Alright everyone, long time reader, first time poster here. I'm not intending this to be any kind of formal article or anything, just some of my thoughts. Hopefully it can maybe spark some discussion or something.

I've been sensing a lot of, ableit somewhat justified, negativity after the news about the Pats moving Bodden to the Injured Reserve list. I honestly believe the Pats can survive this. Not saying it won't be a hit, I'm just trying to say there is still reason for cautioned optomism going into this new season.

One reason would be that the Pats have made it into the playoffs before with such an injury riddled CB corp that Troy Brown was playing corner. Now the Bodden injury has thrust two youngsters, one a rookie, into the spotlight. This is not an ideal situation. Butler was already projected to be a starter. However, McCourty was projected to be brought a long slowly, similar to Meriweather or Chung recently, and have limited playing time this season. Probably at most a nickel corner, and/or top outside reserve role. Key phrase there being at most. Now both Butler and McCourty have talent. I can see a situation here, where they hit their bumps in the road and have their growing pains but both grow into their roles as the season progresses. Similar to Matt Cassel the year Brady went down, they'll look better and better each week. Long term picture here, this could be good for the developement of both players, and could be good for the Patriots. If both are regarded as solid starting corners next year, with athleticism and upside, I'll be a happy camper. Heres to hoping they at least grow into that by seasons end.

Now my next reason is last years Miami Dolphins squad. They too had 2 youngsters pushed into starting roles. And albeit I didn't hear much news about them being phenomenal, the Dolphins were a competitive squad despite bigger issues than having 2 young starting corners. And I didn't really hear much about them stinking up the joint either. I guess no news is good news in that regard. But this is less about the Dolphins and more about the Patriots. The point is other teams have survived with 2 young starting corners recently.

Now my last point of optomism is Bill Belicheck himself. Honestly, some of you may read this, and think *cop out*. But let me back this up for a second. Last year I remember the Saints game when our D got absolutely torched. The next couple of weeks they faired better. There was a story up on Reiss' blog about how Bill adjusted the defense, and almost kind of simplified it for his younger players. The players responded favorably to that, and did better. Belicheck has a preseason game, and a lot of practices to try and tailor defense for the players he has now and going forward.

So I hope you guys enojoyed this little post here. The main premise would be that the sky is not falling, and there is reason for cautioned optomism. And I'd appreciate any comments, or feedback, definitely even constructive criticism. I didn't intend this to be any kind of analysis, or any real article or anything. But I was hoping I could throw some thoughts out there, and see if some of you agree or disagree.