Let the real games begin

Page 19 of 19 -- A: I like a Tom O'Brien coached team. They should take Wake Forest. Think they're ready to go independent? Don't know if they're Notre Dame. On TV questions, I don't answer them because to be very honest, I have no idea. I would ask that you write to your favorite TV columnist.

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First off, Nick, you are great and we are very proud of The Patriots demand for good behavior or character. Nothing is more important to sports, Boston, and the NFL. Now the question: Tell us about the rookie treatment to welcome them to the team ie: carry gear for vets? stand on chairs/barrells and sing? How do they get welcomed by the vets? Plebe year/Rookie year camp etc?? Traditions etc Thanks Gabe.. a US Naval Academy plebe in 1955 and proud of it still..
-- Bill Gabrielsenrlboro, Vermont

A: Gabe, the NFL does not allow hazing. But some of the things I've seen this year for instance include the vets giving the rookies the silent treatmentking the D-linemen Shave their heads, carrying shoulder pads and singing their fight song.

Nick, Why is Antwoin Smith the most ridiculed player since Tony Eason?? I believe the O-line is the major part of the running game problems, and once the O-line jells then we will see a different Antwoin.
-- Sean McLaughlin, Hazleton, PA

A: He's been an easy target because he's failed the very over-rated running test. I think people associate that with Smith not being in shape and not trying. I'm not sure that's fair but that's the perception out there.

Nick, I would like to know your take on covering your first football season and a first in the Patriots history without one of the greatest football writers we will ever read, in Will Mcdounough. I think the Patriots, who I did see leave a press pass for him, should do a little ceremony for him before the home opener. Will was the best and I know as a Pats and football fan he will be missed by me.
-- Sean McLaughlin, Hazleton, PA

A: There's certainly a void. Will didn't have much to do with the daily coverage of the team, but he was always there to throw something off and he'd always have an opinion or some information for you. He's missed. The Patriots do leave a press pass for him which is a great touch. I'd like to see something done in his honor, but that's up to the team. I think about him a lot.

Nick, I'm going to go out on a limb, but I think the Pats will lose to Buffalo Week 1. I think Belichick needs a little more time to prepare for Drew, and Drew has shown in the past 1995 home opener against Cleveland and 1999 against the Jets that he can excell against the defense. Both were openers, and Drew played like he the all pro he still is. Now this is not a Drew suck up, but he is still a talented football player, but I'm also glad we have a guy like Tom Brady. OK, Nick, I better stop before the Brady/Bledsoe bashing starts up agian, but your thoughts will be great.
-- Sean McLaughlin, Hazleton, PA

A: I'm interested to see what Bledsoe's approach to this is. I know he'd like to feel he's doing less out there because the Bills' defense should be better. He's expected to shorten his passing game a tad and also hand off more to Travis Henry. He's still one of the purest passers in the league. He's still fun to watch when he's on. A few of us were remarking how well he threw the ball when we'd watch him in training camp; the zip he had on the ball. You don't see too many guys with that type of cannon. But he doesn't move well, and if the Patriots' pass rush is even better than last year, Bledsoe will have problems getting the ball off unless he has an effective running game.

Nick, First off great job, but I was wondering if Andy Katzenmoyer was ever coming back to football? I remeber you saying you wouldn't be shocked if he attempted a comeback, Thanks
-- Ty Tomkiel, El Cajon, Ca

A: I have a friend who E-mails him constantly. When the topic of comeback comes up, Andy changes the subject.