Mike Reiss

  (12:00 PM)

Just back from practice. Going to get settled here and will be right back. Players not at practice: Edelman, Taylor, Wilhite, Morris, Light, Green.

Mike Reiss

  (12:03 PM)

Looks like the Patriots are one day ahead of schedule today. Being out at practice, it looked like today was a "Friday" session, which a heavier emphasis on special teams.

Mike (OR)

Hey Mike, As a fan os pats and O-Ducks, it was awesome to see Chung being selected. I frequently watched him and Byrd roam free in the secondary, with great results. It has been interesting to see Byrd developing into a potential DROY. I saw all of his interceptions, do you think that he just happened to be in right place at the right time? All of his picks were either tipped or simply over-thrown. Your thoughts?

Mike Reiss

  (12:06 PM)

I haven't seen much of Byrd, Mike, although I know some scouts who were very high on him coming out. One of the issues in the scouting process was that he was injured and didn't run at the Combine, if I recall. I think there were also some questions about corner vs. safety with him. Overall, from the positive reports I heard from scouts, my thinking is that his interceptions this year are probably more a result of his anticipation and instincts than any luck.

Raj (RI)

Mike, Pats pretty much tamed the wild cat the last time we met. If not for our porous secondary, we could have had a better result than 48-28 (i think). Do you think we can expected a blow out, like Tampa, considering that we have a better secondary and TB is getting back to being TB?

Mike Reiss

  (12:07 PM)

I would say no blowout, Raj. I see this as a game that will be within 3-7 points. Dolphins very physical and will come to the table with something unique that will test the Patriots. I wouldn't underestimate the Dolphins -- Wildcat or not.

bmaddy (RI)

Mike,I am a fan of Matt Cassell and am following his progress closely. After the last game, everyone was booing him and said that he was just a product of Pats system. I disagree. You can't expect him to perform wonders, when he has no weapons to throw to and his top RB has been suspended. Your thoughts about MC?

Mike Reiss

  (12:08 PM)

I think Tom Brady would struggle with the players that KC has around Cassel, bmaddy, and I think it's way too early to make that call on Cassel right now. I do think Cassel was helped by the Patriots system -- 56 percent of the team's passing yards came after the catch in 2008, for example -- but that shouldn't minimize the strides he made as a solid quarterback. To sum it up, I'd say more time is needed to assess this.

pats4ever (RI)

Mike, what kind of deal is Wilfork looking for? And realistically, how much would Pats be willing to pay?? I am tired of seeing Asante Samuel being in top 5 in interceptions every year. I don't want to see us lose impact players!

Mike Reiss

  (12:10 PM)

Don't know the answers on this one, pats4ever, which makes it hard to analyze. Looking at the market, my sense is that Wilfork is looking for $8-10m per year. Structure would also be important in terms of how much money is up front/guaranteed.

Nick (Montreal)

Hi Mike,which one player on offense and one player on defense really needs to pick up their game in order for that Pats to have lots of success in the 2nd half of the season.

Mike Reiss

  (12:11 PM)

Nick, on offense I'd pick Sebastian Vollmer. It's not that he isn't playing well, but the challenges only get bigger ahead -- starting with Jason Taylor, then Dwight Freeney. On defense, let's go with Derrick Burgess. Think he can do more.

TBfan4life (RI)

Mike, I am still concerned about the lack of pass rush. TBC and Burgess are not exactly the names that would send fear down an opposing QB's heart. Nevertheless, TBC has been really good, especially for a FA pick up. Burgess has been a non factor and I think the Raiders have the last laugh there. Why can't we find great pass rushers? BB has a specific height/weight that he would like his OLB to be. But the last time I checked, James Harrison, Freeney, Dumerville are not tall guys. Do you think BB missed a chance to draft many elite pass rushers because of his ideology that they dont have the physical skills to be a rusher? Last I checked Shawn Crable is a great physical specimen, but haven't seen him in the field for 2 years!

