Kicking off a new season

Page 15 of 15 -- With significant defensive additions in our rivals across the AFC East, has the Pats coronary-inducing O-line made any real improvements to keep pace or are we just banking on better seasons out of the vets and developing underclassmen?
-- Judson Lamphere Brooklyn, N.Y.

A: I think they're hoping for better seasons from the vets and that young vets like Matt Light, Daniel Graham and Deion Branch, will take their game to the next level.

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What do you think about the Pats running game this year? Should they try to sign Jamal Anderson if he's fully recovered for his ACL injur? I cant see A. Smith lasting the whole season.
--Joseph Wilkinson, Malden

A: I thought Jamal Anderson would have been in for a tryout, but it never happened in the off-season or recently in camp. I don't know why. Anderson has had plenty of rest and his knees seem to have recovered.

What kind of shape will the Patriots fullback position be this year?
-- Reg Levesque, Columbia, S.C.

A: Potentially, very good. They key is to get Fred McCrary healthy and on the field blocking for Smith. Then you can bring Larry Centers in the game to catch passes.

Nick, Will the Pats look at the waiver wires for a reliable veteran runningback? The Broncos released an aged but accomplished back late last week. Do you expect the Pats to look to strengthen their backfield, especially given the state of Smith's third consecutive failure in the conditioning run and moderate performance last year? Thanks. I'd love to see a move made to get a decent veteran to push Smith, though all in all I think Smith is a capable runner.
-- Steve Oleary, Milton

A: It's awfully difficult to find a back they would believe is better than what they have at this time of the year. I would never say never, but unlikely might be the best word.

Hi, Nick, Great to have the mailbag back! My question is two words: Ty Warren? With the primary need being a NT, did the Pats overestimate his ability to play NT or were they drafting him to be a DE? And can we get away with Green/Klecko at NT? Thanks, great to have you back!
-- Tim Beary Columbia, SC

A: I think they knew exactly what they were getting with Warren. He could be a very good end and it's not out of the scope of possibility you might see Warren at nose tackle for a look before all is said and done.

OK, Nick, The first year was all success. The second was so-so. How do you think Brady will perform? Do you think his future rides on this season? Do you think the Patriots have given him the right combination of offensive players to be successful? Does the team, offense, and defense express their confidence in Brady? Does he have many team member detractors? Glad to see your column returning.
Jon Beight Allegany, N.Y.

A: I'd say he was much better than so-so last season. He threw 28 TD passes. Brady is no different than Bledsoe in this respect: he needs weapons to be effective and I believe he has more weapons including a pretty good signing in Centers. I just don't know at this point how much help the running game will give him.

I know we made some good moves in the off season, but do you think Tebucky Jones will be missed more than people think. Also, how will the WR core fill out, still lacking in size, will this hinder Brady. Looking forward to the season.
-- Jeremy Wells Milford, Conn.

A: Maybe I'm on an island by myself on this one, but I liked the way Tebucky played. He was pretty fast and gave you unbelievable production on special teams. I think what you'll see in the absence of Tebucky is teams trying to beat Milloy and Harrison deep. If the two vets can stop the big plays down field, then Tebucky won't be missed. It's always nice to have a big receiver, but I don't think it bothers Brady. He just needs receivers he can rely on.