There's never a dull moment for Patriots fans and the past few days have been no exception. Most teams cut their roster down to 52 players at the deadline and that's it, they're ready to go for the season.

But not that Pats. They got their roster down to 53 (Kevin Faulk not counting because of his one week suspension) on Saturday, but continued to make a number of moves over the long weekend. 

While most teams are solely focused on their week one game, the Patriots are still working on making their roster as strong as it can possibly be from their best player all the way down to their practice squad players. This is why the Patriots win as much as they do. 

Just look at the flurry of activity done after the roster had supposedly already been set:

Chad Jackson cut. John Lynch cut. Signed CB Deltha O'Neal. Steven Spach cut. Claimed a tackle and a tight end off waivers from other teams. Placed waiver claims on at least three offensive lineman (who ended up going to other teams).

Just another few days at the office for the Pats.

So what can we gather from all the moves made over the long weekend?

Chad "The Chad" Jackson can in fact now be labeled a bust. 

From the sound of it, John Lynch will likely be back with the team after week one. It is widely rumored that he was released so that the Pats would not have to guarantee his full salary, a concession that veterans get if they are on the roster for week one.

Deltha O'Neal is a quality pickup. He was bumped to third on the Bengals cornerback depth chart last year, but he's been to two Pro Bowls  and, at 31, should still have something left in the tank. This guarantees we won't live or die based on how a rookie cornerback performs.

The Pats are still working to add to their offensive line depth, especially at the Guard position. Expect there to be at least another move made in this area in the next couple of days.

Overall it's business as usual for the boys in blue, and that's what makes them so much fun to follow even when they haven't played a meaningful game since February.

The Pats cut their roster down to the required 53 players today and there were a couple surprises. The biggest would have to be the release of CB Fernando Bryant. 

Bryant was a staple in the preseason starting lineup and seemed like he had sewn up the job of replacing Asante Samuel. Alas, now he's gone and it looks like rookie Terrence Wheatley or vet Lewis Sanders will now be starting opposite Ellis Hobbs.

I guess seeing Bryant get steamrolled by a Giants running back into the end zone Thursday night should've been an indication that he could be in trouble.

The other surprise is that Matt Cassel is still on the team while Matt Guttierrez has been let go. While many thought Gute outperformed Cassel, clearly the Patriots did not. Kevin O'Connell slips into the third quarterback spot with the potential to be Tom Brady's backup in 2009 when Cassel's deal expired.

Though Cassel apparently played well enough to hold on to his job, I doubt he played well enough to earn a contract extension.

The surprises who made the team include Sam Aiken, a WR who will contribute on special teams, as well as undrafted rookie LB Gary Guyton. 

Guyton was all over the field on Thursday night, leading the team with 10 tackles. He's clearly got the speed that the Pats have been lacking from the position in years past.

Ray Ventrone is another surprise, and another one of those swiss army knife-type players Belichick loves. He can do a little of everything and might even see some time at slot receiver should Wes Welker miss any games.

Cut players who are candidates to be on the practice squad include Vince Redd, another undrafted rookie LB who showed some promise, Antwan Spann, who likely had his roster spot taken by John Lynch, and Mike Richardson, who hasn't been healthy in his two years with the team.

One area to keep an eye on will be on the offensive line. With Stephen Neal and Russ Hochstein both out with injuries it was somewhat of a surprise to see both vets John Welbourn and Mike Flynn cut. This makes Dan Connolly the only remaining healthy back-up at guard. Hopefully it's a sign that Hochstein is close to returning.

It's doubtful Flynn or Welbourn will catch on elsewhere, so it's good to know they are available should the injuries mount anymore.

The 2008 Patriots team is set, one week from Sunday it all begins.

Okay, I'll admit it. I'm just a little, tinsy bit worried. 

One can only rationalize for so long.

0-4.

Without Tom Brady.

Not a single touchdown in the first half in any preseason game.

But Tom Brady wasn't playing.

31st in Total Yards.

I might be wrong, but I don't think Tom Brady took a single snap. 

29th in Points Allowed.

Well, Adalius Thomas didn't really play much, Mayo's a rookie, Pierre Woods hasn't played much linebacker, Fernando Bryant's getting used to the system, Hobbs was injured, they're working out the kinks.

First Team Defense gave up first quarter drives of 57, 76, and 80 (twice) yards.

Well Belichick isn't really scheming. It's all about the scheme with the Hoodied One!

27th in Rushing Yards.

Yeah but it's Preseason...

27th in Points Scored.

Really? Well that's not good...

28th in Passing yards.

Are you kidding? Okay, I give up. What the hell is up with the Pats?!

My biggest concerns:

Offensive Line, Run Defense, and Fernando Bryant. 

Again, just little concerns.

I still tend to think Bill Yates will be fine at Right Guard until Stephen Neal comes off PUP. 

I still believe no one on the first team defense is going full speed except for Mayo.

There are at least some other options at corner if Bryant is the second coming of Duane Starks. 

And finally, though it's value is probably overblown, when Belichick actually starts game planning, things should look a whole lot better on D. I highly doubt Hobbs, Vrabel and Co. all just forgot how to tackle over the offseason.

Michael Lombardi thinks there's going to be some surprising cuts by Saturday, and even floats a rumor that he believes Bruschi will be cut (scroll down into the comments section). 

I really respect Lombardi but I would be absolutely blown away if Bruschi was cut.

He just reupped for two more years. We all know he's only a two down linebacker now.  But the leadership, experience and personality that he brings to the locker room is irreplaceable.

More irreplaceable than any other veteran of the Pats dynasty to go before him.

McGinest, Vinatieri, Law, and even Milloy.

None of them exemplified what it means to be a New England Patriot more than 54.

If he is cut it will be an absolute shock and a sad day for Pats fans everywhere.

As has been the case of late with the Patriots, there's never a dull moment. Let's just hope they can turn it on that easily against Kansas City.

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