Junior Seau: What Can We Expect?

No doubt, Junior Seau will revert to role player status once Tedy Bruschi gets back on the field. But in Saturday's preseason tilt with the Redskins, Seau found himself in the starting lineup. Playing at inside linebacker, next to Mike Vrabel, Seau got some serious run with the first team defense. He was in on most first and second downs, and even remained on the field for at least one third-and-short situation.

Performance review? Seau didn't appear to make much of an impact, getting lost in the wash on several plays. He did have a nice moment in the second quarter: Evading a low block from a 'Skins lineman, Seau dove over the top to make a gorgeous solo tackle on the running back.

If Seau can continue to make plays like that in limited duty, he can be a real find for the Pats (giving Bruschi the occasional breather on running downs, and providing much-needed depth at ILB). But it's Seau's passion that may be his greatest asset to this team. Coach Belichick loves to bring in vets who have that deep thirst for their first Super Bowl ring. Think Corey Dillon, and Rodney Harrison. Seau (though he won't play nearly as important a role on the field as those two have) could be this year's version: the guy everybody wants to win for. Just watching him on the field Saturday night -- hopping around, pointing fingers, getting up in everyone's grill -- it was clear that whatever he may have lost over the years, Seau has never lost his fire.