What to Expect: New England @ Tampa Bay Preseason

Tomorrow’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers provides a little more of a challenge than the Jaguars did, which is exactly what you’re looking for in the preseason.  The revamped Tampa team is coming off of a 10-6 season in which then rookie quarterback Josh Freeman provided some hope to the ailing Tampa fans.  Josh Freeman returns this season looking very strong and with several weapons on hand, the Buccaneers look to be fierce competitors in the NFC South this season.  Here is what we can expect from the Patriots tomorrow night:

More of the 3-4 Alignment

Reports have been coming out from Foxboro that Belichick has been doing a lot of work with the 3-4 since the introduction of their new 4-3 defense last week against the Jags.  I don’t think this is a sign of disappointment with the results from the 4-3 considering the results (four sacks and only twelve points allowed).  This is more of a case of Belichick being Belichick and wanting to keep his option open.  I expect that about half of the snaps will be played out of the 3-4 or something that mirrors it.  The ultimate goal will be to create a defense which meshes the two styles, creating real havoc for offensive coordinators around the league.

Keep an eye on Brandon Meriweather (31) and Darius Butler (28)

Rumors have been swirling through camp this season that cornerback Darius Butler is on his last leg.  The potentially terrific player has done next to nothing in his three years with the Patriots and fans and media alike are beginning to feel that Butler is a bust.  If he doesn’t step it up with some good play in tomorrow night’s game, I don’t see Butler lasting another week in the Patriots locker room.



Meriweather needs more plays like this to keep his spot



What may be surprising, however, is that Pro Bowl safety Brandon Meriweather may be in the same kind of trouble.  Meriweather was a first round draft pick in 2007 and many feel that with four years experience, he should be making more of a splash in the league.  While his numbers are consistent, Meriweather needs to start proving that he his a leader on this defense or Belichick will be inclined to start someone like James Sanders over him when regular season comes.  His reps with the first team in practice have been diminishing quickly and the Patriots went as far as to bring in safeties from other teams for workouts, such as New Orleans veteran Darren Sharper.  Maybe this is a ploy to get Meriweather to work harder but either way, it should be interesting to see the change in his performance.  Expect him to play the whole first half like he did last game.

Tom and Ocho’s Debut

Expect a lot of this in tomorrow

Yes, I can almost promise that tomorrow’s game will be the debut of the new Patriots offense, in which Tom, Ocho, Welker, and Branch all will take part.  I am not placing any bets on how long they will be on the field though.  The aging starting crew is very important to New England’s plans this season but at the same time, Belichick might really want to work them hard.  I wouldn’t be surprised in any scenario where the starting lineup (or the majority of it) plays anywhere from one series or the entire first half.  Likewise, I expect less but equal time from Hoyer and Mallett and possibly a second look at breakout receiver Taylor Price if he is healthy (he has been nursing an injury all week at practice so don’t expect it).  While most of the scouting will be done primarily on the defensive side of the ball I feel that the coaches want a good, long look at what this starting Patriots offense will be able to do. 

No go on Haynesworth

He’s still been hurt but there are no reports coming out of camp that he is in jeopardy of being cut outside of the silly rumors around the league by NFL analysts.  We have to remember that Randy Moss sat out the majority of preseason as well in 2007.  He then went on to break the touchdown reception record.  This is Belichick being careful with what he knows is a stud player.  He will be more valuable in the regular season than now, especially since we know what he is capable of.

Expect the defense to be challenged

This isn’t the Jaguars again.  Don’t expect another stellar performance by the Patriots defense and but don’t expect them to roll over either.  Opportunity is knocking for a lot of players on that roster and it’s the ones that can get to the quarterback and make plays that will make the final cut.  That being said, this Tampa Bay offense is far better than Jacksonville’s and with that in mind, I expect a better challenge for this revamped Patriots defense.

Greg’s Prediction for tomorrow’s game:

Patriots win: 24 – 17