The Monday Patriots Huddle

We're a mere 11 days into Free Agency and so far the Pats have kept pretty quiet. This is a return to how things were prior to 2007 when Belichick and Pioli went hog wild signing multiple Free Agents right off the bat. So far the only signings we've seen are some low level vets who will compete for roster spots in training camp. There has yet to be a big name signee who could replace Rosevelt Colvin or Asante Samuel and it's probably safe to say there's a very good chance that there won't be one at all.

We're still waiting to hear on restricted free agent ILB Adam Seward, though rumors are swirling that the Pats will make an offer, if they haven't already. The Panthers will have the chance to match any offer the Pats make, if they choose not to the Pats will have to give up a 5th round pick. It's signings like this that Patriots fans are used to. Players like Mike Vrabel who came out of Pittsburg having been mostly a backup for his early years in the NFL. Is Seward another undiscovered gem like Vrabel? Patriots fans are hoping that he is, and not another Monty "I got levelled by the Giants fat back-up QB running out of bounds" Beisel.

It looks like the Pats are going to take a small step back on defense this year. Of course there is still much work to be done but in the early going it looks like younger unproven players might be getting significant minutes in 2008. Could we finally see Pierre Woods or Eric Alexander contribute to the base defense? Until Free Agency and the draft are over it's impossible to tell. They could still trade for Lito Sheppard, sign Victor Hobson and Clark Haggans and we'd again be looking at vet-laiden defense in '08. But for now, signs are pointing to at least a partial revamp of the defensive backfrield and at one of the linebacker positions.

The good news is that nearly all of the Pats record-setting 2007 offense will return. The Pats should be able to overcome some early defensive bumps in the road.

SPYGATE UPDATE

The Boston Globe ran an extensive article on the Assistant Golf Pro today. By far this is the most in-depth reporting that has been done on this guy. The article is fairly balanced, maybe with a slight Patriots skew but regardless it has to raise questions about the AGP and his motivation. Check it out for yourself here...