Mike Reiss

  (12:15 PM)

I think this is a fair point, TBfan4life. They have very high standards for that OLB position.

pat 2228 (MA)

I, for one, am not buying the hype that TB is back. He looked great against the Oilers, and looked pretty decent against Tampa. These two teams have a porous secondary and TB still managed to throw two interceptions against a team like Tampa. I still think that he hasn't proven himself against better teams. I am his hard-core fan and would support him no matter what. But I feel that we have to tone it down a bit, or we would be in for a big disappointment in the next 5 weeks. comments?

Mike Reiss

  (12:17 PM)

Had this discussion this morning with someone I work with. We were wondering if we missed the "Brady is back" story from Wednesday -- or some sort of statistical comparison -- and I made your point. Too difficult to assess based on the last two games. I think it's fair to say 'Let's see more before making that call.'

superbowlfor pats (MA)

Mike, just a silly question. If BB was given a chance to pick any player from any team for a roster spot on our team, who would he go with? DE/OLB, or WR? I personally would pick Larry Fitzgerald, or Demarcus Ware/James Harrison!

Mike Reiss

  (12:17 PM)

My sense is he'd go defense, and with Ware. Ware's name came up last week in a different line of questioning and he was quite complimentary.

Matt G. (Boston)

What sort of looks do you think the Pats' D comes with this weekend? Based on the NYJ-MIA game last week, it doesn't seem like the Dolphins are that great a threat to throw a lot (even leaving out the Wildcat formation). Do you think the Pats play McGowan close to the line more than usual, to stop the Brown/Williams combo? Will pass rushers like Tully and Burgess see a little less time? Thanks.

Mike Reiss

  (12:19 PM)

I think you go with your biggest, most physical lineup, which to me is the 3-4, with Adalius Thomas/Pierre Woods as the OLBs, and maybe even mixing Ron Brace in there at times. I would keep TBC and Burgess in more of a nickel-rushing role.

Brian Coogan (New York, NY)

With a young QB, who's been sacked multiple times in each start, do you think our pass rush may be more effective this game? The passing threat is not to significant, considering the lack of consistency with their young receiving core. Could this lead to more Wildcat possessions than usual?

Mike Reiss

  (12:23 PM)

The Dolphins gave up six last week to the pressure-based Jets and have allowed 19 all season. That's a lot. Based on the stats, and the inexperience of Chad Henne, I'd say there will be opportunities for the pass rush to get there. On the Wildcat, I think it will depend on how successful it is early.

Matt G. (Boston)

Do you think there'd be any thought to bringing in Dick Jauron as an assistant if he's canned by the Bills this year? He seems like a pretty good defensive mind, but maybe not a head coach... Nice local touch, too.

Mike Reiss

  (12:25 PM)

I don't see it, Matt. Bill Belichick generally tends to lean toward his guys, grooming them in his system, as we've seen with defensive backs coach Josh Boyer and tight ends coach Shane Waldron this year. He tried something last year with Dom Capers, which was a bit out of character, and my sense is that he's more comfortable going the other route.

John (Manchester, NH)

Mike, when you get a free moment, could you give us an updated Patriots' draft board? With all the conditional picks, trades, etc, I'd like to know we stand going into next April's draft. Thanks.

Mike Reiss

  (12:26 PM)

This is what I have off the top of my head:First-round pick;Second-round pick;Second-round pick (from Tenn);Second-round pick (from Jax);Fourth-round pick;Sixth-round pick;Seventh-round pick;Seventh-round pick (from Philadephia through Denver);

Rob (VT)

Mike, does Darius Butler cover punts or kicks? Who are the fastest people on our coverage teams in your opinion?

Mike Reiss

  (12:28 PM)

Checking my notes from the Bucs game, I didn't have Butler on punt coverage. Lockett and Slater were the two outside players, so I'd start with them as the fastest people on the coverage team. Butler also wasn't on kick coverage.

Jeff (MA)

Ty Warren - why wasn't he participating in practice? Think he'll be ready to go?

Mike Reiss

  (12:29 PM)

They have been resting Warren's ankle. I do think he'll be ready to go.

John (Manchester, NH)

Is there any chance that Matt Light gets moved inside next year, with Vollmer moving into the starting OLT role? Or would Light's salary make him more likely to be a cap casualty if he doesn't start?

