Kicking off a new season

Page 3 of 15 -- Nick, Do you know what happened to Kevin Watson, the DL from Occidental? I thought the Pats had signed him as an undrafted free agent back at the end of April. He sounded like he had good size and given the Pats need for a NT, I was wondering why he doesn't show up on the Pats roster anywhere. There is also no info out there to indicate that they cut him.
-- Greg Timbol, Boxborough

A: He was let go on May 5th.

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What was the internal attitude to the running back situation? Were there any draftees they were interested in? Was Justin Fargas ever considered? Do you think Antwoine Womack has a chance to start? Who do you think will be taking most snaps in December?
-- Peter Sununu, Los Angeles, Calif.

A: The coaches and staff felt they could change a few plays and formations and get better production that way. I know they liked McGahee, but they never got to him because Buffalo selected him in the first round. They felt they had other needs, including wide receiver Bethel Johnson.

I have been a die hard patriots fan since I was 14 years old. I was very happy to see the acquisition of Colvin in the linebacker spot, but I am very concerned about the running back position. There were virtually no changes on the offensive line and none in the backfield. Where do you see our running game going this year?
-- Don Warner, Paramount, Calif.

A: I think the hope for the running game is that they can return to the form of two years ago. Antowain Smith had a very good year then, running for tough yardage when he needed it most. I think they'll find some creative ways to use Kevin Faulk more. I don't think it will ever be a huge strength, but the hope is they can run just enough to create a threat of the run in the opposition.

Nick, This could be the toughest, most competitive group of teams in the AFC East ever. Who do you honestly think is best positioned to win the East this year? I guess I'm asking for your prediction.
-- Peter O'Keefe, San Francisco, Calif.

A: On paper, Miami. They are loaded with up to nine Pro Bowlers on defense, they have the best running back (Rickey Williams) and now they have excellent protection at quarterback with Brian Griese.

Congratulations on a new season of Ask Nick! Last year was a smashing success, I thought. I enjoyed your e-column very much and looking forward to your analysis on the new 3-4 defense and the running back contest during Patriots camp. Speaking of, will you be attending the Patriots pre-season workouts on a daily basis? It would be great if you could provide the Ask Nick faithful with a Patriots pre-season journal. In closing, good luck this year and what do you think contributed to your success last year particularly as it relates to online sports journalism?
-- Kelly Henderson, Webster

A: I'm new to "internet journalism" as you call it, but it's fun to answer so many questions from Patriots fans around the world. It tells you not only how popular the Patriots are, but the scope of Boston.com. I'll be tackling different issues as we go along, but I'm looking forward to the pre-season games just so we can get a better idea of how the Patriots' first team goes up against the first teams of the Giants, Eagles, Redskins, and Bears.   Continued...