Game Preview: Houston at New England

[PatsFan2]

because it would piss me off if they do that...

Well get in line don't be surprised it's pissing me off that Zappe won't be playing.

 

[Zuma]

FWIW I'm sure it's just an opinion but Mark Daniels thinks Zappe will start...

5 things to watch when Patriots play Houston Texans

Mac Jones might not play, but here's what we'll be looking for when the Patriots play the Houston Texans

www.masslive.com

Who plays quarterback?

It doesn’t look like we’ll see Mac Jones make his preseason debut. The big question for Thursday is which quarterback will we ultimately see? The safe bet is that Bailey Zappe starts against the Texans, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Trace McSorley take the bulk of the snaps. Zappe has had an up-and-down training camp. It hasn’t looked like he’ll be the Patriots starting quarterback this season, but it’ll be interesting to see how he fares this preseason.

A big surprise this week has been rookie Malik Cunningham lining up at quarterback in practice. Up until Monday, Cunningham had been practicing at receiver and on special teams. The former Louisville quarterback has a much different skill set than any other quarterback on the Patriots roster. He’s a run-first quarterback and his athleticism is a big reason why the Patriots are trying to turn him into a receiver. It’ll be fascinating to see what the Patriots do with Cunningham on Thursday. Will he play receiver, on special teams and at quarterback? That’d be quite the site.

 

[Pape]

Well get in line don't be surprised it's pissing me off that Zappe won't be playing.

Zappe not playing is kinda a head scratcher tbh... might be they don't want to preview the new offense so early? only real reason, except for health/safety... the H/S excuse is kinda flimsy though... what does BB say? players play i believe is the phrase...

 

[PatsFan2]

because it would piss me off if they do that...

I think they will be giving Thornton - Nixon and Boute a good look tonight. Some other interesting WR Pprospects who have look good in camp are Raleigh Webb and Thyrick Pitts. Pitts was just sign a over a week ago and is making plays.

 

[jdlboot14]

If they don't at least play Zappe, then all the evaluations are worthless.
I already think it's stupid to not play Mac - it's another new system, he needs plenty of reps to get ready and work on chemistry in game situations with a bunch of new skill guys.
But, Zappe should not be getting the "starter" treatment. That's another horrible senile move by BB (if true).
I won't believe it until we see it though - too much Twitter-hero speculation going on.

 

[Zuma]

If they don't at least play Zappe, then all the evaluations are worthless.
I already think it's stupid to not play Mac - it's another new system, he needs plenty of reps to get ready and work on chemistry in game situations with a bunch of new skill guys.
But, Zappe should not be getting the "starter" treatment. That's another horrible senile move by BB (if true).
I won't believe it until we see it though - too much Twitter-hero speculation going on.

I agree...I think you start Mac until it looks like the OL can't handle the rush...then put Zappe in. Mac and the WR's need to keep working on plays and chemistry and I prefer it's done tonight and the 2nd game and then rest all starters for the 3rd. My 2 cents.

 

[Tunescribe]

Not Starting your back-up in a Preseason game is like viewing him as a Starter. This have to be a first I don't want to see McSorley all night.

I would expect both McSorley and Malik Cunningham to play. The offensive line is a mess right now, they probably don't want to risk anything happening to Mac or Zappe.

If they don't at least play Zappe, then all the evaluations are worthless.
I already think it's stupid to not play Mac - it's another new system, he needs plenty of reps to get ready and work on chemistry in game situations with a bunch of new skill guys.

See above. It's not a new system that Mac is unfamiliar with. Also, the Patriots see preseason game reps as an extension of camp reps. Remember they have joint practices coming up with both Green Bay and Tennessee, which will provide as much valuable rep info as games.

That's another horrible senile move by BB

Stop with that nonsense.

 

[PatsFan2]

If they don't at least play Zappe, then all the evaluations are worthless.
I already think it's stupid to not play Mac - it's another new system, he needs plenty of reps to get ready and work on chemistry in game situations with a bunch of new skill guys.
But, Zappe should not be getting the "starter" treatment. That's another horrible senile move by BB (if true).
I won't believe it until we see it though - too much Twitter-hero speculation going on.

I agree if we were a Playoffs Team from last year I could understand this move. But we wasn't and this Team have a lot to prove especially on Offense Guys should play.

 

[Patsfan1958]

 

[PatsFan2]

I would expect both McSorley and Malik Cunningham to play. The offensive line is a mess right now, they probably don't want to risk anything happening to Mac or Zappe.

I understand Mac not playing but Zappe is another story he needs all the reps he can get if he's going to be a clip board holder barring a Mac injury.

 

[TheBeers]

Just my opinion but I think Zappe will play 2-3 series, McSorely gets the bulk of play time, MC mops up the 4th QTR. I think the rookies will all play except Mapu. I think TT gets a few series as well.

 

[Patsfanin Philly]

Gotta tell ya, the only thing I'm really going to be looking at tonight is Demario Douglas... can he translate the excitement he generated on the practice field to the playing field?

Christian Gonzales is worth a look on D I suppose...

Outside of that? Not really expecting an exciting tilt...

Yeah but if it is McSorley or Cuningham throwing the passes, it might not be a fair evaluation....

 

[State]

Biggest question: What number is Malik Happy Days Cunningham going to wear? It would be epic to see 64 out there doing his best Mike Vick impression. Dude has serious athleticism. He was a total nightmare for ACC DCs’ to prep for.

He thrives best when the play break down.

A great FA pickup btw.

 

[PatsFan2]

Biggest question: What number is Malik Happy Days Cunningham going to wear? It would be epic to see 64 out there doing his best Mike Vick impression. Dude has serious athleticism. He was a total nightmare for ACC DCs’ to prep for.

He thrives best when the play break down.

A great FA pickup btw.

I heard Malik was progressing very well at @ WR I wanted to see his release off the LOS. Probably won't see that Tonight.

 

[turkeyneck]

I heard Malik was progressing very well at @ WR I wanted to see his release off the LOS. Probably won't see that Tonight.

Maybe, unlike Brady, he can throw to himself ...

 

[PatsFan2]

Maybe, unlike Brady, he can throw to himself ...

Or Malik can throw it and catch it like Marcus Mariota.

 

[Sam Bam Cunningham]

Demeco Ryans is a very good coach.
Legitimate question....which of these two teams will emerge as a serious SB contender in the future first?
The Texans have their QB 1, Pats are not so sure

 

[Real fan 02]

because it would piss me off if they do that...

BB said.. he plans to let the inexperienced players play. I'd expect to see all the rookies get some game action. However I don't want gonzo playing into the 4th Quarter with scrubs, and guys that will be working at market basket come September..

 

[slash83]

Demeco Ryans is a very good coach.
Legitimate question....which of these two teams will emerge as a serious SB contender in the future first?
The Texans have their QB 1, Pats are not so sure

In reality Texans don’t have zero clue how their QB will turn out, it’s a guessing game no matter where the QB is drafted.

 

[Real fan 02]

Demeco Ryans is a very good coach.
Legitimate question....which of these two teams will emerge as a serious SB contender in the future first?
The Texans have their QB 1, Pats are not so sure

With BOB, the vision is much clearer.. Mac is the QB of the future for our franchise. He's got 3 years experience now.. the offense is in far better hands than last seasons debacle. We'll see with the Texans.. outside of Watson they haven't had to much stability at QB.. Ryan's is a good coach absolutely. Now he's the head guy far different than just calling a defense. The Texas had some good years they made some play-off appearances. Just seems like they just need stability in thier organization. Stability is the one thing we have over every other team in the NFL.. along with 6 rings..