The new NFL season is here. The New England Patriots host the Kansas City Chiefs this afternoon, and Pats fans can finally focus on the 2008 season rather than the sting of the almost perfect 2007.

Maybe this season, we can talk about football rather than all the peripheral junk that seems to orbit the Patriots.

Let's talk about Tom Brady's on-field relationship with superstar Randy Moss, not his off-field relationship with Gisele Bundchen.

Let's discus Andre Tippett's Hall of Fame induction speech, not Pennsylvania Sen. Arlen Spector's grandstanding speech trying to rationalize the Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Patriots in Super Bowl XXXIX.

Let's talk more about rookie linebacker Jerod Mayo, who is on New England's roster, and less about Junior Seau, who is on a beach in California. For now.

Let's not talk about Tom Brady's real estate wheelings and dealings, unless they pertain to the Patriots offense chewing up vast tracks of Gillette Stadium yardage.

Let's talk about taping ankles, not taping opposing coaches hand signals.

Speaking of ankles, let's not mention Brady's ankle, foot, elbow or anything else unless it actually keeps him from playing.

Let's not invoke the name "Asante Samuel" the first time the Patriots give up a touchdown pass. He was good, but he's gone to Philadelphia. He's Sen. Spector's problem now.

As difficult as this might be, let's try not to refer to New England's game next week at Giants Stadium against the New York Jets as a "return to the scene of the crime." ESPN, I'm talking to you.

Let's not utter the name "Matt Walsh" once this season. Walsh ruined half our spring with his whole "Do I have a tape of the Rams walkthrough or don't I" drama. He didn't, and his 15 minutes are up. Maybe Walsh can appear on one of those lame pseudo-celebrity reality shows. I can see him sharing a studio apartment with Hulk Hogan and the ghost of Paul Lynde while working at a car wash with Kevin Federline. Television gold.

Let's talk about New England's running game, and Ben Watson finally living up to his potential, and the continued improvement of Stephen Gostkowski, and Adalius Thomas' progress in his second year with the team.

Let's not make an issue of Bill Belichick's surly disposition with the media. Don't call him out on his wardrobe. Call him out if he elects to go for it on fourth down from his own 20-yard line. Make it an issue if the entire team winds up in a Tijuana prison when they play in San Diego next month.

If you're going to lose New England -- and you are going to lose -- the earlier the better. That way nobody has to listen to Mercury Morris, the official spokesman for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, rant about his neighborhood, street or house.

Let's not talk about 19-0 unless this year's team makes another improbable run at 19-0. But I'm saying 12-4.

Let's just talk about football.

Travis Lazarczyk -- 861-9242

tlazarczyk@centralmaine.com