By: Dan Podheiser, YawkeyTalkies Assistant Editor
The Patriots had an impressive showing in Week 1, spanking the Cincinnati Bengals 38-24. New England dominated the game from start to finish, and the offense did not skip a beat.
Here’s a position-by-position breakdown of how the Patriots performed in their win on Sunday.
Quarterbacks
Tom Brady picked up right where he left off from his stellar 2009 season, throwing for 258 yards and three touchdowns. Brady completed 71 percent of his passes for a 120.9 QB rating, and had little trouble finding any of his main targets. If he plays like that throughout the season, he’ll be an MVP candidate.
Grade: A
Runningbacks
Fred Taylor looked good early on and finished with 71 yards on 14 carries for an average of 5.1 yards per rush. Kevin Faulk picked up 23 yards on just three carries, but he dropped two easy wheel routes – one of which probably would have resulted in a touchdown. Faulk did finish with four catches for 47 yards, but those drops are very much unlike him.
Grade: B
Receivers/Tight Ends
As expected, the Pats’ passing game dominated. Wes Welker is clearly back, as he caught 8 catches for 64 yards and two TDs in his first game back [...]

By Phil Shore, YawkeyTalkies Staff Writer
Throughout the New England Patriots’ dynasty that encompassed the first ten years of the new millennium, one thing that was never stable was the running back situation.
The team got production from the position, whether it be Antowain Smith, Corey Dillon, or Kevin Faulk. However it was also the most inconsistent position. There was a rotating door of running backs due to spotty performances and an unbelievable amount of injuries.
Between the uneven play of the running backs and the star-studded quarterback the team has, the Patriots have evolved into a very pass-happy team, but the fans and coaches would like to add a little more balance to the attack.
Coming into the new decade, the team has found no complete answer. Players have shown flashes of brilliance, but then wound up benched because of turnovers or injuries. Who will the Patriots be able to depend on in 2010, an extremely pivotal season for the franchise?
Here is a look at the running backs on the roster.
Laurence Maroney: Maroney is arguably the most perplexing player on the Patriots roster. Drafted number 21 overall in 2006, he was the first running back New England selected in the first round since Robert [...]