PRESEASON GAME DAY THREAD (8/22): Patriots vs. Saints

[primetime]

Is that so? Didn't know he had troubles as a WR

He's one of those guys who makes unbelievable circus catches and then follows them up by dropping an easy catch on the very next play. He drops a lot of balls.

I thought that if he could ever put it all together he would be a stud, because the good is really good, and when he went to Miami I figured he'd emerge for them, that maybe it was just quarterback play in St Louis.

But that hasn't happened yet and at this point he's been in the league long enough that it seems likely it never will. That doesn't mean he isn't worth a roster spot, because he gets open well, but it means he has severe limitations.

 

[Soul_Survivor88]

In my totally non-professional opinion, that had high ankle sprain written all over it.

Not the end of the world, but certainly not ideal. If only Amendola didn't suck for four snaps, we might have something.

There was pass interference that wasn't called by the refs... but yeah, he didn't look his best tonight

 

[patfanken]

Because I watched Amendola tonight and he struggled to get open against their #2s. Their's still two games to go and your point about JE is fair, but I was responding to the discussion about Harper getting on the roster and I think that if he does, it should be at the expense of Amendola and not Dobson, in large part because they'd have an identical role on the roster as punt returners and, assuming Dobson is fit, as #4/5 WRs. And I never said anything about Brady being terrible. He needs his receivers to get open for him, something Amendola didn't do tonight.

Max, cool your jets. Please remember over the last 6 games (3 regular season and 3 post season games) Ammendola caught that ball well enough to project to a 1000 yd season.....and that was against everyone's #1's. Ammendola has had a great, not good, camp. He's a proven commodity, and 2 preseason unplanned games, are NOT any indication of his value.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Max, cool your jets. Please remember over the last 6 games (3 regular season and 3 post season games) Ammendola caught that ball well enough to project to a 1000 yd season.....and that was against everyone's #1's. Ammendola has had a great, not good, camp. He's a proven commodity, and 2 preseason unplanned games, are NOT any indication of his value.

We'll find out in game #4 where he stands with Belichick.

My guess is, on the sidelines, yukking it up.

 

[manxman2601]

Max, cool your jets. Please remember over the last 6 games (3 regular season and 3 post season games) Ammendola caught that ball well enough to project to a 1000 yd season.....and that was against everyone's #1's. Ammendola has had a great, not good, camp. He's a proven commodity, and 2 preseason unplanned games, are NOT any indication of his value.

And all I've said is that Amendola didn't play well tonight, that, on balance he should stay on the roster this year but that IF Harper makes the 53, it makes more sense to do so at the expense of Amendola rather than Dobson. I can see why people can disagree with this, but I don't think it's a discussion point totally without merit.

 

[Tony2046]

I am fine with Harper going to the PS and Amendola sticking on the roster. I don't think Dobson is anything like Moss trust me, I didn't like him pre-draft particularly and I've not seen anything to change my mind. BUT, I do think this team can get too narrow and short in the passing game and Gronk is too often triple-teamed. Why not try to stretch the field and take some safety coverage away from Gronk. Amendola can't do that, Dobson might be able too.

Is Dobson going to demand double coverage? If not then it is not really any different than having two really talented slot receivers out there. You are not realistically stretching the defense if you have only have man on man coverage on your deep threat.

I agree that having a true deep threat would make this offense incredibly dangerous but I would say that this offense is already dangerous. It will be in the top 3 offenses by the end of the year as long as the O line comes together.

 

[manxman2601]

Is Dobson going to demand double coverage? If not then it is not really any different than having two really talented slot receivers out there. You are not realistically stretching the defense if you have only have man on man coverage on your deep threat.

I agree that having a true deep threat would make this offense incredibly dangerous but I would say that this offense is already dangerous. It will be in the top 3 offenses by the end of the year as long as the O line comes together.

If Brady starts throwing to him, he might, especially if he connects on a couple. Having Dobson out there would also help with the play action pass. We saw Brady/Tyms try that a few times last year.
And you're right, this team is always in the top three offences. But remember, this whole debate stems from my new that Chris Harper replicates Amendola's role somewhat and that I think Dobson offers better balance IF Harper makes the team. If I'm wrong, i'm wrong. It wouldn't be the first time.

