New England Patriots: 5 Things We've Learned Through Two Preseason Games

The New England Patriots have begun the 2011 NFL Preseason with two thumping victories over the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The offense has looked, sharp scoring a total of 78 points in those two games, while the defense has looked much improved over the shaky defense of 2010.

It is hard to put a lot of stock in preseason performance, but here are five things we have learned from the Patriots' two preseason games. 

Tom Brady Is in Mid-Season Form

In his first preseason action of the year, Tom Brady looked as sharp as he could look, throwing two touchdowns in the first half with 118 yards on 11 completions.

He was able to connect with his second-year tight end Aaron Hernandez and new target Chad Ochocinco for the two scores. 

The lockout seemed to have had little effect on Brady, as he was throwing the ball around the field like it was November. 

It seems as though he is in for another MVP-type season with more targets than ever to throw the ball to.

Stevan Ridley Looks Like the Real Deal

Stevan Ridley burst onto the scene in the first preseason game with three touchdowns, 64 rushing yards and 47 receiving yards.

He didn't slow up in the second game, rushing for 84 yards and catching three balls for 27 yards in the Patriots victory.

Ridley proved he was no fluke against the Bucs, running hard on every play and making his case to be in the mix for playing time come regular season.

He could put some pressure on the Patriots to make some roster moves, like cutting Sammy Morris.

Ridley has a shot to be the Patriots feature back of the future. But for now, he could be slotted into the third-down roll, as he has proven to be a threat to catch the ball out of the back field—which could be bad news for long time veteran Kevin Faulk. 

Brandon Tate Could Be in Trouble

In the offseason, the NFL changed where kickoffs are kicked from. Instead of the 30-yard-line, kickoffs will now be from the 35, limiting the amount of kick returns.

Brandon Tate's main value to the Patriots is as a kick returner, and with the new rule, his value is severely diminished.

He showed flashes of brilliance as a receiver, but with the addition of Ochocinco, his chances will be limited in that role.

Tate has yet to return a kick this preseason and could very well find himself on his way out of town if the NFL doesn't miraculously decide to change the kickoff rule in the near future. 

Time to Start Worrying About Albert Haynesworth

Albert Haynesworth has been missing in action since the beginning of August. The last time he practiced was August 4.

He seems to have some mystery injury that has been keeping him out of practice, and true to form, Bill Belichick hasn't given the media much information as to what is keeping Haynesworth from the field.

The shaky past of the big defensive tackle is reason for concern in this situation for Patriots followers.

Haynesworth has had character issues on every stop in his NFL career, whether it be stomping on another player's head in Tennessee or refusing to play in Washington—it has always been something.

Hopefully he is just rehabbing nagging injuries or getting into shape behind the scenes. But the longer he stays off the field, the more concern there should be about his status as a member of the Patriots.

Defense Has Shifted to a 4-3

In years past, the Patriots have run a 3-4 defense with three down lineman and four linebackers. So far this preseason, they have predominantly used the 4-3 defense.

This is a major switch for Belichick and the Patriots, but with the talent they have on the defensive line, it is the correct one.

With Albert Haynesworth and Vince Wilfork clogging up the middle, it will be very difficult to run the ball against this defense. Add edge rushers like Mark Anderson and Andre Carter, and the front four for the Patriots could be one of the most dangerous in the league.

The 4-3 also makes sense because it avoids any problems with Haynesworth, as he refused to play in the 3-4 in Washington.

It also speaks to the lack of linebacker depth. The 4-3 allows Belichick to stick Jerrod Mayo in the middle with Brandon Spikes to spell him and a combination of Dane Fletcher, Rob Ninkovich and Gary Guyton on the outside. 

The 4-3 has shown to be successful thus far, as the defense has allowed only 26 points combined in their two preseason games.