Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

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

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

Dante is going to be hoarse by Labor Day, if he isn't already.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

So jones was a disappointment because he didn't flash in the one or two series he played... You gotta be kidding me.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

We can definitely reemphasise this...Cannon is NOT a Tackle. Manoeuvres like a battle ship...which leads me to believe he's not going to work out as a LG if we need him to either...lateral movement looks very poor. This guy is supposed to be athletic and he only shows flashes of it. As you said Ken, he was slow out of his stance; has a poor first step and his footwork can be all over the place at times.

Since he was drafted a lot of draft nuts like myself said this guy would be better of as a Guard in the NFL....despite his history of playing tackle in college too.

Saw some nice flashes from Ebert....I'm still rooting for him to make a late charge and steal a spot from someone.

Really, really happy for Silvestro. After activating Fells off of PUP most seem to think the team definitely envision taking a 3rd TE so if Fells and Shiancoe can't get on the field and don't show much, Silvestro might snag a spot. So I wouldnt say he has no chance at all given the situation but Fells gets the nod if healthy.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

Haha...you asked for it. You got it.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

Seriously dude lol... some people man, guess I asked for it ha.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

People need to remember that he was going up against a scrambling left handed QB (he was pulled shortly after Vick went down). That changes his responsibilities immensely. He is no longer rushing on the QB's blindside and now has responsibilities to take away Vick's scrambling lane.

Watching him, he didn't see to really make nearly as much of an effort to get to the QB as he did last week and delayed his rush a bit. It seemed like Belichick wanted him to stay at home a bit while Cunningham rushed Vick's blindside.

I personally never expected nearly as much from him last night know that he was going against a scrambling left handed QB unless they moved him to LDE.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

Absolutely spot on...you can see he's playing contain. It's exactly the same approach we took to Vick last year and Tebow as well. If a rusher over pursues or is allowed to be drawn up field, you open yourself to being calved up!

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

Remember.

Its only preseason.

there will be wrinkles, but no way Bill is showing his full hand now.

No way. No never.

Re: Idle thoughts - The insomnia edtion
 

Would disagree with a few things ...1) I think Vereen played VERY well DESPITE the atrocious play of the OL. He seems to be able to turn nothing into something and at least get positive yards...even with run blocking as bad as last night. I think Bolden did more to play his way off the team last night and no other RB did much. 2) Cannon played like *****. Extremely slow....horrible technique ...and Solder? Who is this imposter? This guy looks like he's never played a snap...slow,outplayed,quits on plays....he acts like he is already ENTITLED to the position. Sterling Moore looked like Duane Starks out there last night....Lastly, I would not feel comfortable at all with either Mallett or Hoyerat this point if God forbid something happens to TFB. Thanks Ken....