It’s been another intriguing off-season in New England.  Free Agency brought in the likes of Fred Taylor, Joey Galloway, Leigh Bodden, and Shawn Springs.  We also saw the trade of Matt Cassel, and unexpectedly Mike Vrabel, to the Chiefs.  The draft brought in 12 new players, four of which came in the second round.  There was also the drama surrounding Tom Brady and the multiple procedures performed on his knee.  Now training camp has officially opened, and the boys in Foxboro can begin another quest for the Vince Lombardi trophy.  Here’s what I am excited for, and in some cases fearing:

    * Excited: Tom Brady reunited with Wes Welker and Randy Moss.  I don’t foresee 50 touchdowns, but I am expecting big things from all three of these gentlemen.  The addition of Galloway as a third option only adds more fuel to this offensive fire.
    * Fearful: Tom Brady’s left knee during game time.  I think we will all be holding our breath any time an opposing player gets even near number 12.
    * Excited: The aforementioned four second round picks.  Belichick began his tenure in New England by striking gold in the second round with Matt Light, Deion Branch, and Eugene Wilson.  He followed that with disappointments like Chad Jackson and the late Marquise Hill.  How will this year’s group pan out?  I for one think Chung, Brace, Butler, and Vollmer may all turn into starters before their four-year contracts are finished.
    * Fearful: The age at running back.  Don’t get me wrong; I love the acquisition of Fred Taylor.  However, of the 4 running backs that should make the roster, Taylor, Sammy Morris, Kevin Faulk, and Laurence Maroney, only Maroney is south of 32 years old.  Faulk should be fine with his limited role.  Taylor, Morris, and Maroney though, will have to split the carries somewhat evenly to keep the vets healthy down the stretch.
    * Excited: New blood at corner back.  With Ellis Hobbs and Fernando Bryant out, we welcome Bodden, Springs, and UConn’s Darius Butler.  Add to that more playing time for second year men Jonathan Wilhite and Terrence Wheatley, and I’m slightly optimistic this group just might turn some heads.
    * Fearful: An October game in London.  Why does the NFL do this?  Especially to Buccaneer fans.  Haven’t they suffered through enough in their franchise’s history?  Now they lose a home game so some Brits can catch the game at Wembley.  I’m just hoping the travel doesn’t have any adverse effects on the Patriots’ play.
    * Excited: Another season of watching the greatest sport in America!

So Patriot fans, and those of any team for that fact, what are you looking forward to this season?