Who replaces Asante Samuel?
The top question then remains a pressing concern today. The Patriots have not filled the void left by Samuel’s departure to the Eagles, which has led to second-guessing of the team’s decision-making process. It started with free agent signee Fernando Bryant (cut before the season). Veteran Lewis Sanders started on opening day before fellow free agent Deltha O’Neal stepped in, but O’Neal hasn’t made anyone forget about Samuel. Rookie Terrence Wheatley started at the spot Sunday night and showed some early promise before leaving with a left hand injury that looked serious as trainers held his arm en route to the locker room. 2. How will first-round pick Jerod Mayo progress? Much discussion centered on how complex the Patriots’ defense was for a rookie linebacker, so it was unclear how much Mayo, the 10th overall selection in the draft, would contribute. Yet he was thrown into the mix as an opening-day starter and played every snap in the first two games, showing the athleticism, versatil
