Jaguars vs. Patriots: 5 Things to Watch During NFL Preseason Week 1 Matchup

After nearly a five-month long lockout, the NFL is back and in full speed heading towards the start of the 2011 season. 

Free agency has pretty much come and gone, and training camp is just about wrapping up as teams start to prepare for their first game of the preseason. 

The New England Patriots have been one of the more active teams in this shortened offseason and will be ready to go this Thursday as they host the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Here are five things to watch during the first game of New England's preseason. 

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Tom Brady's and Chad Ochocinco's First Game Together

Let me be clear, fans: Chad Ochocinco is not Randy Moss, and he never will be.

However, that does not mean he won't be as productive as the former Patriot. 

The acquisition of Ochocinco was rather surprising, as he comes off as an egocentric, typical prima-donna wide receiver—but he wants to win, and it also helps that he's close with head coach Bill Belichick.

Ochocinco is a well-rounded receiver who can do a variety of things well, such as running deep routes and being a major threat in the end zone. 

Thursday could be the start of something special between Tom Brady and Chad Ochocinco. 

Blaine Gabbert Will Start at QB for the Jags

The Jacksonville Jaguars were one of the biggest surprises in this year's draft as they traded up in the first round to grab quarterback Blaine Gabbert at 10th overall.

Now with the recent injury to David Garrard, Gabbert will hit the ground running as the team's starting quarterback against the Patriots this Thursday. 

However, Gabbert hasn't performed so hot as of late, especially in the team's intra-squad scrimmage this past Saturday, according to the Florida Times Union. 

Gabbert will get a shot at redeeming his awful play at Gillette Stadium this Thursday. 

How Well Leigh Bodden Plays

If Leigh Bodden can stay healthy and return to his solid play at cornerback like he did in 2009, then New England could end up having one of the league's best cornerback tandems. 

Bodden will likely start opposite Devin McCourty after sitting out the entire 2010 season due to an shoulder injury.

The 29-year-old cornerback had five interceptions and 19 pass deflections in '09 for the Pats as he started 15 games. 

Who Will Get More Playing Time? Nate Solder or Matt Light?

Who knows who will start for the Patriots at left tackle this Thursday, as Matt Light and Nate Solder were both late arrivals to the team's training camp due to contract negotiations.

The 33-year-old Light has been New England's starting left tackle for the past 10 years and is projected to be the short-term answer at left tackle until rookie Nate Solder is ready to take over the reins. 

If Light is ready to go and is well conditioned, then I'm sure that he'll get the start, but expect Solder to receive an ample amount of playing time. 

If Rob Gronkowski Suits Up and How Well He Plays

Second-year tight end Rob Gronkowski left Monday's practice with no apparent injury, so it is unclear what happened—there has been no word on whether or not Gronkowski will play in Thursday against the Jaguars.

If Gronk does end up playing, it will be interesting how effective he is, considering that he's been "a man among boys" during the team's training camp and has been nearly unguardable. 

Standing in at 6'6" and 265 pounds, Gronk is a huge target for Tom Brady and is the prototypical tight end with amazing athletic abilities. 

If Gronk plays like he's been practicing, then he's well on his way to a Pro Bowl season.