PRESEASON POWER RANKINGS

NO. 2

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

From the time we started this process, we intended to put the Patriots at No. 1.  But in light of recent events, included the four-game suspension of safety Rodney Harrison for HGH, the absence of Hall of Fame defensive end Richard Seymour for at least six games, and the uncertainty regarding the potential contributions of receiver Randy Moss, the Pats have to take a back seat to the team that won Super Bowl XLI.

The Pats are still among the cream of the crop, and they appear to be on a collision course with the Colts for the AFC title game.  In the end, it could come down to whether that specific four quarters of football are played in Indy or in Massachusetts.

Until the Pats win that game, they'll remain second fiddle to the team that currently sits at the top of the NFL mountain.

Key departures:  RB Corey Dillon, TE Daniel Graham, LB Tully Banta-Cain, P Todd Sauerbrun.

Key arrivals:  WR Randy Moss, WR Donte' Stallworth, LB Adalius Thomas, WR Wes Welker.

Draft pick most likely to make an impact:  S Brandon Meriweather.

Coach's current job security:  Indefinite.