Patriots have questions to answer

Insider

Tuesday, September 5, 2006

Why To Watch
This would seem to be a lopsided opener for the Patriots, but there are always several question marks to be answered in a team's first game. If Tedy Bruschi is suited up how will he perform not participating in any of the preseason games? How will the loss of Willie McGinest affect the defense? Who will be the go-to guy in the passing game without the presence of Deion Branch? How much will each back (Corey Dillon and Laurence Maroney) carry the mail? There are few things to watch if you're a Patriot fan.

Bills fans have to be a bit nervous going into Foxborough with a new coaching staff and a young unproven quarterback. How will J.P. Losman react on the road in front of a hostile crowd? Can the Bills establish any kind of a running game vs. one of the best defensive lines in the league? How will the change in the defensive philosophy (going smaller and quicker up front) affect the Bills' ability to stop the running game? There are a lot of good reasons to watch this game if you're a fan of either team.

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