3 Preseason games in 11 days
 

As Christopher Gasper pointed out in his Notes column today, the Pats have 3 preseason games in 11 days. That is a brutal schedule.

I think he has been taking it extra easy on rushing veterans back from injuries this preseason and sitting a lot of players during games and the schedule is probably because of it. I also think this is why some people feel the Patriots lack intensity. I think there is a definite burnout/injury risk with a schedule like this and going all out (even the preseason version of going all out) and playing players who are less than 100% at this point in the season.

If the Pats had this stretch in their schedule in the regular season, people would be pointing to this stretch as a brutal part of their schedule and worried about their ability to stay fresh and sharp. I think Belichick knows this is an issue and doesn't want to risk anything on meaningless preseason games. This could be playing a big factor in our poor showings the first three games.

Re: 3 Preseason games in 11 days
 

I agree but that still doesn't expalin the abyssmal play on Special Teams this pre-season.

Re: 3 Preseason games in 11 days
 

Well, that is a concern, but it could be that the fact that they are resting so many veterans and auditioning so many young guys that we haven't actually seen the real coverage units play yet.

I can't remember a year since maybe 2003 or 2004 where so many rookies have a realistic shot at making the roster (even if it is very slim). Many of these guys are only going to make the roster if they can prove their worth on special teams. Some of them may not be proving their worth right now and may end up being replaced by veterans who know what they are doing come regular season.

Although I don't haven't watched preseason special teams personnel groupings all that much so far, I assume at least several of the veterans who play significant amount of time on offense or defense haven't been playing on special teams this preseason.

Re: 3 Preseason games in 11 days
 

I totally agree and have been thinking this way before the preseason began. Some of the issues with special teams are a little concerning but it goes back to the attitude the team has taken thus far. They do need to turn it on asap as far as intensity goes but I do think the Patriots are trying to figure things out that will work this season that they didn't have time to figure out this offseason because of how long last season was. In short, I am not worried and I do think this season will be a success.

Re: 3 Preseason games in 11 days
 

In part it does. Generally to get ready for a game, the guys who play mostly special teams do most of there practice to get ready for special team work and less working on offense or defense back up position.

But if the special teams are spending more of there time prepping to play in offense or defense they will be less ready on special teams.