18 Last Year

There are two goals for every team as the preseason games begin: get a good look at players under competitive conditions and don't lose anyone to injury. Last year, 18 players suffered season ending injuries during the meaningless games.

The preseason is a necessary evil. Coach Belichick believes in them as a way of player assessment. It is often the only chance a player has to show that he belongs in the NFL.

No matter what happens, there will be players injured and lost for the season. It's part of the game.