With the preseason not quite over, coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots is already looking ahead to the Bengals’ game. In the past he has noted all the footballs that are in the air at this time of year, from roster management to regular-season preparation to finishing the preseason strong. That’s a big part of these next two weeks, which is a crucial time for all NFL teams.
There will be no Labor Day weekend getaways as players prepare for their encounter with the Bengals. Quarterback Tom Brady should be ramping up his knowledge of the Bengals’ 4-3 defense, and looking closer at Cincinnati’s most recent performance Saturday in Buffalo. The Patriots’ top defenders will no doubt be considering how the additions of veteran receiver Terrell Owens and tight end Jermaine Gresham have given the Bengals’ offense a new look.
Injuries, every coaches nightmare, have plagued the Patriots in the preseason. They have already placed six players on season-ending injured reserve, most notably starting left defensive end Ty Warren with a hip injury. Offensive lineman Nick Kaczur is also dealing with a season-threatening back injury.
Still, that will be fewer players they will have to drop to reach the 75 man limit.
All in all it will be a busy time for the team.
