With the first practice under their belt, it's a good time to name the starting lineup for the 2008 season. OK, it's just my projected starting lineup. As expected, there will be a few changes from last year. Those will be highlighted with an explanation to follow:
Offense
LT Matt Light
LG Logan Mankins
C Dan Koppen
RG Stephen Neal
RT Ryan O'Callaghan
QB Tom Brady
RB Laurence Maroney
FB Heath Evans
WR Randy Moss
WR Wes Welker
TE Ben Watson
Defense
LE Ty Warren
NT Vince Wilfork
RE Richard Seymour
OLB Mike Vrabel
ILB Tedy Bruschi
ILB Victor Hobson
OLB Adalius Thomas
CB Ellis Hobbs
CB Fernando Bryant
FS James Sanders
SS Rodney Harrison
The only name absent from last year's offense is Nick Kaczur. I'm having doubts about whether he will remain with the team. It's not just about his off-field issue, though that does play a role. More than anything else, it's his ability to pass protect. I believe Kaczur has problems with speed rushers. Besides New York Giants' defensive end Michael Strahan beating Kaczur for two sacks in Super Bowl 42, I remember Baltimore used special teams LB Antwan Barnes to rush the passer and he beat Kaczur for a sack. The recent signing of Anthony Clement doesn't bode well for Kaczur.
On the defense a lot of people believe rookie first round pick Jerod Mayo will start alongside Bruschi. Count me in the minority. Because Mayo will be part of the rotation inside, he will get plenty of playing time. And for that very same reason is why I feel he will come off the bench. Mayo has to learn the roles of both ILB positions. His head is already swimming trying to get a hold of one spot. Hobson has played inside and outside for the Jets. Learning Bruschi's responsibilities won't be hard for the free agent. Mayo though will have to learn one position at a time. Whether Mayo is deployed in certain packages or Hobson and Bruschi alternate for breathers, the latter two will spend a lot of time on the field together.
The competition for corner is wide open. I really wanted to plug Mike Richardson into the starting lineup, but the nod goes to the veteran. Bryant is entering his 10th season and knows the ins and outs of the position. That gives him the advantage over the rookies and the second-year Richardson. One of the free agent CBs signed (the others being Lewis Sanders and Jason Webster) will make the team and the early favorite is Bryant.
One change I didn't make was leaving Sanders as the starting FS. Brandon Merriweather might eventually demote Sanders because Brandon is a superior athlete. Once his head catches up and Merriweather starts catching the ball for interceptions, it will just be a matter of time when Merriweather becomes the starter. Apparently he picked off a pass during Thursday's camp. That brings Merriweather one step closer.
Keywords: Adalius Thomas, Ben Watson, Brandon Merriweather, Dan Koppen, Ellis Hobbs, Fernando Bryant, Heath Evans, James Sanders, Jason Webster, Laurence Maroney, Lewis Sanders, Logan Mankins, Matt Light, Mike Vrabel, Nick Kaczur, Randy Moss, Richard Seymour, Rodney Harrison, Ryan O'Callaghan, Stephen Neal, Tedy Bruschi, Tom Brady, Ty Warren, Victor Hobson, Vince Wilfork, Wes Welker