Mike Reiss

  (12:30 PM)

There might not be any cap casualties next year, John, if there is no salary cap. But I get the point. Light is scheduled to earn north of $4 million next year, if I recall. That's a lot. I couldn't envision him playing guard at those numbers.

David (North Attleboro,Ma)

I know the Dolphins have a very good running game with big strong backs but I think that Adalius Thomas will have his break out game of the season and Jerod Mayo will return to form. Besides, didn't the Jets last week give the Patriots the blueprint for stopping the running game. Your thoughts.

Mike Reiss

  (12:31 PM)

Tedy Bruschi talks about this a bit in "Bruschi's Breakdown", which will be posted on the site here a bit later today. The Jets brought Calvin Pace and Darelle Revis off the edges and forced the Dolphins out of the Wildcat concept. I don't know if it's a blueprint, per se, but it was effective and something I'm sure the Patriots saw.

Matt (Cambridge, MA)

Hey guys, thanks for doing this every week, it really gets me through the toughest part of the work day. The Pats' last few opponents have made it really hard to guage the progress of the team, but given how close Miami came to upsetting both Indy and New Orleans, would a solid win over the Fins this weekend make the Pats less than 6-point underdogs going into the game against the Colts? I can't tell if Miami simply had some luck and good match-ups against these teams, but the 49ers' success against the Colts has me feeling cautiously optomistic. What are your predictions for the two big games against the last undefeated teams?

Mike Reiss

  (12:33 PM)

Thanks Matt. Appreciate you joining in on the chat. I think Miami is legit. Like other teams, they are flawed. But they will make you earn it. As for the line in Indy, I'm not good at that stuff but I would think it would be less than 6 if the Patriots beat Miami. Predictions for the big games against undefeated teams: I'd have to pick the home teams right now, but might change my mind based on circumstances that take place between now and then. The Saints defense, for one, looked vulnerable to me the other night.

Evan (Boston)

Being a former BC alum, I want to know how much Ron Brace will play this weekend? I think this is the week he breaks out. Do you see Tate having an increased role this week? Finally is there any injury news on any of the Pats specifically the running backs?

Mike Reiss

  (12:36 PM)

I think Brace will have to be active, Evan, and wouldn't be surprised if he plays 10-20 snaps. That's just a hunch. Miami is physical and Brace -- at 6-3, 330 -- would provide some bulk up front. Mike Wright isn't as big, and while he is a sound technique player, this is the type of game where he could get worn down. On Tate, I see him returning kickoffs again but couldn't estimate on offensive playtime. On the injury news, I don't expect to see Taylor or Morris this week. Don't have a good feel on a timeline.

Chris (Florence, Italy)

Mike, your post about penalties got me thinking. Three of the top five penalized Pats are part of the O-line: would you rather see sacks or holding penalties on guards or the center? Are o linemen coached to hold if they can't otherwise protect the QB. I personally would rather see Brady standing but 10 yards back than flattened constantly. Thanks!

Mike Reiss

  (12:38 PM)

Thanks Chris. I think looking at penalties provides a different lens through which to view the team. I don't think players are coached to hold, but using judgment is part of it. If Brady is in danger, better to take the 10-yard infraction and keep No. 12 upright.

Evan (Boston)

Do you think we will see a similar gameplan to the Jets or Bills early in the season in that we throw the ball a ton? The Fins are stout against the run, but start three rookies in the backfield. I mean if the Jets can torch them through the year Tom Brady should go for 400

Mike Reiss

  (12:42 PM)

I'd say that's right on, Evan. The Dolphins started rookie corners Davis and Smith last week, which marked the first time in their 43-year history that they started two rookie corners in a game. Think you have to test them early and often.

Mike Reiss

  (12:42 PM)

Not to mention that rookie safety Chris Clemons started as well.

rick (ct)

Mike, why is Burgess playing more than Thomas? Seems to me that Thomas would do better at rush DE/OLB since Burgess is a complete non factor. When TBC looks better that just unacceptable. I think the wrong guy is in the dog house, please explain BB's logic here!

