Patriots look to rely on 5 – BostonHerald.com

Solid list of five from Howe (McCourty, Chung, Spikes, Lloyd, Solder). If I had to add two more I’d put Ridley and Trevor Scott.

Ridley must develop the consistency that the Law Firm had (not that that is an easy thing to do). Whether it’s Woodhead or Vereen more featured on third down is an after thought. Ridley must give them the tough yards and break some long runs.

Whether Andre Carter comes back or not the Patriots are sitting right now with 20 less sacks than they had in 2010 with him and Mark Anderson. Trevor Scott seems the top candidate to replace Carter on the right side of the defensive line. He flashed versatility and playmaking ability with the Raiders before blowing out his ACL in 2010. He should be fully recovered and is a good bet to play the most of any other defensive new addition.