The backups and hopefuls got nothing done in the final preseason game against Jacksonville, losing 31-0 and finishing the preseason 1-3. Quarterback Rohan Davey did nothing to prove he was worthy to be in the NFL, registering a 29.4 QB rating, going 13 - 25 for 104 yards and 2 INTs. Running back Mike Cloud went 94 yards on 19 carries, but coughed up the ball in the fourth quarter.

"The main thing is we wanted to get a lot of people in, and we did that," said head coach Bill Belichick, who didn't start any regulars in order to rest them for the season opener.

All I can say is thank God preseason is gone and let the regular season begin!

Pats Get to 53

The Patriots released the following player to get to the 53-man squad:

QB Kliff Kingsbury

offensive tackle David Pruce.

Patriots News

Veteran quarterback Jim Miller and offensive tackle Tim Provost were released, but Miller was resigned this week and made part of the 53-man squad....Veteran linebacker Dana Stubblefield was placed on injured reserve...Running back Kory Chapman was signed this week after being released from the Baltimore Ravens, then released again as part of the 53-man roster number.

League News

The Packers released QB Tim Couch...The Bills released LB Jason Gildon and placed QB Travis Brown in injured reserve...Dorsey Levens was cut by the Eagles...Antonio Freeman was cut by Miami...The Chargers are carrying four QBs on their current 53-man roster: Drew Brees, Doug Flutie, Phillip Rivers, and Cleo Lemon...St. Louis signed OT Orlando Pace to a one-year deal...Mike Cloud signed with the Giants...

The Monday Analysis Predictions

As I do every year, here are the predictions for the 2004 season.

1. New England
2. Kansas City
3. Indy
4. Cincinnati
5. Tennessee
6. Baltimore

Wild Card Weekend: Indy over Baltimore, Cincinnati over Tennessee

Semifinals: New England over Cincinnati, Kansas City over Indy

AFC Championship: New England over Kansas City in Foxboro, 35 - 13

1. Seattle
2. Minnesota
3. Carolina
4. Philly
5. St. Louis
6. Tampa Bay

Wild Card Weekend: Carolina over Tampa Bay, Philly over St. Louis

Semifinals: Seattle over Philly, Carolina over Minnesota

NFC Championship: Seattle over Carolina in Seattle, 17 - 13

Super Bowl XXXIX in Jacksonville: New England over Seattle 42 - 12

DISCLAIMER: I have no idea whether the records are mathematically correct or not. I went by each team, not by the overall picture involving schedules and records. If anyone would like to tell me how far off I am (mathematically, but I welcome opinionated feedback as well), drop me a line!

Signs of the Apocalypse

My own version of coffeenerdness. Walked into Dunkin Donuts on Friend and Causeway. The girl behind the counter was new on the job, and receiving translations - in Spanish - from a veteran DD guy. It's bad enough not speaking English, but not speaking DunkinDonutese has got to be a pretty tough learning curve to straighten out, especially in the City of Boston.

Notes and Quotes

Top Ten List of the Week

1. The Season. It is here.

2. Without a doubt, I like New England over Indy on Thursday night. Manning can't win in Foxboro. The Patriots will slap Indy by at least two touchdowns, if not three on Thursday night.

3. Odd having the Red Sox win like this in September. It just isn't normal.

4. Note to Hillary: You may want to keep the Candy Stripers away from Bill's hospital room as he recovers from heart surgery.

5. Regardless of your voting choice in November, the GOP put on a much more entertaining show than the Dems. I didn't say better, just more entertaining.

6. Last season the Chargers carried only two quarterbacks. This year they have four. Something's gotta give, and it might be Doug Flutie as a cap casualty. I have several sources pointing him towards a second stint with the Patriots. While he would be a fine backup to Tom Brady, I don't think New England has the cap space for him.

7. Troy Hambrick will backup Emmitt Smith again. Poor Hambrick, just can't escape Emmitt's shadow.

8. We need more three days weekends.

9. I can't wait to see Corey Dillon rush for 100 yards per game this season. It's been a long time since we've have a good back.

10. T-minus three days and counting....

ejh