I smell the pigskin

By Chad Garner

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Yes, football is finally here. We're talking professional football and the New England Patriots.

Training Camp officially opened yesterday and I still can't get enough of reading all the Patriots news from yesterday's sessions.

But the No. 1 concern I have it about, of course, Tom Brady. We all the know the season hinges on him. He's the best QB in the National Football League and that offense if virtually unstoppable with him slinging passes to Randy Moss (how many corners can really cover him and want to cover him?), Wes Welker and new addition Joey Galloway (welcome aboard!).

All indications are Brady is good to go, but he still needs to take a hit to that knee or leg, or even just get his bell rung, to know he is really OK. There's no substitute for live game action and he hasn't experienced that since Week 1 last year when he was knocked out of commission by the Kansas City Chiefs.

Got to hope Brady is close to 100 percent. That offensive line better keep him upright or the season will go downhill fast.

And how about one of the anchors on defense, nose tackle Vince Wilfork? Remember, Wilfork is involved in a contract dispute -- yes, he wants a big payday but he's earned it in my book -- but he showed great character by putting the team first and showing up for camp instead of holding out. Will that equal a nice payday? 

If Wilfork does indeed hold out before the season, at least rookie second-round pick, Ron Brace of Boston College and Burncoat High of Worcester -- can jump in right away. Brace is a force in the middle and has never had an issue with taking on multiple blockers, just like Wilfork does. Either way, Brace should made an impact, even if he's involved in a defensive line rotation this season.

There are plenty of Patriots stories to break down -- position battles, who's hot and who's not, etc. --  and we'll continue to take a look at these throughout training camp. So stay tuned.

Here's the Patriots practice schedule, according to the Patriots official Web site: patriots.com

Practice Schedule
July 31: 9:30am - 11:15am; 3:45pm - 5:30pm
August 1: 9:30am - 11:15am; 3:45pm - 5:30pm
August 2: 9:30am - 11:15am; 3:45pm - 5:30pm
August 3: 9:30am - 11:15am; 3:45pm - 5:30pm
August 4:  9:30am - 11:15am; 3:45pm - 5:30pm

August 5:  9:30am - 11:15am; 3:45pm - 5:30pm.