Five things you need to know about the Patriots:

1. Passing game looks potent: As long as Tom Brady has time to throw, the Patriots' offense will be dangerous. Through training camp and the preseason, the Patriots seem to be coping with their two biggest offensive question marks: unsigned left guard Logan Mankins' absence and slot receiver Wes Welker's rebuilt knee. Welker appears to be on track to play in Week 1. Even if he has limitations, Julian Edelman will more than suffice. Randy Moss has been spectacular, while prospects Brandon Tate and Taylor Price are showing signs of contributing this year. Fire when ready, Mr. Brady.

2. Running game a concern: The Patriots will need their passing game because their backfield committee has issues. The Patriots have three running backs (Kevin Faulk, Fred Taylor, Sammy Morris) who are 33 or older and another (Laurence Maroney) who can't seem to find traction. The Patriots have been decent in spreading around the workload, and Faulk is one of the NFL's best third-down players. But backfield injuries are a constant concern, and something's amiss with Maroney. He didn't see the field in the Patriots' second or third preseason games.

3. Pass rush needs a boost: St. Louis Rams rookie quarterback Sam Bradford, playing behind four-fifths of an offensive line that was among the worst last year and a rookie left tackle, looked like a Pro Bowler against the Patriots' defense. He had all sorts of time to throw. Unless they can chase opposing quarterbacks, the Patriots' defense might be doomed. They tied for 23rd in sacks last year with a modest 31. Tully Banta-Cain led them with 10 sacks, but seven of them came in three games and five came against the Buffalo Bills.

4. Mankins might not be that big of a loss: Sure, the Patriots would be better off with Mankins on the field, particularly in the run game. He's a mauler and their most valuable blocker in short-yardage situations and at the goal line. But the Patriots will rely on the pass so often this year that Mankins' absence will be mitigated. Remember that infamous fourth-and-2 play against the Indianapolis Colts last year? The Patriots didn't run. They passed. The Patriots moved last year's right tackle, Nick Kaczur, to left guard, but back surgery probably will wipe out his season. The Patriots are down to third-stringer Dan Connolly in Mankins' spot, yet the line has looked satisfactory.

5. The Patriots need more consistent cornerback play. The Patriots placed veteran cornerback Leigh Bodden on season-ending injured reserve. That puts an otherwise unproven group of cornerbacks even more under the gun, and might give New England the division's least experienced starting tandem. Belichick historically has been slow to entrust such a treacherous position to a young player, but he'll have little choice now. Devin McCourty, this year's first-round pick, has had moments when he has seemed ready and others when he's seemed like a rookie. Darius Butler, a second-round draft choice last year, played well as a rookie. Butler started five games, three at left cornerback.

-- Tim Graham, ESPN.com