Mike Reiss

  (12:43 PM)

Fair question, Rick. I haven't seen much more out of Burgess than I have from Adalius Thomas. I would like to see Thomas stay on the field on third down and unleash him as a rusher at times.

Steve (Canton)

Mike, do you anticapate the Pats placing any of our injured players on IR. With Taylor, Green, Morris, Light out for extended periods of time our depth seems to be affected....

Mike Reiss

  (12:44 PM)

Steve, I'd say they are right about at the limit of what they can absorb before having to go that route. One more injury and they would probably need to make some type of move.

CC (San Diego, CA)

Any sense on how long Belichick plans to keep coaching, do you ever envision him assuming a Parcells-like "godfather/team president" role post-coaching, and is there a sucession plan in place (Nick Caserio)?

Mike Reiss

  (12:45 PM)

Try to slip that question to him from time to time CC, and the answer is always the same: "I enjoy what I'm doing. Why would I stop if they'll still have me?" I'd say he'd ride it out with Brady, which could be another 8-10 years.

Paul (Westwood, MA)

Hi Mike, I saw an interesting rumor note on ESPN. It said something about Edgerin James next stop "think Brady". Do you think this could be a possibility? Have you heard anything in this regard?

Mike Reiss

  (12:46 PM)

I don't see it Paul. Also haven't heard anything in that regard.

jim (new hampshire)

why can't we run the ball consistently - we have really good offensive line. Is a function of the play calling or is it the running backs we have?

Mike Reiss

  (12:47 PM)

The Patriots are averaging 4.1 yards per carry, so it's not all that bad Jim. But the consistency hasn't been there, so I understand where you are coming from. I think running the ball is about an attitude, and the Patriots are more of a passing team.

Jim (Worcester)

Is it safe to say that the Patriots are back. I know they faced weak teams in the titans and bucs, but these games reminded me of the 2007 season.

Mike Reiss

  (12:48 PM)

I'd hold off Jim. I think we know the Patriots are going to be in the mix at the end, but I wouldn't fall into the trip of putting too much into these last two games. It's one thing I like about talking to Phil Simms. He often says "We always want the answers now, but why can't we let it play out a bit."

Dana (Work :()

Any news on how long until we see Edelman on the field again?

Mike Reiss

  (12:49 PM)

Just a hunch, Dana, and not based on any inside information, but I wouldn't be surprised if we see him next week for the Colts game.

David (Iowa City)

Can you make me feel warm and fuzzy and proclaim that Timmy Dwight paved the way for Wes Welker in NE !!!!

Mike Reiss

  (12:49 PM)

Tim Dwight = Wes Welker? I can't do it, David, but I can say that Dwight was one of the fun guys to come in contact with when he was here. Very intense.

Randy Moss (Foxboro, MA)

Since I am not quite the player I was two years ago in terms of making spectacular plays through double teams and by sprinting past corners with ease (I don't count the Titans/Falcons as good pass defenses), is it possible that my loss of downfield play-making ability is the reason the Patriots won't come near their 2007 season?

Mike Reiss

  (12:50 PM)

Thanks for checking in Randy Moss, but I'd disagree with your premise. I think you still have it. The argument could be made that no receiver tilts the field like you do. Still.

Brett (Boston)

Hey Mike, how do you see the backfield playing out this weekend? When do you expect to see Sammy Morris back?

Mike Reiss

  (12:51 PM)

Maroney would be the top option, followed by Green-Ellis and of course Faulk. Morris -- just a hunch but maybe 1-2 more weeks.

Mike Reiss

  (12:52 PM)

On the injury stuff, I'd just reiterate that this is all projections. My assumption is that Morris has an MCL. Going off Mayo, that was a three-game deal. Every player heals differently and Morris is a bit older.

Ted (Ft. Lauderdale)

Hey Mike, do you see New York or Miami as the Patriots' biggest obstacle in the division? Thanks!

Mike Reiss

  (12:52 PM)

I'd say Miami.

Will (Boston)

why has Edge not been picked up yet. I thought that BB loved this guy and his running style. We need another back to go with Maroney or they would not be working people out. Plus this is the guy Maroney compared himself to when he was drafted. If that does not light a fire under his butt then nothing will.

