Kicking off a new season

Page 7 of 15 -- Hey, Nick, great to have you back! How much do you think the 3-4 alignment will effect our opponents in the AFC East? And considering our apparent depth at linebacker, and in our secondary, have we done enough to secure a solid nose tackle? While Seymour could always move in, I'd like to see Klecko in that role. He seems to be a good fit there. What do you think? Go Patriots!
-- Mark Koupe, East Boston

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A: Mark, I think any Romeo Crennel scheme is going to confuse the opponent somewhat. Crennel doesn't get enough credit for the work he does in scheming on defense. The 3-4 allows the Patriots to take advantage of their better athletes on the field. If the nose can tie up the center, then one of the linebackers can come up and make big plays. I think Klecko can help there some, but we're already seeing Crennel move him around. It sort of reminds me of when Tedy Bruschi came up and Parcells tried him as a pass rushing end and a sometime linebacker.

I have heard that the Patriots are considering adding Larry Centers to the roster. What is the latest and what is your opinion of that move? How do you think that would effect Kevin Faulk?
-- Harvey Eaton, Bedford, N.H.

A: Centers, of course, has been signed and I think they'll use Centers and Faulk much like this team used Meggett and Byars in 1996. They'll both get their playing time and be out there in obvious passing situations. The great thing about Centers is that he's an excellent pass blocker.

Thanks for answering my question Nick, I am a diehard Pats fan living in Florida. I am a little worried in the receiver deptartment after Troy Brown, who is going to step up, David Patten is up and down, and Branch seems to drop to many balls. And Bethel Johnson is the rookie. Who do you see making the impact to take it to the next level? Thanks again, I enjoy reading your stuff very much.
-- Jeffrey Goss, Kissimmee, Fla.

A: I think you have to cross your fingers here. If Branch stays healthy, he's going to be terrific. Bethel Johnson looks fast and has quite a burst out of the box, but veteran DBs may tie him up at the line until he gains experience. I'll tell you one guy who's looking pretty good and appears to be making a bid for surprise of camp - David Givens. The second-year Notre Dame receiver had one of the best off season workouts of the winter. He'll make the team as a special teamer, but he's making noise as a receiver.   Continued...