FanPost

Great time to be a die-hard fan

Not everyone enjoys these periods like I do. The unknown, all the new faces, all the question marks on the team.

But I love it, I really liked Aaron Dobson coming out of college, easily he was my #1 favorite for the Patriots to select in this draft (barring some of the players sure to be gone in the top 20) and now I get to watch and see just how well he does.

The TE position has taken a big hit... including it seems, that Ballard hasn't really recovered fully from his injury, and is not the player that he was. But there is this nobody, by the name of Zach Sudfeld, who is having a heck of a time at camp with the opportunity he has. Already it is pretty clear he is more of a weapon than Ballard ever could be, and it will be interesting to see just how far up the depth chart he climbs in the weeks and months ahead.

And I can't remember the last time I was interested in the back-up QBs and how they played, considering who they usually have had, the last time that was interesting was when Flutie was on the team.

Most of all I am looking forward to seeing how the revamped Defense is looking,,, quite a different scenario than the past few years, this unit has some real potential (not just wishful thinking) with veteran additions like Talib, Wilson, and Kelly to go along with rookies Ryan and Collins there is a good chance this group takes a major step forward from last season.

And what makes it all the more enticing is knowing that the AFC is there for the taking this year, the Ravens have taken major losses this offseason (and lost Pitta for the year just the other day) they are not going to be the team they have been the past few years, not this season... and the only other team in the AFC that looks primed to compete with the Pats is the Broncos... but Manning won't be playing in a Dome come playoff time, so I like the Pats' chances should the two teams meet in the playoffs.

Yes, there may be question marks, but there is a lot of potential in these new players... this isn't 2011 when they went dumpster diving and brought in rock-headed Ocho and uber-jerk Haynesworth to try and fill the voids... this year they have brought in some young players with real potential and veterans that are far more solid and dependable.

And I'm looking forward to seeing it play out.

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