The Patriots took an unexpected hit when Richard Seymour wound up on the reserve/physically unable to perform list as his knee has not responded favorably to offseason surgery. Losing a five-time Pro Bowler for at least six weeks would put any team behind the 8-ball, but the Patriots are fortunate to have a veteran backup as capable as Jarvis Green, who has filled in at right defensive end in the past. Vince Wilfork (pictured) is emerging as one of the game's elite nose tackles, a capable force at the heart of the 3-4 alignment in which the linemen must control two gaps and win the battle at the line of scrimmage. Left end Ty Warren put together a Pro Bowl-caliber season in 2006, while Mike Wright is the top backup, a former rookie free agent who has carved out a regular role in sub packages and on special teams. Depth is a concern.

Rating: Worse