Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion

[BSR]

I think my biggest concern from watching the game was the officiating. Most are saying that the replacements are going to be inconsistent and do a bad job. However, I think they have been consistent in two areas, at least through two games. They have been harder on Oline in calling holding and have been much more lenient on contact between WR and DBs down the field. Normally you see just the opposite in preseason. Originally I thought this was the inexperienced NFL officials but now my tinfoil hat is tingling and am wondering if the powers that be might be trying to tone down the pass happy league.

 

[borg]

Short and general: I saw a B-grade team face off against an A-grade team and hold their own, even putting up 11 points to zilch on them. New England came in with their 3rd string QB and a mix of various level players, and managed to knock the opposing team's QB out of the game, and basically take on all comers.

Once the lower-tier guys started to get more playing time, it was more difficult and the Eagles started to score. I don't see it so much as bad technique on the Patriots side (though that was there) as much as a high-level of motor from players on each side trying to make a play so as to make the team.

I always dampen my criticisms (as well as my praise) by understanding that we fans don't know what each player's assignment was on any given play. True enough, we might be able to make an educated guess, and there's certainly times when it's obvious that someone messed up big time.

Having said that, however, it's hard to be to judgmental when you don't know actual assignments for each play, and when you don't know WHY certain plays were called. Knowing how much Coach Belichick stresses situational football, it's very likely that some plays were called to see how players reacted, how well they understood their assignments and executed them, rather than how well the play worked against the opponent.

Overall, I'm not in any way panicking, and I feel a LOT more comfortable with Mallett than I did earlier. I also feel pretty well overall. If this group could put up 11 points with all of our A-list players (or most of them) sitting things out, then how much better when it really matters?

V/R

The eagles defensive penalties in the first half had more to do with the Patriots putting up points than the Pats O, IMO. The refs were on a mission last night....and the eagles had a few brain cramps as well.

Thinking out loud now...BB allowed Ghostowski to tee up up from beyond 50 yds multiple times.....something Bill almost never does in the regular season. It felt like a Raiders game with Janikowski launching bombs. Will BB be more liberal in FG attempts in the regular season after Ghost's successes last night? (yeah I know....meaningless, hot weather, yada yada)

 

[patsfaninpittsburgh]

The only thing that should be concluded from last night was there seemed to be a real emphasis on running screens.

Backup QB- If Brady goes down...does that mean that Lloyd, Welker, Gronk, AHern, and Gaffney can no longer play?
If you are going to "evaluate", project the play to the starters.

The Eagles led the NFL in sacks. If this was regular season game, the offense would have gone hurry up and those guys would have been passed out before the end of Q1.

One would bet that Sterling Moore would not in man with zero safety help against desean Jackson in the regular season. Just sayin'

If at RT, Cannon would obviously get some help/chip in a regular season game.

So with the exception of Vince, Love, Brace, and Fanene....the Patriots have noboby who can get pressure up the middle......? Huh? How many of these guys get on a roster?
....Hey, our 10th DLine guy gets 15 sacks.....

Over at the various Eagle sites, they were irate that their Super Bowl caliber team couldn't beat the opponents 2/3 stringers.

Think about that for a second.

 

[Gwedd]

The eagles defensive penalties in the first half had more to do with the Patriots putting up points than the Pats O, IMO. The refs were on a mission last night....and the eagles had a few brain cramps as well.

Thinking out loud now...BB allowed Ghostowski to tee up up from beyond 50 yds multiple times.....something Bill almost never does in the regular season. It felt like a Raiders game with Janikowski launching bombs. Will BB be more liberal in FG attempts in the regular season after Ghost's successes last night? (yeah I know....meaningless, hot weather, yada yada)

As I said, my comments were generalizations. I really don't go into a lot of specifics during the pre-season because there's a lot more going on there than just trying to win a game.

And yeah, there were some problems with the refs. The Eagles certainly shot themselves in the foot several times too. Hard to quantify pre-season games.

That doesn't mean we shouldn't do it. I'm leaving that, though, to PatsFanKen, MoLewisRocks and others. In the pre-season, I'm more into sitting back and enjoying the game(s), as I'm in need to football fixes after the long summer of baseball. I'll be more critical (constructively) when the real season starts as then we'll have (IMHO) a better baseline to judge plays & players against than during the pre-season with so many other variables in play.

V/R

 

[ctpatsfan1]

Once again Ken, playing loose with the facts. Isn't coming to conclusions based on falsehoods also shortsighted? (DUMB?)

The Eagles ALSO play 3 games in 10 days, just like the Pats, yet they decided to play their starters anyway. Different coaching philosophy obviously.

they talked about this last night apparently the "normal" dress rehersal which is game 3 of the preseason for most teams is against the Browns. The Eagles opening game 2 weeks later is against the same Browns. Hence why Reid decided to use this as his game 3 dress rehersal because now the Browns game will be plain vanilla and probably will sit the starters.


btw just my two cents I thought the blitz pickup by the RB's was sorely lacking and a large step down from what BJGE and Faulk used to provide.

