That's how I feel on the inside. I can't wait until I race home from work, turn on the tv, and catch the opening kickoff.
As time ticks down to pre-season game five for the Patriots (I know it's week one, but it's the Chiefs for goodness sake!), there's a few things I'll be looking for:
1. Breaking in Brady - The cover of Sunday's Boston Herald sports section featured Tom Brady with a tool belt around his waist and a wrench in his hand, signifying he needs to fix the team, or the offense in particular. It's not a complete project. Just maintenance. Tighten a few screws, add a little lube, and the offense will be humming again. More than anything, I want to see where Brady is at, see if he has to break his rust. I have a strong feeling he will go deep to WR Randy Moss early.
2. What, we worry? - Whenever a member of the defense was interviewed during the preseason, the constant theme seemed to be, "We'll be OK when the season starts." Time to back up that talk. As good as Kansas City RB Larry Johnson is, he's running behind a offensive line without much experience or time playing together. If the front seven doesn't dominate this game in all aspects, New England's D better have more to say than "We'll be OK."
3. More Maroney and Cheese, please! - Yeah the O-line is missing Stephen Neal for now, but I want to see if Laurence Maroney picks up where he left off. Four of his last six games, including playoffs, Maroney gained over 100 yards. He was quick to the hole and got a lot of tough yards in the process. I don't care about his stutter-step as long as Maroney is breaking long runs.
4. Can We Play? - Rookies LB Jerod Mayo and CBs Terrence Wheatley and Jonathan Wilhite I expect to play a lot. Mayo will start inside with LB Tedy Bruschi. Wheatley might start, but more likely he and Wilhite will play nickel and dime roles. But when the Patriots are up by 30 or more in the fourth, I want to see the other rookies. Keep your helmets close by Crable, O'Connell, Slater, and Guyton.
Blow the Whistle - When it's all said and done, this game will be a beatdown. They'll win by more than 30. Now don't bother me. I'll be watching football.
