Kicking off a new season

Page 5 of 15 -- As a very long time Patriot fan, I was very pleased to see the Pats draft Derek Watson. I know about the baggage but he the best back I had seen and all everything in South Carolina. Last chance for him but he was cut before camp. What happened?
-- Bill Clendenin, Pawleys Island, S.C.

A: As best as I could piece together, they had him around for a while and they just realized his chances of overtaking Smith, Faulk, Redmond, and Womack were a longshot at best.

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Does Bruce Armstrong wear two different size shoes? I know this sounds weird, but I won a pair of "game used" cleats at auction from a reputable source (NFL Auctions) and the left shoe is at least one size bigger than the right. By the way, welcome back! Your mailbag is one of the best sources of info for a military fan away from New England.
-- Kevin Stewart, Harrisburg, Penn.

A: I always heard that Bruce had one foot bigger than the other. There are other players in the same boat. There are also times when a player has swelling and needs a bigger shoe, but I think you've now confirmed that his feet were different sizes.

Does Antwoine Womack, Mike Cloud, or Kevin Faulk have any chance to take over the starting running back job?
-- Patrick Foley, Windham, Maine

A: I wouldn't rule out Faulk. I think Womack would have to come a long way. Mike Cloud has looked good, and maybe if the running game is faltering by Week 5. I thought Cloud would get a shot, but not after his calf surgery.

Nick, Really enjoy this Q&A interactive format, and looking forward to following all season. Speaking of looking forward, where do you see the Patriots' looking in the 2004 draft, especially since they have another year of numerous picks. Don't want to look past this season, but next year's draft could cement several years of dominance in the league.
-- Jim Pendergast, Lynn

A: I would think this would be the year where they go after a top running back. We're a long way from that and maybe the running game will be terrific, but if it isn't, then you have to think running back first.

Nick, love this chat. I am concerned with the O-line. What are your thoughts?
-- Mark Dresner, White Plains, N.Y.

A: I'm concerned with some injuries there, especially to Joe Andruzzi and Kenyatta Jones has been slow getting back from double-knee surgery, but I'll say this, I think because the line has been together for about three years and I think the hope is the familiarity will serve them well. I like what I see from Matt Light. It looks as though he's much more assertive out there in practice.   Continued...