Better late than never.  This week we talk to Dan Snapp of Patriots Daily — an excellent and well written blog about the New England Patriots.  To read more of Dan’s work, make sure to check out his Wednesday column, Direct Snapp or the rest of the gang over at Patriots Daily.

TheJetsBlog: With a new QB at the controls, do you think that the Patriots will rely a lot more heavily on the running game than they would with Brady?  Can they be successful with their personnel if they do?

Dan Snapp: I think that’s to be expected. A year ago, after the big FA WR pickup, I and others on PD were praying the Pats wouldn’t neglect the run. But for much of the season, they did.

Maroney’s too potent a weapon to leave withering. And I like the stable of backs behind him (Back at-ya question: what can we expect of LaMont Jordan?). So long as it’s not telegraphed, I think they’ve got the talent to succeed.

In 2001, in order to make the most of less-than-stellar linemen and somewhat meager (or so we thought) skill positions, Charlie Weis implemented an offense heavy with toss sweeps, receiver screens and quick slants. I’d like to see a return to that kind of creativity, supplemented with your typical Moss arsenal of plays.

TheJetsBlog: One of the stories that hasn’t been addressed nationally is the changeover in the secondary, how does this unit look with it’s new starters? Will the pressure the front seven bring cover for this unit?

Dan Snapp: Kansas City didn’t offer much of a litmus test. Croyle couldn’t move the ball, but Huard sure did. But Deltha O’Neal made two game-saving plays in the waning minutes.

I’m an Ellis Hobbs fan; I even think he’s better than Samuel. The safeties are the same as last year, so the concern is who’s the other starting corner, and who’s the nickel (in place of Randall Gay). O’Neal reminds me of the 2001 Terrell Buckley pickup: savvy vet, former Pro Bowler, probably won’t start but is your ideal nickel guy.

As for who that other starter is – be it Lewis Sanders or rookie Terrence Wheatley – and what he’ll bring, that’s as much of a mystery as the quarterback spot.

I do think a finally-healthy Richard Seymour alleviates some concerns. But overall, they’re younger and newer; they’re gonna get burned some.

TheJetsBlog: What’s the one guy that you see on the Jets that you think gives the Patriots the biggest matchup problem?

Dan Snapp: Offensively, it would be easy to say somebody like Cotchery, who always gives the Pats fits. But I’d say Leon Washington. I think the little seven-yard dumpoffs are the Pats’ poison.

Defensively, Jenkins. They’ll want to develop that running game, and his play could dissuade them early. A couple early three-and-outs and the Jets defense could have Cassel right where they want him.

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