Mike Reiss

  (12:53 PM)

If you bring in Edge, either Taylor/Morris has to go on injured reserve. I don't think that's a tradeoff to make right now, unless you know one of the injured guys won't make it back.

Andy (Boston College)

I hate to get ahead of myself, but what is the Pats biggest assest vs the Saints in the coming weeks?

Mike Reiss

  (12:53 PM)

The ability to control the ball on offense and play a complementary game to keep that Saints offense off the field.

michael curry (akron ohio)

what chances do you give the colts to win the superbowl and is Peyton manning the mvp in your oppinion

Mike Reiss

  (12:54 PM)

I'd give the Colts as good as anyone's chance right now Michael. Peyton or Brees look like the clear frontrunners for MVP. I'd go with Peyton.

Chris (Brookline)

With what has been transpiring with Adalius Thomas lately do you predict that this is his last year with the Pats. Bill really seems to be embracing this youth movement on defense (which i love).

Mike Reiss

  (12:55 PM)

Adalius is due $4.9m next season, I believe, and he's a part-time player right now. I'd say this is his last year if things remain the same.

Jim (MA)

Mike, can the Pats get back into a running game like they did against the Titans? Maroney seems like he will have a breakout game or nothing. It seems when they get the running game going, they are a MUCH better team.

Mike Reiss

  (12:56 PM)

Jim, gong to be tough to run against the Dolphins, who rank sixth in the NFL against the rush (3.6 avg.). Think the pass is the way to exploit weaknesses. But as Tedy Bruschi says, they must make an attempt to stay balanced.

Mike Reiss

  (12:56 PM)

I'll take a few more here and then pave the way for Tedy.

Kevin (Arlington VA)

Mike, I was really impressed last week with the speed of Sam Aiken. He was just straight up faster than his opponents. Did his performance last week open some eyes, do you expect him to have a shot at a larger role considering the receiving core has been beat up and generally under performing this season?P.S. Love the blog. You are a one-man quality content machine

Mike Reiss

  (12:57 PM)

Thanks Kevin. Chris Forsberg also contributes to the blog and does a great job. Aiken showed strength and speed on that play. He's shown he can contribute. But I still think he's more of a No. 4 or 5 option ideally.

Gregg (Scottsdale, AZ)

Mike, it has been reported that Wilhite is suffering from an "illness" as oppossed to an injury. Have you heard anything on him?

Mike Reiss

  (12:58 PM)

Have not heard, Gregg. It is flu season and you wonder if that is what is holding him back. He wasn't at practice today.

steve (Westwood, MA)

Mike in reviewing your weekley charting of defensive snaps I see 2 trends. Young corners over older corners and Burgess keeping an extensive role at OLB. Are we seeing a changing of the guard with Butler/wilhite firmly entrenched over springs Bodden or is this match-up based? Also what exactly from your viewpoint has burgess done to earn these snaps?

Mike Reiss

  (1:00 PM)

Let's end on this one. Some great questions in here and maybe Tedy will pluck some of them off. I think if the young corners are out there this week, I'd go along with it Steve. But I have been of the thinking that it's best to not read too much into the last two games and make a definitive depth chart statement. On Burgess, I think the last few games were a good opportunity to expose him to new parts of the system. Wouldn't be surprised to see his action scaled back this week.

Mike Reiss

  (1:00 PM)

All right, Tedy, take it away. The stage is yours. Thanks to all for participating.

Buzzmaster

  (1:02 PM)

Thanks Mike. We're getting Tedy so get those questions in!

Buzzmaster

  (1:13 PM)

Hang in there folks. Still trying to track down Tedy.

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:21 PM)

I apologize for the late start. I'm here. Let's talk football.

steve (Westwood, MA)

tedy, what is it about the dolphin defense that gives brady problems? Is it the scheme or personnel that is the issue.

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:22 PM)

They've always had the personnel to play solid man to man on the receivers. And Jason Taylor has always been a problem.

