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Big expectations don’t bother ’07 Patriots

NFL. Don’t believe the hype. Stay humble. Don’t read your press clippings. In whatever language you want to deliver it, the 2007 Patriots have heard it time and again this summer from Head Coach Bill Belichick: You may think you’re all that, but you haven’t done a damn thing yet.

“Bill does a great job of keeping us humble,” said cornerback Ellis Hobbs. “Take care of what’s in front of you right now. I think the players do a great job of going out there each day and practicing like we have nothing. Because we don’t.”

The Patriots have a huge sign near the players’ entrance at Gillette Stadium that reads “Manage Expectations.” But, based in large part on their offseason moves — which included bringing in wide receiver Randy Moss and linebacker Adalius Thomas — it won’t be easy this year. Belichick and the Patriots are almost universally accorded as a Super Bowl favorite, the chic pick again to win their fourth Super Bowl title in seven years.

The Patriots do have plenty of new offensive weapons. Even if Moss isn’t able to go in Sunday’s opener — he missed all four preseason games for the first time in his 10-year career — quarterback Tom Brady can look to new receivers Wes Welker, Donte Stallworth and Kelley Washington.

Another big offensive change is at running back, where second-year pro Laurence Maroney takes over the featured back duties after veteran Corey Dillon retired.

“Being a very physical back like Corey is definitely not a part of my game,” said Maroney, who split carries with Dillon last year. “I’m looking for the best route to get around you. If I can outrun you, that’s what I’m going to do. If I can put a move on you, that’s what I’m going to do. If all else fails and I’ve got to drop the shoulder, that’s what I’ll do.”

On defense, the big changes came at linebacker, as free agent pickup Thomas brings a level of versatility unmatched to the Patriots’ defense — he’s one of the only players in the history of the NFL to play five different positions in one game.

Even without safety Rodney Harrison (suspended for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy) and defensive lineman Richard Seymour (on the physically unable to perform list for at least six games because of offseason knee surgery), the Patriots’ defense is still considered by many to be one of the best in the league.

But the Patriots are having none of it.

“The amateurs do all the picking,” said Thomas, a two-time Pro Bowler. “Pros just come and prepare for work.”