 

[borg]

they talked about this last night apparently the "normal" dress rehersal which is game 3 of the preseason for most teams is against the Browns. The Eagles opening game 2 weeks later is against the same Browns. Hence why Reid decided to use this as his game 3 dress rehersal because now the Browns game will be plain vanilla and probably will sit the starters.


btw just my two cents I thought the blitz pickup by the RB's was sorely lacking and a large step down from what BJGE and Faulk used to provide.

At one point, Vareen looked like a Match Box going up against Optimus Prime

 

[Gronkandez]

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

He had a couple nice receptions but what is the deal with him muffing kicks? He was lucky not to lose that punt at their own 10-yard line. Also, lucky for him Bolden looks pretty awful as a punt returner.

I don't think he is the short-term answer on KO/punts but I'm excited to see Demps on Friday night.

 

[Nunchucks]

I thought Vereen did a lot of good things. He didn't have much running room, but he did manage to get the yards that were there. He wasn't perfect, but he definitely showed that he is ready to play.

I would have liked to have seen him do a better job with blitz pickup, he needs to learn how to cut block those blitzers.

 

[Buchanty]

I agree for the most part with Ken, as I usually do, other than two points - Jones and Ebner. I missed the first Eagle possession, but saw nothing from Jones in the second to disappoint other than my high expectations. Neither he nor Hightower were in for enough snaps and were probably conserving energies for Friday (here come my high expectations again).

On the Ebner front, I agree that it is still very early to slot him into a roster spot. However after missing 7 days of camp due to a mystery ailment/injury, he has made quite a name for himself with playing in the secondary where he wasn't really expected to show up (3 snaps in college). 5-6 interceptions in the last few practices (including last night's game), is impressive even for veterans. There is no way he is going to clear waivers. There are three positions that will be snapped up when the cuts come down - Tackles (we aren't going to get any better than what we have), QBs (providing they are not Sorgi-esque) and Safeties, for which there was a dearth in the draft. Wilson and Ebner have so far proved that they are reasonable which means they are good enough for at least a dozen teams to snap up if they are released.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

There are three positions that will be snapped up when the cuts come down - Tackles (we aren't going to get any better than what we have), QBs (providing they are not Sorgi-esque) and Safeties, for which there was a dearth in the draft. Wilson and Ebner have so far proved that they are reasonable which means they are good enough for at least a dozen teams to snap up if they are released.

One can only pray that some 2012 opponent takes Sergio Brown and adds him to their 53.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

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.

Remember that with the bear, you don't need to outrun the bear, just outrun the other guy. Ebner has outrun the Sergio Browns at safety by over 10 yards.
Now a LOCK for the 53.

 

[Gronkandez]

I think my biggest concern from watching the game was the officiating. Most are saying that the replacements are going to be inconsistent and do a bad job. However, I think they have been consistent in two areas, at least through two games. They have been harder on Oline in calling holding and have been much more lenient on contact between WR and DBs down the field. Normally you see just the opposite in preseason. Originally I thought this was the inexperienced NFL officials but now my tinfoil hat is tingling and am wondering if the powers that be might be trying to tone down the pass happy league.

...And they've called EVERY borderline 'Roughing the Passer' call.

 

[patfanken]

Remember that with the bear, you don't need to outrun the bear, just outrun the other guy. Ebner has outrun the Sergio Browns at safety by over 10 yards.
Now a LOCK for the 53.

I see your point but the "bear" isn't Brown, imo. He never had a chance to make this roster as a safety. I think the competition is Allen and Barrett. Allen for his experience and position flexibility, and Barrett because he represents the only "big" safety we have on the roster.

You know I've been very critical of Ebner's chances of making the team because he had only 3 snaps at the position in college. I guess I am losing my memory. I went from OLB to SS in one summer and almost made a 45 man roster, so I guess it CAN be done. Only difference is that the game was much simpler then and the athletes now are a WHOLE lot bigger, faster, and more athletic. But then again Ebner is the same weight and only an inch shorter than I was, and a lot faster and a much better athlete.

As to my criticism of Jones let me back track on that a bit. It was late. I think my disappointment was more about not getting to see him play much than his actual performance. I think he was out there only about 10 snaps

Another thought - One of the great things I thought we'd see by now is Hightower coming off the edge occasionally. I wonder if the Fletcher injury has caused the team to table that aspect of his game.

 

[patfanken]

...And they've called EVERY borderline 'Roughing the Passer' call.

NONE of the roughing penalties that called in anyway "borderline". They were all late and unnecessary. The best you can say about the Bequette flag was it was close to borderline.

I'm pro refs in this dispute. I can't see the money being the big issue here. The gap isn't that large and neither is the money for that matter, at least relatively. On the other hand, I haven't seen the replacement guys doing that bad of a job in the few games I've watched. Or rather a better way of saying it, is that they haven't been much different than the regular refs. Don't forget there are threads and comments after every game complaining about this call or that with the old refs. How is what's happening any different.

In any event, I will be very disappointed with the league if they don't settle this fast. Do they really want to break the "union" that badly....and to what purpose.

