M*A*S*H Unit

With the NY Jets filming the show “Hard Knocks” on HBO, who would have thought that the Patriots would be staring in the hit sequel to the show “MASH”.  The cast of stars grows for this year’s Patriots now that Leigh Bodden is gone for the year, a list which includes Nick Kaczur (Potential Back Surgery), Ty Warren (hip surgery) and Logan Mankins (Let’s Call It Pride Factor).  This news is a big hole for a defense trying to find its identity that's sprinkled with tons of youth and inexperience.  The Dolphins last year went with Vontae Davies and Sean Smith as their starting corners; two first and second round draft picks respectively, and finished with the 13th ranked pass defense.  As they took their lumps and teams picked on them, they both grew into solid corners gaining much experience and wisdom to carry over into this year.  The Patriots are now at that same cross-road.  The Patriots pass defense was ranked 16th last year and have two young corners in Devin McCourty and Darius Butler who were also first and second round draft picks respectively, who will have to take their lumps.  I am sure that Bill Belichick and Nick Caserio will be scouring the waiver wire to find some depth and experience at this position to help along the way. But there is a part inside me that would like to see what these two can do when thrust into the starting role and thrown into the fire.  Bill Parcels had faith if you want to call it, in allowing his two rookie corners to grow and gain valuable experience so why not the Patriots?  Do you really want to see 35-year-old Shawn Springs or 36-year-old Ty Law line up against Terrell Owens and Chad Ochocinco in week one?  No thank you; let’s have some fresh legs with speed and determination to show that they belong in a Bill Belichick coached defense.  With the prospect of Butler, McCourty, Chung, and Meriweather manning the last frontier of defense, the future is bright for years to come even though the picture seems muddy at this time.