 

[Tony2046]

If Brady starts throwing to him, he might, especially if he connects on a couple. Having Dobson out there would also help with the play action pass. We saw Brady/Tyms try that a few times last year.
And you're right, this team is always in the top three offences. But remember, this whole debate stems from my new that Chris Harper replicates Amendola's role somewhat and that I think Dobson offers better balance IF Harper makes the team. If I'm wrong, i'm wrong. It wouldn't be the first time.

If you're wrong, you're wrong? My name is not BB2046 it's Tony2046. Therefore you could be right.

I am only arguing, for fun, that we have an elite QB who can maximize his production with a couple of great slot receivers.

Personally I see the double TE with JE, AD and Lafell really ripping up a lot of defenses this year. I do not see the need for Dobson to turn into an ultimate deep threat. If he does then, Oh My God, would that be something.

Great discussion by the way. Thanks

 

[TommyD4207]

And all I've said is that Amendola didn't play well tonight, that, on balance he should stay on the roster this year but that IF Harper makes the 53, it makes more sense to do so at the expense of Amendola rather than Dobson. I can see why people can disagree with this, but I don't think it's a discussion point totally without merit.

He seriously played 4 or 5 snaps. I submit that's nowhere near enough of a sample size to make any determination on how he played.

 

[strngplyr]

He seriously played 4 or 5 snaps. I submit that's nowhere near enough of a sample size to make any determination on how he played.

I think you're severely underestimating how many snaps he played, he was still on the field in the 3rd and maybe even in the 4th Q. I only remember noting that because it surprised me.

 

[Joker]

the game is on right now..replay NFLN

 

[manxman2601]

I think you're severely underestimating how many snaps he played, he was still on the field in the 3rd and maybe even in the 4th Q. I only remember noting that because it surprised me.

Interesting. I must admit, I thought he was only on the field in the 1st Q myself but then I wasn't looking at who was on the field pre-snap so I'm sure you are right.

 

[patsinthesnow]

@DougKyedNESN: I think it might be time for Patriots to accept Mason isn't going to start at LG this season and maybe start using other guys with 1st team.

 

[strngplyr]

@DougKyedNESN: I think it might be time for Patriots to accept Mason isn't going to start at LG this season and maybe start using other guys with 1st team.

I think it's smart to accept that he won't start this season and still keep him first team til Wendell is back.

 

[TBR]

Will we even see the 1st string offense this pre-season? Or anything remotely close to it?

 

[supafly]

@DougKyedNESN: I think it might be time for Patriots to accept Mason isn't going to start at LG this season and maybe start using other guys with 1st team.

Doug has a great idea (sarcasm)--but the question is "who?"

The only possible answers right now are Kline and Andrews. Wendell is obviously still on the PUP list.

To me, those aren't exactly major upgrades on your 4th round rookie, so they probably just figure that they'll let Mason get his work in.

 

[manxman2601]

@DougKyedNESN 55m55 minutes ago
No one is still up, but just went through tonight's game again. Josh Kline and Ryan Groy were solid. Fleming and Mason had some issues.

 

[supafly]

@DougKyedNESN 55m55 minutes ago
No one is still up, but just went through tonight's game again. Josh Kline and Ryan Groy were solid. Fleming and Mason had some issues.

I'm still not convinced that one or even both of Kline/Wendell won't be starting the year at the guard spots, despite so many assuming that we'll be playing 2 rookies.

In the meantime--hell yeah, may as well throw the rookies out there now and try to get them some much needed reps. That's what preseason is for. If one of them steps up enough to justify a day one starting position, all the better!

 

[manxman2601]

I'm still not convinced that one or even both of Kline/Wendell won't be starting the year at the guard spots, despite so many assuming that we'll be playing 2 rookies.

In the meantime--hell yeah, may as well throw the rookies out there now and try to get them some much needed reps. That's what preseason is for. If one of them steps up enough to justify a day one starting position, all the better!

I've always thought Wendell will start at LG. I love Mason but starting two rookies is way too risky. Mind you, Wendell/Kline aren't a particularly significant mediation of that risk. Evan Mathis please.

 

[mihap]

I've always thought Wendell will start at LG. I love Mason but starting two rookies is way too risky. Mind you, Wendell/Kline aren't a particularly significant mediation of that risk. Evan Mathis please.

I ll be surprised if BB pay for Mathis. They need money for Solder, Hightower and Collins.
IMO BB will try what he have and their goal is playoff. And u know in playoff everything is possible.
Another thing to consider signing Mathis is Brady potential suspension.