The information about Tom Brady's foot injury appears to be a topic of debate, even with the latest feedback from the legendary quarterback himself. He is on record saying he’ll be ready for the '08 season opener in May, and Patriots fans are clinging to that statement.
The question remains whether his play will be affected as it was during a Super Bowl. In that game, a combination of Brady’s balky heel and an extremely battered offensive line resulted in the team’s worst performance of the season. The circumstances surrounding this year’s opener are eerily similar. Not only is Brady still dealing with an injury, but the questionable offensive line also has some players either out or nursing injuries.
What does all this mean for the upcoming season? There are certainly factors that could go wrong, but there are also positive signs. Brady won’t have to face his arch-nemesis Jason Taylor in 2010, and that alone should be cause for celebration. Additionally, their first four games are against the Chiefs, Jets, Dolphins, and 49ers — teams that likely don't pose much of a defensive threat.
This schedule, combined with an early bye week, should give the team time to get back to full strength without facing elite defenses. Overall, the organization is fortunate that its issues heading into the season appear to be minor injuries rather than the season-ending or career-threatening ones seen on other teams.