So they keep asking…
(Questions from the fans in the stands)

Email me if you want your answer included in the next issue

What about Tom Brady’s foot?
The question usually comes in many sizes, colors and — if you will — flavors. The key is that the focus is on ‘Oh My God what happens if Brady can’t play?’

Let me offer this advice: Step away from the ledge, put down the  (Gun, axe, bottle…), and take a deep breath.

According to my esteemed colleague, his doctor friend says that Brady will be fine.  After all it’s just a bruise.   Maybe Gisele can kiss it and make the booboo go away.

Is there help available for the offensive line?
Again, the question comes in a wide assortment of complaints, questions, concerns and outright rants.  To be honest, I do understand what you’re concerned about, which is why I wrote this ( Stephen Neal post)

Between Mike Flynn and John Welbourn, Russ Hochstein and Billy Yates, the team should have at least ONE guy who can play.   Scouting reports indicate Flynn and Welbourn were cast offs from their previous teams, but the reality is that they’re experienced veterans who were replaced by younger, cheaper guys with more long term upside.  They can play, and they will play, but how well, only Dante Scarnecchia can tell you for sure. 

Speaking of Dante, a MySpace reader (who asked to remain anonymous), wanted to know why I have pictures of Dante on my profile.  The short answer is I respect the heck out of the guy.  What he’s been able to do for the team over the years is truly amazing.  While I’m not enamored with the choices the team made from all the players Dante worked out before the Draft in recent years, I do think he gets a lot out of the guys who come to play.  How else can you explain why an undrafted free agent (Stephen Neal), a fifth round pick (Dan Koppen), a third round player (Nick Kaczur) and fifth round picks (Russ Hochstein, Ryan O’Callaghan, Wesley Britt)  have become key components of the line? 

Will Ty Law Return?
A popular question since the Chiefs let Law go earlier this year.  The key here is the same thing I’ve been reporting elsewhere.  Law wants too much money to just sign with any team.  At 34, this may be his last contract, and he’s the type of player who has experienced success, and wants to be paid.  Have you seen the BANG Cartoon featuring his agents (the Postons)?  NSFW

Seriously though, word is that Law needs to lower his asking price, and as the season approaches, he may just do that.  His problem is that unless he gets into the mix soon, teams may find more attractive or at least less expensive alternatives.

Recent reports indicate Law will land in Cleveland, in New York (Jets) or in New England.  Those are the logical choices considering all three have defensive coordinators (or a head coach) who Law has played for in the past Romeo Crennel (Browns) probably has the biggest need at corner, but the Browns just traded for a cornerback, and seem content to go with what they have. New England has a number of players on the roster who could fill the role Law would play.  Although playing rookies may not be the best short term strategy, that’s what it looks like the Patriots are willing to do.  A friend from New York told me not to expect Law back there anytime soon, even with Eric Mangini running the show. 

What About Junior?
Good question.  I thought Junior would return by now, and we’d see the last of some of the players in his way.  But that hasn’t transpired, and is looking less likely as we approach the season opener.  While I still believe Seau and Belichick have a gentleman’s agreement similar to what Troy Brown had last year, the timing is throwing things off.  Seau could always wait to see how things go for New England, then jump in mid-season.  The Patriots turned over their entire safety position mid season a couple years back.  Adding a linebacker who knows the scheme wouldn’t be a big stretch to adjust to mid season. 

As of right now,  Sources haven’t confirmed Seau’s interest in returning.  Junior did tell a San Diego radio station he was still considering it.  We’ll just have to wait and see on this one.

Give us some roster cut predictions
OK, but only because you made me do it.

A look around the roster gives us a better idea of who will be departing this weekend.  The linebacker, cornerback and defensive line positions all have logjams. Running back has some depth, but the team may opt to keep the veterans around due to possible injuries.  Tight end is a position to see some reductions.  Offensive line is a concern so there will probably be some keepers even in that mix of young players and aging veterans.
   
Running backs Sammy Morris and LaMont Jordan have both performed during the preseason, with Jordan having more success against the reserves than Morris against some of the opponent’s starters. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, an undrafted rookie out of Ole Miss will likely get a visit by the Turk, because he has practice squad eligibility.

Cuts will be harder in the area of defensive line.  Assuming the team keeps their players from last year (Richard Seymour, Vince Wilfork, Ty Warren, Jarvis Green, Mike Wright) five players on that side of the ball, the likely departures include Titus Adams, Steve Fifita, Kenny Smith, possibly Santonio Thomas or LeKevin Smith (who didn’t play Friday).  Players can also be placed on the reserve/injured list (ending their season, but enabling them to remain with the team).

At linebacker the question centers on Victor Hobson, Eric Alexander, Gary Guyton (who led the team with 10 tackles Thursday), Vince Redd and Larry Izzo.  Assuming Izzo is safe for his community work and his special teams leadership, the tough choice will come down to Guyton over Alexander or Redd over Hobson.  It’s possible all of them are gone, but the safe bet is two, possibly three of them stay.  Add to the mix starters Mike Vrabel, Tedy Bruschi, Adalius Thomas and rookie Jerod Mayo and top reserves Pierre Woods and Shawn Crable you’re left with a talented group. 

Rookie Shawn Crable is performing well this preseason. When I asked him last week what he wanted out of the preseason, his reply was to just improve every day.  Nice safe bet there Shawn.  Crable leads the team through the preseason with 2.5 sacks and an interception.  He’s well on his way to becoming THAT player for the Patriots.

As for the corners, the competition heated up when injuries were factored in.  Former first round pick Jason Webster has missed a bunch of time in camp, Lewis Sanders and Mike Richardson have also missed time.  Jeff Shoate’s subpar play on Thursday night could be his undoing.  Antwain Spann, a part-time corner, part safety is in the mix for a spot, but could be out of a job with another safety (John Lynch) has been added.

As for the offensive line (No pun on words, though there may as well be), the team will weed its way through the reserves who are inexperienced before the players who are established veterans.  Newcomer John Welbourn is more likely to stay than say, Stephen Sene or Dan Connolly or even Jimmy Martin.   Mike Flynn is also a consideration.  The Patriots can carry up to 10 offensive linemen, but with Stephen Neal on PUP, and (rumor has it) Russ Hochstein out for the next few weeks, interior bodies are at a premium.

A quick look at tight end provides two more roster spots that can be freed up.  Jonathan Stupar and Tyson DeVree are on the outside looking in.  Stephen Spach will probably be the one to stick along with starters Ben Watson and David Thomas.

The Patriots must release 22 players by Saturday late afternoon.  The names are out there if you’re diligent in your review of the roster.  Those names stated earlier are just a few possibilities, though I’m  pretty confident in the quick take on who stays.