There has been no game I have looked forward to more on the Patriot schedule than Week 8; New England at Pittsburgh.   It's always a playoff-calibre game.

I'm leaving the ask-a-Pats-fan post to someone else.  This post is going to look at one of the key differences between last year's Patriots and this year's Patriots who will play a very large role in Sunday's game.   In the comment section, I'll be eager to hear about the new faces I'll be seeing in black and gold(go Bruins!) on Sunday.

As for that new Patriot..

Brian Waters(#54, 6-3, 320) was suppose to be done for.  He wasn't on many free-agency lists that the media put together but maybe he should have been.   Asomugha couldn't claim credit to five Pro-Bowl selections and the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award nor 10 years of experience.  At age 34 and an unimpressive year he was released by the Kansas City Chiefs who opted to go younger at Left-Guard.

New England signed him..   Hardly anyone noticed due to the Ochocinco, Haynesworth, and Ellis signings that dominated media coverage.   Much like some other recent free-agent pickup by the name of Andre Carter, 'Brian Waters' was almost unheard of in New England except maybe when NE-legend Teddy Bruschi said he was glad someone would be wearing his old number.

Week 1 vs. the Dolphins and Patriot starting center Dan Koppen went down, forcing starting RG Dan Connolly to Center.

When you hear about the tougher New England run game, you're hearing about the running game that Brian Waters has made possible by blowing up linemen and ILBs.   The well-aged veteran has turned out solid performances at Right-Guard against the Dolphins, Chargers, Bills, Raiders, Jets, and the Cowboys.  He's routinely being graded by PFF as New England's best offensive lineman and amongst the league's very best Right-Guards.  Not bad for a 34 year old who's experience is on the other side of the line.   Of all the new Patriot players since the last time our team's met, Waters will provide the most impact in the quietest of ways.

So what new Steeler should I be keeping my eyes out for on Sunday?  I'll also try to answer questions about NE's newer faces.