Eye to the future

Will the Patriots play the season with a grudge? To be more precise, will Bill Belichick coach with a chip on his shoulder, intent to embarrass all teams that cross his path?

Think about the leads the Patriots had in the second half and how long he left the starters in the game. The pinnacle of rubbing it in was the total destruction of Washington, 52-7. The first unit scored their sixth touchdown to make the score 45-0 with 9:06 left in the fourth quarter. They converted a 4th-and-1 on Brady's last drive and a 4th-and-2 during a drive that ended in a 10-yard touchdown run by Matt Cassel.

How about that first Miami game? After Cassel threw a pick-six to Dolphins DE Jason Taylor, the first unit was ushered back into the game to score one more touchdown. That's like, "How's that salt in your wound? Well have some tequila for your whiner's margarita!"

I hope Belichick is done pimp-smackin' the league and making the statement that they don't need video to be the dominant team in the league. Point made, Bill. Critics and haters silenced.

I'm not saying don't blow out opponents. Hell, I'm all for it. If you can put the Pats ahead by 40 by the start of the 4th quarter, do it. But then call off the big dogs and send in a young pack of wolves.

Unlike last year, New England has youth to develop for down the road. Get them in there and play them hard, as if it's a new game.

The defense alone could use seasoning. We're all in agreement that Kansas City doesn't stand a chance. After pummeling the Chiefs into the ground for three quarters and building a lead KC has no chance to recover from, send in CBs Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley in place of Ellis Hobbs and Deltha O'Neal. Give LB Tedy Bruschi's old bones some rest as Gary Guyton bumps helmets with RB Larry Johnson. And while you're at it, LB Shawn Crable could try some new pass rush moves as Mike Vrabel and Adalius Thomas give him veteran insight from the sideline. Skip Cassel and play Kevin O'Connell, use Matt Slater on both sides of the ball and as a returner. Empty the bench.

Last year's team was an all-or-nothing squad to a degree. LB Junior Seau was chasing the ring that eluded him for 18 years. CBs Asante Samuel and Randal Gay were free agents, as was S Eugene Wilson. The deal they signed WR Donte Stallworth to was a one year contract in disguise.

The Patriots are still an elite team, but with the infusion of youth that is a year or two away from starting or playing a big role on defense, now is the time to prepare them for larger roles in the not too distant future.

Getting the starters more rest could also leave them fresher for the end of the season and playoffs. So not only would the first string play better through the winter, but the experience for the back-ups improves team depth. Some of them could be regular contributors by the end of the season thanks to playing time in blowouts.

So if you want to kick sand in the league's face Bill, go ahead. Just be sure to use younger legs when you can.