1. With Kyle Arrington questionable who would step in if he’s out? Does Darius Butler get another shot? Or does Terrence Wheatley, who looked good in preseason get his first action since what feels like 2008 against the Colts?
2. Does Brandon Deaderick stay at LDE? Or does Ron Brace step back in? The answer to this lies in whether or not Brace adds anything in terms of pass rush/getting upfield quicker than Deaderick. It’s possible Deaderick is better at holding ground and is thus more likely to start in the 3-4 against heavy run teams like the Ravens and Dolphins. Or Deaderick might just be ahead of Brace in all categories now. Wouldn’t be surprised to see them open in a heavy nickel package. Expect the game plan to potentially be like what they did against Cincinnati.
3. Who is the primary runningback? My guess is that it’s Benjarvus Green-Ellis but if the Patriots want to attack the Chargers through the air it could be Danny Woodhead again. Every time Woody makes a big play I imagine Rex Ryan groaning.
4. Do Dane Fletcher and Shawn Crable’s roles expand at all? Crable has been entirely a hand down DPR, while Fletcher was used in the 3-3-5 nickel package against the Ravens as a coverage linebacker.
5. Will the Patriots pull uber blogger Mike Dussault from his seat in section LF8, row 2, seat 5 and put him into the game to throw the Chargers completely off? Will the so-called “Deuce-Cat” be released this weekend? You’ll just have to wait and see…