Patriots - Redskins match-up will impact roster changes

As the roster changes keep coming and Bill Belichick and the front office continue to make a few moves to help the team, the important number to think about out the moment is not Tom Brady's or Vince Wilfork future contract details, but the number 75. The roster has to be whittled down to 75 from 80 on September 1st, so tonight's game versus the Washington Redskins may be the last time we see a few players in a Patriots uniform. Given that the starting offensive line returns intact (Nick Kaczur, Stephen Neal, Dan Koppen, Logan Mankins and Matt Light), one area to watch is along the offensive line as veterans and rookies alike seek a backup role and make the team now that Russ Hochstein has been traded. On the offensive side of the ball Mark LeVoir has been on PuP plus has a new contract and rookie Sebastian 'Sea Bass' Vollmer will both make the team. Belichick recently commented the Pats usually have about 10 or 11 lineman on the team (including practice squad) so that leaves rookies Rich Ohrnberger and George Bussey (Both eligible for the practice squad) to compete with veterans Dan Connolly, Ryan O'Callahan, Ryan Wendell, Wesley Britt, Billy Yates to fill two maybe three roster spots. Connolly and Wendell seem to be the front runners as backup center at this point. Much attention has been given on the Patriots defense getting pressure (or lack thereof) on the quarterback and so far during the preseason, not much has improved whether in the 4-3 or 3-4. Tonight I expect a mix of 3-4 and 4-3 and interested to see who is in as starters and rotation. The addition of Derrick Burgess (I know he is still learning the system) and return of Tully Banta-Cain has not given me to much confidence at this point and although Adalius Thomas and Pierre Woods may start outside on the 3-4, who replaces Woods on passing downs may get interesting since Shawn Crable is injured. Rob Ninkovich has been doing well with his chances, but not sure the Pats will keep an extra outside guy at this point. A lot may depend on Crable. Although Tedy Bruschi has been injured and not 100% during camp, I would be mightily surprised if he was cut from the team. Jerod Mayo and Gary Guyton have been paired up at inside center in the 3-4 and the real questions is who will add depth behind them and Bruschi. Eric Alexander has been injured quite often over the past few years and has done somewhat well enough with special teams to keep him on the bubble. He has had some time the past few weeks in the 4-3 and that may help him. Paris Lennon has not had a good camp and just may not be able to pick-up the Patriots system. This may be similar to Victor Hobson in 2008 who was eventually cut. Unless Benjamin Watson is still injured, I think this is the last chance for tight end Alex Smith to prove he is the $1.55 million man. I expect the Pats to have three tight ends for the start of the season, so the Pats could try to trade Smith (or Watson) and if need be cut him to save some room on the salary cap. Belichick likes his players to have a bit of flexibility as to how he can use them, but a few special teamers may be in trouble this would include Matthew Slater and Ray Ventrone as neither has demonstrated they have been adding value in other areas. Most of this comes from this year's draftees coming and doing well in the return game (Julian Edelmann Punts and Darius Butler Kicks). Ventrone has been injured, so he may get lucky this week to stick around. As a reminder this is only preseason for our starters and as much as they need to work on their health and execution of plays, tonight is probably the last time we will see Tom Brady and Co. take the field for an extended period (generally into the 3rd quarter) before the season starts September 14th - yeah baby! IN BILL WE TRUST!!