New England Patriots Links 7/29/09 - Power Ranking fever

Pete Prisco of CBSSports.com powers Pats to #1

"The Patriots sit in the top spot because they have the deepest team with the best coach and they get Tom Brady back," Prisco writes. "That doesn't mean they're the Super pick yet. I will make that choice later in the summer, but you can bet they will get strong consideration."

 

Shalise Manza Young of the Providence Journal lists the teams to beat in 2009

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: All but two of the Steelers' starters from the Super Bowl return, including reigning defensive player of the year James Harrison, who received a tidy contract extension. Defense has always been Pittsburgh's calling card, and it's no secret what the unit is going to throw at opposing offenses, The problem is, they do what they do extremely well.

LOCAL SHOTS

• Mike Reiss Jersey changes.  The departing Antwain Spann's 28 goes to Darius Butler
• Jim Donaldson Takes a trip down memory lane, rooting for the old-time owners
• AP Brett Favre decides to stay retired
• Mike Reiss Patriots sign DB Herana-Daze Jones and release OL Jermail Porter
• Chris Gasper Why the Patriots should be confident at corner
• Chris Gasper Crable, Warren among five on PUP list

LONG SHOTS

• Bleeding Green Nation Eagles Defensive Coordinator, Jim Johnson, loses his battle with cancer
• Don Banks (SI.com) Power ranks New England at #1, Steelers at #2, and Colts at 10
• Jack Bechta (NFP) An excellent story on why players hold out