W2W4: Five things we’ll be focused on – New England Patriots Blog – ESPN Boston

Good list, and I’ll certainly be focused on all the rookies who get in, especially in the early going. Some other things I’ll be watching:

– the pass rush, from both the edges and inside, especially on early downs. Can Tommy Kelly continue to be a force next to Wilfork? 

– the backup defensive tackles, especially Foston, Grissom and Vellano. None blew me away upon the re-watch. Vellano is a try-hard type and did a good job holding his ground, can he do it again?

– the safety play, especially with Devin McCourty likely to sit again. Can Duron Harmon build on some of the good things he did last week? Can Tavon Wilson start to make some noise? The safety position seems to be still very much up in the air after McCourty.