Pats Topple Giants 26 - 6

For those of you who were concerned for my safety last night during the 4th quarter torrential downpour I am here to tell you that I escaped from the stadium unscathed, but had to almost swim back to my truck in the lower lot.

I know there are some of you who read me on a regular basis have seen the types of sayings I have used over the years regarding preseason games. And those saying and thoughts have never changed.

Last night you had two teams with over 60 men vying for a spot on a final roster of 53 players. To make bold predictions after the first preseason game is idiotic unless you've been blessed with some sort of psychic powers.

I'll be glad to make some assumptions for you regarding who may or may not be here after the final cuts, but don't expect me to tell you if they are playoff or Super Bowl bound at this time.

Now usually, I start by babbling about the offense and defense, but I'm so impressed by what I saw from those who were acquired from the off-season I have to just mention them first. These guys could be big additions if they remain healthy, and will give the team a boost at depth.

S Rodney Harrison: Acquired from free agency via Chargers had five tackles in the first quarter before resting.

LB Rosevelt Colvin: Acquired from free agency via Bears had 2 tackles, forced a fumble from Tiki Barber and got pressure on the QB at times.

CB Tyrone Poole: Acquired from free agency via Broncos had three tackles, and one interception. I hope that he doesn't get homesick again.

DT Dan Klecko: A 4th round draft pick made a huge impact with 7 tackles and 2.5 sacks with his father & former NY Jet Joe Klecko in attendance. If this kid can keep this up, he may get the start at nose tackle over DT Jarvis Green.

FB Fred McCrary: Acquired from free agency via Chargers had one TD reception.

WR Dedric Ward: Acquired from free agency via Jets finished the game one reception for nine yards, but shined on special teams returning two punts with one for 46 yards.

CB Asante Samuel: Another 4th round pick was all over the place in the second half and finished with 2 tackles, but may be the odd man out when the injured CB Ty Law returns.

DL Ty Warren: The Pats first round pick had no tackles, but he applied pressure to the QB and tipped a pass.

S Aric Morris: Acquired from free agency via Titans also had 7 tackles.

FB Frank Moreau: Acquired from free agency via Chiefs had 7 carries for 21 yards. Last night when the Pats defense came into Gillette, they scared the hell out of me right from the player introductions. Just hearing Lawyer Milloy and Rodney Harrison announced as members of the same squad had me saying a prayer for those opposing WR's who may get the assignment to make a play across the middle.

The new Pats defense at times, showed gaps in the middle, but I'm sure after watching game film today they will fix that. As for the subject of the team stopping the run last night, this was the number one problem from last year. It was sure to be scrutinized and watched by everyone. The D stopped the run when needed, and held the Giants to 71 yards on 25 carries. They also kept TE Jeremy Shockey in check with 1 reception for seven yards. While some of the newcomers made significant donations to the team, we had our regulars making some noise also. LB Tedy Bruschi's knee looked healthy after an early sack of Giants QB Kerry Collins. DE Jarvis Green had four tackles, but as I said, Klecko's threatened his play. LB Ted Johnson finished with two tackles, and seemed very happy to be here this year. As for the MIA DE Willie McGinest he was injured for last nights game and may be hearing the breathing down the back of his neck from Colvin.

The Pats starting offense only played for the first quarter and looked crisp producing some positive yardage on the ground for over 100 yards. However, there is a battle brewing at the RB spot between Antowain Smith, seven carries for 16 yards and Kevin Faulk, 4 carries for 18 yards. This off-season I ran into Faulk and we spoke briefly about his performance at the end of last year. We agreed about some issues, and he said he planned to work harder this year. FB's Patrick Pass and Larry Centers also looked productive.

As for the QB spot, Tom Brady is the head chief, but the battle we need to watch is Damon Huard against Rohan Davey. Davey makes a lot less money than Huard, and it's would be a plus for him to finish ahead of Huard because there is no way Kraft is going to pay a third stringer over a million dollars to sit on the bench.

The WR corps is probably the smallest in the NFL, and led by the play of Troy Brown who showed no ill effects from last year's injury with 1 TD reception from 16 yards. The other WR's who looked impressive last night were Bethel Johnson (1 for 42), David Givens (3 for 22),

TE Christan Fauria (1 for 32) was open more than once and Daniel Graham (2 for 8) blocked well. This is probably the only spot that can be finalized if neither player is injured.

K Adam Vinatieri booted 4 for 4 field goals with his longest chiming in from 46 yards, and looks to be in season form already.

P Ken Walter's who averaged 39.7 yards per punt last night, was threatened by free agent via Jets Daniel Pope who averaged 42.5 yards per punt. This is another spot, where Kraft would like to clean up some money.

Overall, the Pats looked good and crisp, produced the run, stopped the run, held on third downs and made an improvement in the red zone. Nevertheless, it's only preseason and there is a lot more to see and learn for these guys.

Comments... email me at Sinista1@msn.com