Kicking off a new season

Page 2 of 15 -- Do you agree with the article that says the Pats have one of the deepest LB corps in the league? I think they are good, but top five? Come on.
-- John Murray, Weymouth

A: They could be. Colvin puts them in that company. They have a lot of experience and a bunch of guys who play hard. They have some age on them and they're not as fast as some units except for Colvin, and that could be a concern.

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Why do the Pats have so much trouble finding a good running back and fullback? I have been a Pats fan from day one and they have only had a couple.
-- Paul Burke Sr., Palm Coast, Fla.

A: It's quite a legacy isn't it? It's amazing to me they haven't rushed for four yards a carry since the 1985 season.

Do you see Kevin Faulk as an every-down back in New England some day? Smith struggled last year and Faulk showed signs of greatness. How hard is it to go from a third-down back to an every-down back? I think if given the chance again, he might be the answer to the Patriots running game problems. I'm not knocking Smith as a running back but if Faulk is producing and Smith isn't, why wouldn't you put him in as a starter?
-- Jeff Hanouille, Southwick

A: Faulk will get will likely get more hand-offs, but I think the feeling is he wouldn't be able to withetand the pounding of 20 carries per game. I'm not sure I agree with that, either. He's pretty strong. He has a great attitude and he deserves the chance to be the No. 1 guy based on his contributions to the team.

If the Patriots chose to keep Mike Cloud, does he take up a roster spot when he is on suspension?
-- Bill McIsaac, Brookline

A: No. He's placed on a suspended/reserve type list until he's ready to return. Similar situation to Terry Glenn's drug suspension a couple of years ago. However, as we've reported, Cloud had surgery on his calf and it's doubtful he'll be ready by then anyway.

I'd appreciate a qualifying anecdote to what I believe is a significant local sports story: Ted Johnson, All-Pro when healthy, regarding his success in overcoming the "NFL grind," as well as coach Belichick's demoralizing benching early last season. All of us would do well to handle our business affairs as well as he did-his two-day sabbatical not withetanding. In my opinion, Johnson is a model of integrity and perseverance within the constraints and rigors of professional football, and New England fans have been fortunate to have him compete for and lead the Pats these many years. His breed, professional athletes equally endowed with brains and brawn, who manage to be affable, intelligent, and appreciative of their good fortune, are ever in short supply. For that, I'm certain he'll be missed when his "hat" is finally dusted and boxed.
-- Brian McHugh, Santa Monica, Calif.

A: Classy guy. He handled that very well; came out of it with his dignity. Not to mention the fact he's in great shape and he looks like he's added a couple of years to his career.   Continued...