Alex (PA)

Do you think that we'll see more of Pat Chung against Miami, given how solid he is against the run?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:23 PM)

I don't think so. Chung is a safety and the Merriweather and McGowan combination has been very solid.

rc (boston)

do you think the pats can crush the colts and saints chances at perfection if they are still unbeatin

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:23 PM)

If the Pats continue to make improvements like they have the last two weeks, I don't see why they can't. They've also go to stay healthy.

Gregg (Scottsdale, AZ)

Tedy, any thoughts on how Junior is playing in his latest return to the Pats?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:25 PM)

He hasn't shown up in a big way yet, but he's provided solid depth at the LB position. The playmakers from the LBs are Mayo and Guyton. I think it stays that way.

T-man (Belmont, MA)

Tedy, can you 1. Assess how Mayo is currently playing and 2. Assess how Guyton has played since Mayo came back?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:26 PM)

Guyton can play both positions, inside and outside. I think he's done a great job of doing that. Mayo's mobility has struggled the last two weeks. He came back quickly from the MCL injury, but you can see that he wasn't his usual explosive self. I think we start to see him making more plays now that he's had another week to heal.

Brian Coogan (New York, NY)

Looking ahead, what issues do you forsee when the Pat's face the high powered Passing attacks of Indy

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:27 PM)

How the young corners will match up against Reggie Wayne. The Colts also have young receivers in Austin Collie and Pierre Garcon. Reggie Wayne and Dallas Clark will be the biggest concerns against the secondary.

joe (NH)

hi tedy, whats your take on joey porter recent comments on his deep rooted hate for the patriots

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:28 PM)

I'd hate us too if I were on a team that was beat twice in the AFC championship game.

shawn (CA)

What needs to improve more secondary or pass rush?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:29 PM)

I'd say the secondary, especially the young CBs. They need more experience and they've shown problems tackling. Banta-Cain and Wright have been holding their own in pass rushing situations.

Craig (Boston)

Tedy, do you think this years Pats team has enough talent to make a run at the SB?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:30 PM)

I definitely think they do. Coach Belichick is one of the best coaches that takes young players at the beginning of the year and turns them into veterans by the end of their first seasons.

David (North Attleboro,Ma)

Tedy,I think the Patriots did a great job stopping the Miami's wildcat offense in their second game last year. What was the keys to stopping it last year and what will the keys to stopping it this Sunday.

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:31 PM)

The biggest problem is that we had never seen it before. Coaches didn't know how to adjust and players didn't know how to react. Now that there's been an entire year of film of watching this wildcat offense, more teams are finding the answers to making it ineffective.

john (nh)

TedyB, what do you think is the biggest threat offensively miami brings? how do you see the pats countering?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:31 PM)

Their ability to run the ball. They're ranked third in the NFL in rushing. They have two very physical backs in Ronnie Brown and Rickey Williams. By the way John, the Pats will counter this running game by scoring a lot of points.

Matt (Western Mass)

It seems the Pats are currently lacking that downhill run stuffer. Who can step up and shut down the run consistently?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:32 PM)

Watch Jerod Mayo this week. He'll answer your questions.

Aaron (Trumbull, CT)

Matt Light is a great left tackle in my opinion, but always has trouble with a handful of players, most notably Jason Taylor. What is it about Taylor that gives Light so many nightmares, and do you see Vollmer as having the same issues?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:34 PM)

That's a great question. I think that will be one of the key matchups of the game, can Vollmer stop Taylor. I don't think Light will be ready to go this week. Those knees can be tricky. That is a matchup I'll be watching with great interest - Vollmer v. Taylor.

Billy (Chelmsford)

Hi Tedy. What opposing coaches gave you the most fits (scheme wise) during your career?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:35 PM)

Here's a name you wouldn't expcet: David Lee, the QB coach for the Dolphins. He's the one that brought the wildcat with him. He was at the University of Arkansas with McFadden and Jones. Last year, when I saw the wildcat formation for the first time, that concept brought me more frustration than any other.

Eric (Boston)

It's my Bday, you have to answer Tedy...Do you see yourself in Gary Guyton? Traditionally undersized LBs who are succeeding as starting LBs in the NFL. Thanks!

