So much for the absolute undefeated season….oh well.  A few quick thoughts from preseason game number one.

- Early defensive picks: Jerod Mayo, Terrence Wheatley and Shawn Crable all looked good.  Mayo’s going to be a tackling machine and a hard hitter (ask Ray Rice).  Crable looks to have that athleticism and versatility that Belichick loves in his linebackers.  Wheatleyt didn’t do anything to stand out against Baltimore, but didn’t get ripped apart in his first action in the pros and certainly has the speed to do well at this level.

- Backup QB’s: Someone needs to step up and take this position.  Cassell looked absolutely pitiful, Gutierrez was slightly better and Kevin O’Connell is still just a rookie.  Let’s hope that offensive line can keep Brady upright.

- LaMont Jordan: Looks like he’s got something to prove after being shelved in Oakland.  I know everyone’s in love with Kevin Faulk, but Jordan’s one of the best third-down backs in the game.  Expect to see some more two back sets this year, especially out of the shotgun.

All this and more in the next podcast.