DEF)
The Patriots finished fourth amongst NFL squads last season in points conceded per game (17.1) and total yards allowed per game (288.3). Plus, they were tied for second in defensive scores (six) and finished second in sacks (47). They are anchored by the likes of defensive lineman Richard Seymour and linebackers Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas. The addition of rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo will prove to be vitally important and the mixture of safeties Rodney Harrison and John Lynch should be electric. Expect the Patriots to be atop the league in all defensive categories once again this season.

John Lynch at Denver June 12, 2008 (Steve Dykes/Getty Images) " class="imgcaption floatr" style="float: right;" />John Lynch answered some questions for the media after his first practice with the Patriots. One interesting note is how close Lynch was to signing with the Patriots in 2004, before he ultimately decided to become a member of the Denver Broncos.

Q: Can you talk about how you ended up signing with the Patriots?

JL: I don’t know how exactly it went down but I was obviously flattered when there was an interest. This was a place where it nearly happened four years ago when I went to Denver [Broncos]. I was extremely impressed then and I have always admired this organization from afar. You come out here and you have star players all over with Randy Moss, Tom Brady, [Mike] Vrabel, [Tedy] Bruschi, Rodney [Harrison], you can go on and on with guys like [Richard] Seymour and [Vince] Wilfork. To me, the thing that has always impressed me the most is the way they play the game. I think they play it the right way. They embody the sense of a team as well as anyone. That has led to their success and I think everybody in the
league wants to be part of that. Never did I think…I thought Denver would be my last spot but things happen and I am happy to be here.

Q: Any big surprises on your first day at practice?

Randy Moss warms up before the Baltimore Ravens game August 7, 2008 (Jim Rogash/Getty Images) " class="imgcaption" src="http://newengland.comcastsportsnet.com/wp-content/image/wgs/scott/games/randy-moss-ravens-82210513-600.jpg" />

Randy Moss spoke to the media Friday for the first time since re-joining the team in March. In certain discussions among members of the press, the question of whether Moss would ever speak before the start of the regular season continued into the second week of the preseason before Moss opted to break his silence.

The last time Moss spoke was during the 2007 season. Since then he has become a free agent, re-signed with the team, started an autobiography book venture, purchased an interested in his own NASCAR team, launched a new apparel deal with Pony and attended a number of charitable events.

Yes, he’s busy, but he could have let us know about things before now, don’t you think?

Here are three quick questions with Randy from Friday:

Q: What made you decide to re-sign with the New England Patriots?

RM: First and foremost, we have some unfinished business. I like the camaraderie around here, especially in the locker room and on the field. They have a great group of guys in the locker room. I think that is all you can ask for. Coach [Bill] Belichick understands football and understands his players. He puts us together as one and we come together as a team. That is something you can respect playing in this profession and in this league.

Q: As much success as the offense had last year, how excited are you to get back on the field?

PATS LAND LYNCH

John Lynch (Getty images)" style="float: right;" class="imgcaption floatr" src="http://newengland.comcastsportsnet.com/wp-content/image/wgs/scott/john-lynch-getty82102690-250.jpg" />Believe it or not, veteran safety John Lynch has opted to join the New England Patriots. Lynch visited New England yesterday, underwent a team physical and apparently agreed to terms this evening according to multiple reports.

By adding Lynch, New England addressed the void left when the team placed safety Tank Williams on the reserve/injured list over the weekend. Williams suffered a traumatic knee injury against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Boston Globe and ESPN have reported that the former Bronco agreed to terms with New England this evening. Calls to Lynch’s agent were not immediately returned.

The soon-to-be 37-year old Lynch has made his reputation at being a hard-hitting run-stuffer in both Denver and Tampa Bay. Lynch offers the Patriots the same type of performance New England hoped to reap from Williams, until he as lost for the year.

The 6-foot, 2, 220-pound defender was originally selected by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the third round of the 1993 NFL Draft out of Stanford.

[Editors note: This article was written Thursday Aug 14]

UPDATE: 12:10pm Aug. 15

The Patriots made John Lynch’s signing official today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

In addition, the team announced that offensive lineman Barry Stokes was placed on reserve.injured list, ending his season. Stokes was signed to the Patriots roster Aug. 2.

Here is a bit more on Lynch from the team press release: