First day

The first game of the NFL preseason is a lot like the first day at school.

Everyone has done it all before but they are all a little rusty and foggy. You know where you are supposed to be but you're a little unsure on how to get there. It just takes a little while to get back in the groove.

The Pats got in the groove last night at Gillette. And then some. 47-12. The next few days will be filled with the "What does it mean?" stories in the Sports Blab-osphere. Every year it's the same thing. What does it mean?

TOM AND OCHO: Great seats.

It means they are still 0-0.

The Pats played their first exhibition game and got a good look at what they have accomplished so far in the shortened preseason and what still needs to be done. There are always things to be done. The coaches now have some game action on film to bring to meetings. Veterans returning from injury (Gostkowski) got a chance to show they still have it. Young players like Stevan Ridley (three touchdowns) and Taylor Price made solid first-game impressions. But they could be gone in a month. There are three more practice games to go. There are lots of roster cuts ahead. Things change quickly. That's what preseason games mean.

For fans with a ticket, preseason games mean one thing. Fun.

I caught a little sports radio on Sunday and one of the guys on 98.5 was rambling on about how he feels bad for the fans who go to preseason games. He just doesn't get it. Sure, preseason games are not for everyone. It's for those who really love football of any kind. It would be nice if the tickets cost a little bit less, but it's still worth every cent.

You get to practice your tailgating in 80 degree weather. Shorts, steaks, and beer. A lot of people bring their children so the stadium has a more family atmosphere. The outcome doesn't mean anything so fans can just relax and enjoy the game. It's a great night of football. Kind of like watching a Pop Warner game with Tom Brady.

Although there was no Tom Brady last night. Or Ochocinco. Or Wes Welker. Or...
But it didn't matter to the Gillette crowd. They had a great time.

You'll hear a lot today about the Barstool Sports Brady Baby Photos Controversy. A lot about Albert Haynesworth. A lot about what the game means. Blah blah blah.

The Pats season started last night. It was a great start. Unofficially.