'The Pats made two of the biggest offseason splashes in trading for receiver Chad Ochocinco and defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth. However, Haynesworth, who can be among the NFL’s top defensive players when motivated (and he says he is again), might not make it in the opener. He is officially questionable with an “illness” although the Pats tend to manipulate the NFL’s injury report more than any other team.

The New England defense was largely overhauled this offseason (what there was of it), including a switch to a base 4-3 look (from a 3-4) with eyes toward utilizing veteran linemen Haynesworth, Shaun Ellis and Andre Carter. But the Pats obviously only go as far as Brady takes them. He’s the reigning NFL MVP, the first-ever unanimous pick for that award. Brady has thrown NFL record 335 consecutive passes without interception. And he has won five of past six games against Dolphins while throwing 15 TD passes with five interceptions.

Miami, meanwhile, was hoping to trade for Denver QB Kyle Orton but couldn’t complete that deal – the Fins are stuck with lame-duck QB Chad Henne, who did have a good preseason. The Dolphins, who were 1-7 at home last year, did add Reggie Bush this offseason and he will get the chance to be the every-down back. Miami will need something to compete in this one as it was outscored 79-21 in losing both games to New England last year. And the Pats have won their past seven openers.

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