Pats Set Final Roster

The Pats cut their roster down to the required 53 players today and there were a couple surprises. The biggest would have to be the release of CB Fernando Bryant. Bryant was a staple in the preseason starting lineup and seemed like he had sewn up the job of replacing Asante Samuel. Alas, now he's gone and it looks like rookie Terrence Wheatley or vet Lewis Sanders will now be starting opposite Ellis Hobbs.I guess seeing Bryant get steamrolled by a Giants running back into the end zone Thursday night should've been an indication that he could be in trouble.The other surprise is that Matt Cassel is still on the team while Matt Guttierrez has been let go. While many thought Gute outperformed Cassel, clearly the Patriots did not. Kevin O'Connell slips into the third quarterback spot with the potential to be Tom Brady's backup in 2009 when Cassel's deal expired.Though Cassel apparently played well enough to hold on to his job, I doubt he played well enough to earn a contract extension.The surprises who made the team include Sam Aiken, a WR who will contribute on special teams, as well as undrafted rookie LB Gary Guyton. Guyton was all over the field on Thursday night, leading the team with 10 tackles. He's clearly got the speed that the Pats have been lacking from the position in years past.Ray Ventrone is another surprise, and another one of those swiss army knife-type players Belichick loves. He can do a little of everything and might even see some time at slot receiver should Wes Welker miss any games.Cut players who are candidates to be on the practice squad include Vince Redd, another undrafted rookie LB who showed some promise, Antwan Spann, who likely had his roster spot taken by John Lynch, and Mike Richardson, who hasn't been healthy in his two years with the team.One area to keep an eye on will be on the offensive line. With Stephen Neal and Russ Hochstein both out with injuries it was somewhat of a surprise to see both vets John Welbourn and Mike Flynn cut. This makes Dan Connolly the only remaining healthy back-up at guard. Hopefully it's a sign that Hochstein is close to returning.It's doubtful Flynn or Welbourn will catch on elsewhere, so it's good to know they are available should the injuries mount anymore.The 2008 Patriots team is set, one week from Sunday it all begins.