As the weather signals a change of seasons so does the recent play of the Red Sox signaling a change of sports seasons to football and the Patriots.

    The Red Sox could not have had much worse luck in August from bad health to bad play and so now with just 23 games left and 6 games back in the race , it is time to look for that Patriots hat/jersey/First Down Frank.

    Maybe the biggest reason to change allegiances is that New Englanders love to back a winner and Bill Belichick and Scott Pioli have assembled yet another winning team. This week's opener against Buffalo,in fact the first 2 games (@ the Jets in weeks 2) should be puchovers so it won't be long before everyone is talking about making reservations for Glendale Arizona - the sight of this season's Super Bowl. You've heard it before, but with Brady and Belichick AND a strong defense- those Super Bowl possibilities are real ones.

    So what's the deal with Deion Branch? Don't hold your breath on him coming back in the next few weeks, tho I do believe he'll be back in 6 to 8 weeks, and his return will be a big boost for the Pats Super Bowl Chances.

    What's the deal with Tedy Bruschi and his broken wrist? What's the hurry? With the Bills and the jets in week 1 and 2, they don't need him- look for him to be back for Denver in week 3.

    What's the deal with Rodney Harrison? He's not yet 100% but he is playing, tho he won't play full time for a few morw weeks. His mere presence is a huge boost to the team.

    What's the deal with Tom Brady? He is simply the best quarterback in football and he can make up for alot of his teams deficiency's ,namely at wide receiver. Look for Tight end Ben Watson to have a Ben Coates like year, if he can stay healthy which is a legitimate question.

    What's the deal with The Patriots running game? It may be the best it has been in years with the addition of rookie Lawrence Maroney, who is the perfect compliment to Corey Dillon who will now not only have fresh legs at the end of games but at the end of the season. You are going to like watching Maroney- he is exciting and fast!

I like the Patriots to start off the season at least 3 and 1 beating Denver in week 3 in a revenge game from the loss in last years playoffs and then to possibly have a letdown the following week in Cincy, unless Bengals QB Carson Palmer is not all the way back, then make that game a toss up. Either way, get your Patriots jersey/T-Shirt/Sack Attack sausages out - It is Time.