Opening night reviewPage 7 of 19 -- A: I'd be very surprised if Daniel Graham doesn't have a break out season. He's very talented.
Who are you favorite two teams to go to the Super Bowl this year?--Chris Cachat, MA A: Miami and Tampa Bay. Nick, Love your articles... I have a theory about the Pat's running back situation; it's all about NEXT year. Given Belichick's complex defense and how shallow this year's draft and free agent pool was on the offensive side of the ball, the Pats loaded up the defense. I think the Pats will give this new defensive unit a year to learn and perfect the system and then next year, with a MUCH deeper offensive draft, they'll go after the stud running back all of the fans have been dying for. Usually the offensive guys pick up the system a lot quicker then the defensive side. The defense will be hitting on all cylinders and they'll have a bunch of picks to fill any holes they want on offense, including running back. Am I sniffing too many paint fumes or do you think I might be onto something? --Brian Shurtleff, Boston A: Between the paint fumes I think you make a lot of sense, Brian. There's no doubt that next season will be a better year for running backs, and unless one falls from the sky, they'll need one. Their defense is a work in progress because there are an influx of younger guys who have to step up, and they still have some of the old guard guys, who if they leave will create a bit of a void. You always try to get the stars to align at the same time. I think that happened two years ago. Could it happen again in a league where there is so much parity? The Patriots would be nothing short of a modern day dynasty if they could win another one. Aghhh Nick How great was it that there were no "Bledsoe/Brady" comparison questions last week??? My question more of a past player update: Chris Slade? Last I heard he was in Carolina (2001/02) is he now retired? Also, I just got back from Chicago and visited Solider Field, what a butcher job they did there, UGLY and the Bears fans are non-to-pleased about it. --Ben Boston, South Hadley A: Ben, I'm very happy about the Bledsoe/Brady stuff going away. Just wondering if Bledsoe should win a game or two this season against the Pats, or if the Bills surpass the Pats, just wondering if it might pop back up again. Anyway, Chris is retired. There was some thought he might return to Dallas with Parcells, but that never developed. I've heard similar things from reporters in Chicago about Soldiers. Continued... |