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:37 PM)

I do see a little bit of myself in Gary. How he had to change his game from the college level to the pro level. He's more of an athlete than I ever was, but I survived off of instincts and intelligence. I think Gary Guyton will become a good player for this team in the future.

Jay (Boston)

Hi Tedy, Belichick usually trys to take away one thing from the oppenent. What do you think it will be this week? Ted Ginn?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:38 PM)

Yes, it should be Ted Ginn. What he did last week was amazing. I do think the Pats have the perfect weapon for Ted Ginn and his name is Stephen Gostkowski. If it's a good weather day and Gotti gets his usual booting kickoff 8 yards deep in the end zone, it's possible Ginn won't even be able to take them out.

Buchanty (DC)

Do you think that teams have caught up with the Patriots running game - particularly Maroney? They seem to know that he is not a decoy and the holes are rarely there. Faulk is effective since its harder to determine whether its a run or a pass.

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:40 PM)

I think Faulk is effective because he's playing better than Maroney now. I think Maroney is still struggling to find the holes. He's too indecisive. He showed progress in the Tennessee game and didn't have the same success against Tampa Bay. They have to continue to make an effort to run the ball, whether it be Maroney or BenJarvus Green-Ellis.

Neil X. (Boston)

Tedy, do you see the Patriots run blitzing a lot this week to counter the Dolphins running game?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:41 PM)

I would like to see them do that, especially against the wildcat. Last week, the Jets sent Pace and Revis on blitzes off the edge when they recognized the wildcat. I think the Patriots should copy that formation to try to get them out of the wildcat. Look for Merriweather to attack that wildcat early.

JD (Watertown, MA )

Tedy, Do you see the Pats D in more of a 3-4 or 4-3 to stop the wildcat?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:43 PM)

In the past, when we ran a 3-4 defense, we checked to a 4-3 look against the wildcat. However, that changed from week to week and sometimes from series to series. Adjustments can also be made on the sideline, just like when Belichick called a timeout on Denver's first drive when he saw the wildcat formation. After that timeout, Merriweather blitzed off of the defense's left side and stopped the drive.

Nathan (State College, PA)

What is the key to defeating the wildcat? Strength inside? Speed of the defense?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:44 PM)

I think it's aggressiveness. One of the goals of the wildcat is to get defenses play on their heels. To confuse them. To have success against it, you must attack it.

Darius Butler (Foxboro, MA)

Where am I on the depth chart?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:45 PM)

Right now you're a bright young corner kid. Keep working.

Matt (Western Mass)

If Sebastian Vollmer continues to improve, could we see him as our starting LT going forward? I love Matt Light but it's only a matter of time until his play falls off. It seems like a good idea to keep Vollmer at LT and move Light to RT. This would not only help in the run game but also extend Light's career. Thoughts?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:46 PM)

Vollmer is one of the best young players the Patriots have. That's a big statement. He is the long term solution at left tackle. Light still has gas left in the tank, however, you never know about those knees. It's good to have Vollmer in your back pocket. He gives you options.

Kyle (VT)

do you forsee Brandon Tate having a larger role in the offense going forward or will it mainly be on special teams?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:48 PM)

It's possible he could be the answer at the No. 3 WR spot. His evaluation process is now beginning. If you see the Patriots calling his number in this game, that means they're seriously giving him a look at how he can contribute to this offense.

patrick (maine)

tedy, since your retirement who do you think has stepped up to fill, as best they can try, your leadership role on our d?

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:49 PM)

I definitely think Jerod Mayo. When I was with the team in training camp, I could tell then that he was ready to become a leader. His knee injury delayed that process, but he's back now.

Neil (Southington, CT)

How do you see the season playing out? I still don't think the Pats match up well with the smashmouth defenses you need to beat. They are fine with the "finesse" defenses that play more of a prevent style.

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:50 PM)

That's why the Super Bowl is not won right now. The Patriots have always prided themselves with playing their best football after Thanksgiving. That still gives them 3-4 weeks to get better. Let's see how this plays out in the month of December.

Tedy Bruschi

  (1:51 PM)

I had a great time chatting. I promise next week I'll be on time.