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OK, I know it’s the preseason and having a "Keys to Victory" story is kind of pointless since a victory doesn’t really matter...

New England Patriots' Five Keys to Victory

by Mike Dussault (Columnist)

7

887 reads

Rankings/List

August 06, 2008


OK, I know it’s the preseason and having a "Keys to Victory" story is kind of pointless since a victory doesn’t really matter. After all, the Colts have lost 13 of their last 15 preseason games and they’ve done just fine (if you don’t count the postseason, of course).

 

So, instead, here are five things to keep an eye on Thursday night when the 2008 Pats kick off their preseason schedule versus the Ravens.

 

 

1. Nobody Get Hurt!

 

Seriously, the Pats could lose 70-0, and I really wouldn’t care as long as no one got injured. Okay, maybe I'd be a little concerned if they lost that bad, but nothing can derail a team faster than a preseason season-ending injury to someone important.

 

We have no choice but to leave this one in the hands of the Football Gods, so I’m going to stop writing about it for fear of bringing on any kind of curse or jinx. Just pray someone upstairs isn't looking to punish us for last year.

 

 

2. Battle of the Backups

 

So far, neither Matt Cassell, Matt Gutierrez, nor rookie Kevin O’Connell have been exactly lighting it up in camp, but Thursday night will be a chance for one of them to pull away from the pack (I hope).

 

Early indications are that Tom Brady, as well as many other vets, will have the night off. In a perfect world, Cassell would lead a couple touchdown drives with zero instances of tucking the ball and running because he doesn’t want to risk throwing an interception.

 

Stuff like that is fine if you’re Vince Young. If you haven’t started a game since high school and want to prove you’re a viable NFL backup, not so much. I wouldn’t complain if Kevin O’Connell flashed some kind of brilliance, either.

 

 

3. Bring the Pain, Rooks

 

This could be the first time in a long time that rookies see significant minutes on defense once the regular season rolls around. But first they have to prove they’ve got what it takes to play in an NFL game.

 

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7 comments Last one added 11 months ago — Leave a Comment

  1. William Berry 11 months ago

    good stuff.

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  2. Raider Card Addict 11 months ago

    Well thought out....just an item, don't bank on Lamont making the team....see file marked Gabriel.

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    • Mike Dussault 11 months ago

      We had such high hopes for good ole' Doug. He was supposed to replace Deion Branch, that worked out well. Lamont could end up starting or cut, neither would surprise me.

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  3. Andrew Simpson 11 months ago

    Here'ssomething I would like to see:
    situational backfield, running backs, Wide receivers and potentially even situational QB... just completely different offence when called for... could make the offense interesting, even though it was interesting enough last season...

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  4. T Dawg 11 months ago

    bring back flutie!

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  5. Matt Breen 11 months ago

    yea we need more flutie drop kicks.

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  6. steve borunda 11 months ago

    Lamont looked pretty good beating up on the Ravens backups

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