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The Patriots were +6 in the turnover department in 2009, while ranking 11th in total defense.  The were very balanced against both the run and pass, ranking 12th and 13th respectively.  Look for head coach Bill Belichik to experiment and mix up coverages to see what may and may not work. There is no better team than a stout offense by the Saints than the use a myriad of defensive schemes and coverages.

New England Offense Vs. New Orleans Defense-

The Patriots offense begins and ends with quarterback Tom Brady.  Brady is the field general when New England has the ball and knows exactly where each of his players is at each different set.  Averaging close to 400 yards per game, the Patriots ranked third in the NFL in total offense and third in the NFL in passing.

The Patriots Achilles heal has been the run game over the course of the past few seasons, though they still ranked in the top-half of the league in 2009.  Still, the combination of Laurence Maroney and Sammy Morris will be the first set of backs that the New Orleans defense will likely see in the first few series in this one. New England averaged 120 yards on the ground last season, while the Saints were prone to giving up some yardage, ranking 21st in the league.

The passing game between the New England offense and the New Orleans secondary should present a good match up between the starters in the opening series.  Safeties Roman Harper and Darren Sharper were turnover machines down the stretch for the Saints.  In the game last year, Brady threw two interceptions.

Special Teams-

On paper, the edge goes to the Saints in terms of return men.  Reggie Bush will be the guy to return punts for the Saints, though it remains to be seen if head coach Sean Payton will put him in their in the first pre-season game.

The Patriots have a good talent at the place kicker position in Stephen Gostkowski, as he is a reliable field goal kicker, and boots them deep on the kick off into the end zone.

Two of the greatest players ever to play in the NFL lead the Class of 2010 that were inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame on Saturday night. Both Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith have now realized that their destinies have now been fulfilled as they spoke to the audience in Canton, Ohio.

“This is finally it,” Rice said. “There are no more routes to run, no more touchdowns to score, no more records to set. That young boy from Mississippi has finally stopped running.

“Let me stand here and catch my breath.”

Rice was one of the most electrifying wide receivers to ever play the game. In his 20-year career, Rice broke every important pass-catching record and was a huge gamebreaer for the San Francisco 49ers. He had 22,895 yards which is more than 7,600 ahead of second place. He also had 208 touchdowns, made 10 All-Pro teams, chosen for 13 Pro Bowls and had a reception in an unbelievable 274 consecutive games. He accomplished so much during his career, but wishes he could have done on thing different.

“My single regret about my career is I never took the time to enjoy it,” he said. “I was always working.

“I was afraid to fail. The fear of failure is the engine that has driven me my entire life. The reason they never caught me from behind is because I ran scared. People always are surprised how insecure I was. The doubts, the struggles, is who I am. I wonder if I would have been as successful without them.”

Smith followed Rice in the induction ceremony and displayed much emotion as he fought back tears during his acceptance speech. After a one-minute standing ovation, Smith began to acknowledge those who had played such an important role in getting him to achieve all his accomplishments. He thanked many individuals, but he did not downplay the importance of his family.

“When I go into the hall today, I am not going in alone,” Smith said. “I am carrying my grandfather, I’m carrying my father and I’m carrying my son along with me because I bear all their names. Now I can say to my dad and my son, EJ, our name will be forever enshrined in the history of football.”

Smith’s career in the NFL was just as spectacular as the one lived by Rice. The former Dallas Cowboy running back is the all-time lading rusher in the NFL after breaking the previous mark held by Walter Payton. In his career, he rushed for 18,355 yards with 164 touchdowns. He also had 11 seasons in which he rushed for over 1,000 yards and had 78 games with 110 yards rushing. All of his hard work has finally paid off as he was inducted Saturday night.

“Most people only dream,” Smith said. “I not only had my childhood dream, I did everything I could to fulfill it.

“You know what, I am now the all-time leading rusher. Wow. What an honor.”