Matt and Ben discuss Tom Brady’s ever-so-tender shoulder, the quick hook for Kevin O’Connell and the mystery wrapped in an enigma that is the Patriots secondary.

Also, don’t forget to check out our tribute to Tedy Bruschi after his retirement earlier this week.  Good luck, #54!!!!

Check out the new podcast recorded yesterday.  Matt and Ben touch on Brett Favre’s return (again), the major storylines coming out of the Pats preseason win over the Eagles, as well as our defensive front seven preview.  Might we be seeing a bit more 4-3 from New England this season?  Find out by clicking on the newest edition of Patriotscast.

The Patriots made a major stride towards improving their pass rush this week by trading for disgruntled Raider (is there any other kind?) Derrick Burgess.  He’s about to turn 31 and is an 8 year NFL veteran with two Pro Bowl appearances to his credit in 2005 and 2006.  He has 47 career sacks during his time with the Raiders and Eagles.  He had been holding out of Raiders camp because he wanted a contract extension.  He’s in the final year of a five-year deal that pays him $2 million per season.  New England released backup center Al Johnson to make room for Burgess.

Have to love this move for the Pats.  Despite all the upgrades made in the offseason and through the draft, the pass rush was still a glaring weakness.  Burgess has played defensive end his whole career, but likely projects as a pass rushing linebacker in the 3-4.  However, there’s a chance New England will employ the 4-3 a little more to try and keep players fresh.

Fresh off a few relaxing days north of the border, Matt and I bring you our new podcast.  We give you a look at some of the stories making noise during the first week of training camp, as well as our thoughts on the much belated Patrick Chung signing.  We also continue our team preview with a look at the offensive line and its impact on the New England offense.

-Ben Altsher

The Patriots earlier today officially announced the signing of their top draft pick (34th overall) Patrick Chung.  The safety could potentially take a starting job away from James Sanders, or could fill in as a No. 3 in the defensive backfield.  In any sense, it’s good the two sides could come to terms, avoiding any sort of a holdout. 

The team also announced the release of safety Antwain Spann.

*Sidenote: I’ll be away on vacation for the next week so our next version of the podcast will be put on hold for another week or so.  Fear not, I’ll still be updating the website should any major Patriot-related news break.

With the past week’s signings of Ron Brace, George Bussey and Darius Butler, the Patriots have locked up all but three of the members of their 2009 draft class.  Only top pick Patrick Chung, third rounder Tyrone McKenzie and sixth rounder Jake Ingram remain unsigned. 

Chung’s probably just trying to get closer to first round money despite being a second round pick.  There’s no rush on McKenzie because he’s sitting out this year after an injury during rookie minicamp, and Ingram may be in the race to fill Lonnie Paxton’s vacant spot as the long snapper and trying to cash in on it.  Overall, wouldn’t get too concerned until we hear the word holdout.

Check out the new podcast, titled “Off to the Races”.  It’s a look at the Patriots rushing attack for the 2009 season.  In particular, Matt and I single out Laurence Maroney and debate what he needs to do to prove he’s more than just another first round bust.

Check out the new podcast, an interview Jarvis Green did on the Young Guns Radio Show (10pm-12am, 1510 AM).  Ben joins host Chris Villani and Brian Graham to chat about the defensive lineman’s benefit concert coming up, as well his thoughts on the 2009 Patriots.

Tom Brady took part of organized team activities for the first time since the beginning of last season this week.  He also addressed the media on Thursday, and based on everything he says, all signs point to good things for New England in 2009.

The Boston Globe is reporting that rookie linebacker Tyrone McKenzie is out for the season with a torn ACL.  The South Florida product was a third round pick of the Pats (97 overall) and projected to be a contributing backup this year at the inside linebacker position and a possible replacement for Tedy Bruschi when his contract expires after this season.  Let’s hope this isn’t the start of another injury-riddled year for the defense.  On the flip side, undrafted Gary Guyton came out of nowhere to be a contributing factor, perhaps New England can turn the trick again.