 

[patsfan13]

I see your point but the "bear" isn't Brown, imo. He never had a chance to make this roster as a safety. I think the competition is Allen and Barrett. Allen for his experience and position flexibility, and Barrett because he represents the only "big" safety we have on the roster.

You know I've been very critical of Ebner's chances of making the team because he had only 3 snaps at the position in college. I guess I am losing my memory. I went from OLB to SS in one summer and almost made a 45 man roster, so I guess it CAN be done. Only difference is that the game was much simpler then and the athletes now are a WHOLE lot bigger, faster, and more athletic. But then again Ebner is the same weight and only an inch shorter than I was, and a lot faster and a much better athlete.

.

Ebner seems to be a sponge for the teaching he has been getting. HE has progressed far faster than I would have imagined.

What were the OSU coaches thinking not coaching up a guy like this?

 

[BananaRepublican]

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.

I'm still fence sitting, just want to see more, but there is an undeniable trend. Any time you can send Brees to the bench with three and outs means something has changed. We seem to have quite a few play makers all of a sudden.

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.

I just don't get the vibe that he's going to get cut.

Hard not to love the Ebner pick, .... its safe to say he already has better instincts than Sergio Brown.

What a potentially great story and one that might make Bill a lock for COY. From the moment the Giants game was over that guy has had the pedal to the metal. The scouts, Caserio, Bill, what a great GREAT team.

The poor friggin' Jets.

Brace and Love - Both showed some burst up the middle vs the pass and were solid along with Deadrick vs the run.

Nice work for Brace who could be a real sleeper. He and Cunningham - watch out if they are healthy. Love is a growing monster. Beware OLs.

 

[Gronkandez]

NONE of the roughing penalties that called in anyway "borderline". They were all late and unnecessary. The best you can say about the Bequette flag was it was close to borderline.

I'm pro refs in this dispute. I can't see the money being the big issue here. The gap isn't that large and neither is the money for that matter, at least relatively. On the other hand, I haven't seen the replacement guys doing that bad of a job in the few games I've watched. Or rather a better way of saying it, is that they haven't been much different than the regular refs. Don't forget there are threads and comments after every game complaining about this call or that with the old refs. How is what's happening any different.

In any event, I will be very disappointed with the league if they don't settle this fast. Do they really want to break the "union" that badly....and to what purpose.

You seem to get very defensive when people don't see things your way, as I learned from your Edelbacker posts. I thought the hit on the Mallet interception could have gone either way. I thought the same about come calls last week (not just from the Pats games).

In today's age, every single big play is reviewed by replay (all turnovers and scores are automatically reviewed) and then there are the coaches challenges. IMO the NFL is using this as leverage agains the refs.

 

[PatsBoy12]

Short and general: I saw a B-grade team face off against an A-grade team and hold their own, even putting up 11 points to zilch on them. New England came in with their 3rd string QB and a mix of various level players, and managed to knock the opposing team's QB out of the game, and basically take on all comers.

Once the lower-tier guys started to get more playing time, it was more difficult and the Eagles started to score. I don't see it so much as bad technique on the Patriots side (though that was there) as much as a high-level of motor from players on each side trying to make a play so as to make the team.

I always dampen my criticisms (as well as my praise) by understanding that we fans don't know what each player's assignment was on any given play. True enough, we might be able to make an educated guess, and there's certainly times when it's obvious that someone messed up big time.

Having said that, however, it's hard to be to judgmental when you don't know actual assignments for each play, and when you don't know WHY certain plays were called. Knowing how much Coach Belichick stresses situational football, it's very likely that some plays were called to see how players reacted, how well they understood their assignments and executed them, rather than how well the play worked against the opponent.

Overall, I'm not in any way panicking, and I feel a LOT more comfortable with Mallett than I did earlier. I also feel pretty well overall. If this group could put up 11 points with all of our A-list players (or most of them) sitting things out, then how much better when it really matters?

V/R

This is quite possibly THE PERFECT post. I don't think I've seen anything more eloquent and poignant ever posted before. Thanks, Gwedd. The thread should have ended here . . . for real. It says it all.

 

[Aßßynormal]

Ebner's best play was a pass defense (hit) on the right side along the sideline. On this play he looked fast. The majority of what I saw, was that he was a little slow. Perhaps he's not yet diagnosing quickly. That said he's a keeper for at least a season.

Cannon's slowness may be related to his weight, perhaps a 20 - 30 pound weight loss would be helpful. He was slow ...... he'll need to get faster at any position.

Ebert had the dropsies early ...... improved later but was overall just okay.

Bequette and Scott continue to look quick and savvy (Scott).

Very good game for Mallet overall with limited weapons, a bad OL and an opposing #1 defense.

I agree with Patfanken that the running game play calling was strange and ineffective, perhaps by design.

Good game to watch. Foles looked good too, Vick may need to worry next year.

 

[ATippett56]

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.

I question whether Donald Thomas and Ryan Wendell are adequate backups at the offensive guard position. Meanwhile, Dan Koppen needs the playing time to regain his form, recovering from a season ending injury.

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.

Marcus Cannon is definitely a work in progress. Where Marcus Cannon fits long term is anybody's guess at this point in time.