OK - its 1:20 as I start this. I can't seem to get to sleep, so maybe I can get some of you TO fall sleep with this post;
DISCLAIMER - Any thoughts or opinions in this missive should be taken within the context that this was just the Pats 19th practice. Last season within the same time period the Pats had conducted 32 sessions. Is it any wonder that things aren't exact perfect, or as smoothly run, as last season. (especially the offense) That's 40% FEWER practices. And that's a lot.
And its not just the Pats who are experiencing this dislocation courtesy of the new CBA. Along with GB and NO, the other best offenses from last year have also done little to distinguish themselves either so far.
The point is, just please keep this in mind before you abandon ship or start taking anti-depressants, because you think there is something terribly wrong with this team.l There were certainly things that were obviously "less than perfect" (as BB might say) There's no attempt on my part to hide or ignore it. If things don't improve, there WILL be a time to "panic".....but that time isn't now.
I'm sure no on will be shocked to read that I saw a lot of positive things in this game. The Eagles are a very talented team and, as expected, played the their starters into the 3rd quarter. The Pats, due to the logistics of having to play 3 games in 10 days, with 2 away games, didn't. So to make ANY draconian judgments based on what went on last night is quite simply shortsighted (which is a polite way of saying DUMB.) This game was all about giving young players some playing time, evaluating the bottom half of your roster, and creating teaching points you can use to improve play.
Lets start with the GOOD:
1. Granted most of us expected the defense to be improved, but none of us could have expected to play 2 very talented offenses and allow only ONE TD drive over 20 yds. Granted for all the reasons mentioned in the disclaimer, I'm not expecting this defense to suddenly become "dominant". But one would have to say that the overall outlook is certainly encouraging.....and a lot better than expected.
2. I though Ryan Mallet looked comfortable in the pocket for the first time in my observation. He finally showed me some "pocket awareness" He still isn't processing things as fast as he should. He was late on a couple of passes I thought. But the important thing was that he visibly improved. He showed some progress
3. I liked what I saw from Edelman, and more importantly I can infer that BB liked what he saw as well because he was pulled early in the 2nd quarter. Granted its just an inference and I'm clearly a supporter, so take it for what its worth
4. Deion Branch was our best WR last night. It certainly helps his chances of making the team. and I think he passed Stallworth on the depth chart. Lets see in Donte can respond over the next 9 days.
5. Hard not to love the Ebner pick, but I would still caution people on ceding him a roster spot based on an individual play. I can remember Michael Biship and Sean Morey combing for a bunch of great individual plays back in the day. But its safe to say he already has better instincts than Sergio Brown.
6. Special teams coverage was excellent once again. I was especially impressed with the results from the KO from the 20. Its often very easy to forget to notice ST's
7. Jermaine Cunningham - He again flashed some aggressive speed off the corner. He's a perfect example of a player so many dismissed and with just a few plays turns those fickle fans around in nano second.
8. Brace and Love - Both showed some burst up the middle vs the pass and were solid along with Deadrick vs the run. That's 2 decent showings in a row for Brace. that 2009 2nd round is looking a bit better now.
THE DISAPPOINTING'
1.; I think I was much more disappointed by the OL's run blocking than I was by their pass blocking. I can't think of a single run where I saw a clear gap for the RB's to attack. Clearly that was a step back. None of the RB's looked good, but I don't think they had ANYTHING to work with.
2. Marcus Cannon - He seemed a step slow out of his stance all night. I don't know if he just had a bad game or he really is more suited to be an OG. Again I would have been placated with his bad night of pass blocking if he used that big bulk and buried some people in the running game, but I didn't see that either
3. Trevor Scott - Flashed some in the last game. I didn't see much this game. If Carter comes back he could be the odd man out.
4. Brian Hoyer - Maybe he wasn't used to working with the bottom of the roster, but if he was hoping to put some film together to get him a job next year,or add to his trade value he'd better not send that one.
5. Chandler Jones. I don't remember seeing anything bad from him, but he didn't "flash" either. In fact did he even play beyond the first series or 2? That would expain his "absence"
6. When Brace and Love weren't in the line up we got absolutely NO puch up the middle
MISCELLANEOUS
1. I was disappointed in the play selection for the RB's. There was not attempt to get Vareen outside like the first game. There was very little misdirection. It was like the coaches were limiting the running game on purpose for some reason I can't fathom. Did anyone else feel that way.
2. It was however nice Ale Silvestro had a highlight moment that he can savor for the rest of his life. I'm thinking to get him to move to TE so they'd have some bodies to play TE in camp ,even though he has NO chance to make the team, the Pats probably promised him a spot on the PS in return. Its an apt reward for the kid.
SUMMARY - I think I'm running out of gas here, but this was a hard game to assess given the disparity in the talent that was out there. It was good to see how well the defense played despite the players who weren't out there. It was disheartening to see the OL fail to open any holes for the RB's
I guess there is nothing left to do but wait to read how the end is near from the Cassandras on the board and try not to get sucked into endless debates for the rest of the week. Take heart friends it WILL get better.....much better
57Likes
Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
Linear Mode
