Jets Behind New England Lines: Five Questions With an Enemy Blogger

This is a slightly modified segment of one that was run on NFL FanHouse last year, in which a specific team blogger scours the internet and interviews a blogger of the opposing team.

I began this season by interviewing Tom-Masse of Pats Pulpit, a Sports Blog Nation column that covers the New England Patriots.

Dan Benton: "The Patriots went wild during free agency this offseason. Which of New England's many additions do you believe will play the most significant role throughout the season?"

Tom-Masse: "If you limit the discussions to free agents, linebacker Adalius Thomas will have the most significant impact, especially now that Richard Seymour is on the physically unable to perform list for at least 6 weeks and Rodney Harrison is serving a 4-week suspension for violating the league's substance abuse policy.

Thomas is a Patriots kind of player. He is very versatile, and he's willing to do what's necessary to help the team. With Tedy Brucshi, Mike Vrabel and Junior Seau a year older, Thomas also gives Bill Belichick and his defensive staff more options and a legitimate threat so those other three guys can get more rest. Don't be surprised to see some very creative defensive sets from New England this season."

Tom-Masse (cont'd): "Still, it could be running back Sammy Morris, should starter Laurence Maroney fail to live up to expectations or get injured, or wide receiver Donté Stallworth, should Randy Moss not work out.

Speaking of Moss, he was acquired in a draft-day trade, not free agency. Regardless, while I have hope for him, I also still have reservations. Even in the unlikely scenario that he's left behind his wayward tendencies, I don't think he'll have the impact as another trade acquisition: Wes Welker, who could be quarterback Tom Brady's safety valve, much in the style that Troy Brown was before or as Ben Coates was for Drew Bledsoe. Welker reminds me of former Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet.

DB: "What advantage do you think the Jets have on the Patriots?"

Masse: "I think the big advantage is Eric Mangini. Most everything Mangini has learned, he learned from Belichick; so if anyone knows Belichick's mindset, it's Mangini. Some coaches always come up with something unexpected to throw at one another, and Belichick has been one of the best. Very clearly, Mangini took good notes. I expect both coaches to throw some creative wrinkles at each other -- but maybe not until the Week 15 rematch. (Who designed this schedule?)

I think the Jets wide receivers might have the advantage over the Patriots defensive backs, especially with Harrison out of the game. The Patriots secondary have been poor tacklers on too many occasions and the Jets exploited that last year. I expect them to try again.

Also, with Seymour out, the Jets offensive line has an easier task ahead of them if it's not so much an advantage.

Of course, while the Patriots have one six in a row in New Jersey, the Jets playing in the Meadowlands in Week 1 doesn't hurt them."

DB: "What advantage do you think the Patriots have on the Jets?"

Masse: "Better quarterback, better receivers (if they're not all gelling quite yet), better tight ends, better defensive front seven, better return game, and still the better coach.

No surprise here: It all starts with Tom Brady. I don't think this requires elaboration.

There are a lot of "ifs" with the receivers, but if they're ready to go, it's a scary group. No worries on the tight ends, and that just makes Brady's job easier.

Jarvis Green is a step down from Seymour, but he could probably start almost anywhere else in the NFL. Vince Wilfork and Ty Warren are potential Pro Bowl candidates, and then you have Rosevelt Colvin, Vrabel, Thomas and Bruschi with Seau waiting in the wings. I haven't seen anyone do much against them in the preseason.

I don't think I've ever seen New England so deep in the return game, and few teams otherwise. Welker, Kevin Faulk and Ellis Hobbs in any combination is dangerous.

Belichick's credentials speak for themselves. Few coaches do as good a job preparing their teams and focusing on what it takes to win games."

DB: "Do you think Eric Mangini and Bill Belichick have really buried the hatchet?"

Masse: "Don't really know. Don't really care. It's a great little media story, especially for those hacks that like to dig Belichick because he's not "media friendly" and because he doesn't wear polo shirts and visors. All I care is that Belichick does his best to prepare his coaches and players do their best."

DB: "Let's play the prediction game -- who wins, and what's the score?"

Masse: "If there's one thing I hate, it's Week 1 predictions. There's no doubt in my mind that the Jets can win this one, but the Patriots are simply the better team and should win. Still, I think it will be close as are most games between these division foes. New England 20, New York 16."

A special thanks to Tom-Masse for taking the time! Again, you can read his Patriots coverage over at SBNation on the Pats Pulpit.