Five Keys to Victory for the Patriots against the Ravens

Okay, I know it’s the preseason and having Keys to Victory is kind of pointless since a victory doesn’t really matter. After all, the Colts have lost 13 of their last 15 preseason games and they’ve done just fine (if you don’t count the postseason of course).

So instead here are five things to keep an eye on Thursday night when the 2008 Pats kick off their preseason schedule versus the Ravens.

1. Nobody Get Hurt!

Seriously the Pats could lose 70-0 and I really wouldn’t care as long as no one got injured. Okay, maybe I’d be a little concerned if they lost that bad but nothing can derail a season faster than a preseason season-ending injury. We have no choice but to leave this one in the hands of the Football Gods, so I’m going to stop writing about it for fear of bringing on any kind of curse or jinx. Just pray for no injuries.

2. Battle of the Back-Ups

So far neither Matt Cassell, Matt Gutierrez nor rookie Kevin O’Connell have been exactly lighting it up in camp and Thursday night will be a chance for one of them to pull away from the pack (I hope). Early indications are that Tom Brady, as well as many other vets, will have the night off. In a perfect world Matt Cassell would lead a couple TD drives with zero instances of tucking the ball and running because he doesn’t want to risk throwing an interception. Stuff like that is fine if you’re Vince Young; if you haven’t started a game since high school and want to prove you’re a viable NFL backup, not so much. I wouldn’t complain if Kevin O’Connell flashed some kind of brilliance either.

3. Bring the Pain, Rooks

This could be the first time in a long time that rookies see significant minutes on defense once the regular season rolls around. But first they’ve got to prove they’ve got what it takes to play in an NFL game. By all accounts Jerod Mayo has been living up to expectations in practice. He’s fast, physical and seems to be grasping Bill Belichick’s complicated defense. Meanwhile Terrence Wheatley has also impressed despite getting lit up from time to time by Randy Moss (show me an NFL corner who doesn’t).

As for the rest of the rookies like Shawn Crable, Jonathan Wilhite (who probably won’t play after pulling up lame Monday night), Gary Guyton and Vince Redd, this will be a chance to show what they got. This is when we should find out who the “gamers” are. All will surely get significant playing time. And don’t call them Shirley.

4. How’s the O-line Depth Looking?

As I’ve touched on constantly the last week my biggest concern for the 2008 Patriots is on the offensive line. Matt Light, Stephen Neal and Ryan O’Callahan are all probably out. The extent of their injuries in unknown, and the depth on the line is looking scary. This is not good since I assume every opponent this year will try to their best to get pressure on Brady the way the Giants did, though none of them have the talent of the G-men’s defensive line.

So the play of the line, especially in the early offensive series, will be something to watch. Billy Yates and Wesley Britt need to show they are capable starters or at the very least could fill in until everyone gets healthy…if everyone gets healthy, Belichick willing.

5. Free Agents Fitting In?

Fernando Bryant has thus far looked capable of taking Asante Samuel’s place at cornerback, now we’ll see if that translates into the game. Linebacker Victor Hobson has been fairly quiet, and has been passed by Mayo on the depth chart according to some observers. But he’s an NFL vet and we know he can play at this level. It will be interesting to see his play compared to Mayo once the action is live.

Other Individuals to Keep an Eye On:

Matthew Slater – universally described as an “explosive” kick returner he’ll need to show that explosion Thursday night if he’s going to make the team.

Chad Jackson – of course The Chad makes this list, Patriots fans are going to watching him like a hawk all preseason. He’ll take some punt returns, but it will hard to judge his performance at receiver with the backup quarterbacks throwing him the ball.

Sammy Morris & Lamont Jordan – these two could be fighting for a job, though I tend to believe both will make the roster. Regardless, both will need good games to ensure that.

Antwan Spann – he’s been having a great camp, that must translate into the game if he’s got a shot at making the roster.

Tank Williams – Belichick will most likely keep the newly installed defensive wrinkles under wraps for the preseason, but it will be interesting to see if Tank takes any reps at linebacker like he has been in practice.

We’ll be back this weekend with a full analysis of how all this mess plays out Thursday night. Until then, Go Pats!

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