Patriots Preseason: 10 Things to Expect on Thursday Night

Bill Belichick and Tom Coughlin

1. Mallett plays 1st Half.
2. Tebow comes in after Halftime.
3. Patriots rest their first string.
4. Giants play starters in 1st Quarter.
5. Gostkowski attempts a FG.
6. Manning throws at least 5 passes.
7. A big name veteran plays his last game as a Patriot.
8. Belichick questions a referee's decision.
9. So does Coughlin.
10. Most viewers shut off game by 4th Quarter.

5 Reasons Belichick Won't Cut Tebow...Yet

Tim Tebow and Josh McDaniels

5. Redeeming Josh McDaniels 
In 2010, then Denver Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels moved up into the 1st Round of the NFL draft (25th Overall) to select quarterback Tim Tebow. The pick was almost universally panned by analysts, and McDaniels was fired the following season. This could be his chance to prove the naysayers wrong.


4. Supporting Urban Meyer
The mutual admiration society between Bill Belichick and Urban Meyer goes all the way back to 2005, when Meyer took the Florida head coaching job. He has come under fire recently for some of the off-the-field problems of his former players (Aaron Hernandez, Riley Cooper et al). Belichick could do him a solid by keeping and utilizing Tebow as a weapon on the Patriots squad.

Patriots Preseason: 12 Players to Watch Tonight

The New England Patriots and Philadelphia Eagles face off tonight in Preseason Game #1. With close to 90 players on the roster (and only 53 who will make the team), there is an abundance of players and competitions worth watching.

Here are 12 guys competing for spots who might see a far bit of action tonight:

Top 10 Most Versatile New England Patriots (2013 Roster)

In the NFL, teams are only allowed 53 men on their active roster. With offense and defense each comprised of 11 starters respectively, there are 31 non-starters making up the remainder of the roster. Because of this limited roster space, savvy teams like the New England Patriots know that versatility matters. Bill Belichick believes the more roles a player can fill as a back-up, the more valuable he is to the team.

Among the many disappointing developments of this Patriots off-season was the loss of some of their most versatile players:

• Plucky running back Danny Woodhead was a solid weapon in the backfield as both a runner and a pass catcher. Poaching him from the NY Jets and making him a star in New England was especially satisfying for the Patriot faithful. An undrafted and unheralded star from Div 2 Chadron State, Danny was the true embodiment of an NFL underdog. He unfortunately was a victim of a crowded group at RB and ended up signing with the San Diego Chargers.

• Arguably the greatest slot receiver of this or any generation, Wes Welker could move the chains on offense or field punts on special teams. He was an integral member of many great Patriots teams. Wes and the Patriots couldn't agree on contract terms (thanks to Welker's overzealous, unrealistic agent). He instead signed with current Conference foe, the Denver Broncos.

• Tight end Aaron Hernandez could line up just about anywhere as a receiver, H-back/TE or running back and create mismatches all over the field. The former Florida Gator went from 4th round disappointment to explosive NFL playmaker almost overnight. Troubled and volatile, he couldn't escape the demons he had off the field. Sadly, we all know what happened to his wasted career.