Bedard On Felger & Mazz: How Much Will Brady Play Against Saints?
With the New England Patriots ready to open their preseason schedule Thursday night against the New Orleans Saints at Gillette Stadium, The Boston Globe's Greg Bedard joined Felger & Mazz to preview the tilt.
Bedard reported earlier Thursday that quarterback Tom Brady will play against the Saints. With all the issues surrounding the New England offensive line, is there concern for Brady's well-being?
"A little bit just because the Saints have something to prove; putting in a new defense with Steve Spagnuolo. They like to get after the quarterback, and we saw that on Tuesday," Bedard said of Tuesday's joint practice between the two teams. "These guys are really getting after it. There is a little bit of concern because the Patriots offensive line really had it taken to them."
"Dante Scarnecchia will correct it," said Bedard. "They felt that the Saints threw a lot of stuff they hadn't seen yet. I think they'll be a little bit better, but I wouldn't leave Tom Brady out there for very long."
"We're a month away from the season, I don't think you need to overdo it tonight. But watch, Belichick will go play him for three quarters," joked Bedard.
Read: What To Watch For
Dan Koppen is expected to get the start at center, despite his struggles during training camp.
"He hasn't been good," Bedard said of Koppen. "He went through a spell where in 1-on-1's he lost nine straight reps, and they weren't close. That being said, Koppen didn't look good in camp last season and was the opening day starter."
"He is coming back from a pretty serious leg injury, so maybe he's just working through things. But I the season started tomorrow, I wouldn't have a place for him on this team."
Also, which of the Patriots rookies is Bedard looking forward to seeing? And who will be the odd man out in the receiving corps? Greg Bedard breaks it all down with Felger and Mazz!
