Re: My postgame thoughts
1. Brady: I agree. I thought he looked skiddish on his first pass (an incompletion) but visibly improved and returned to form throughout the game. They were even highlighting how he planted his injured leg, and as the game progressed he planted with more confidence. I really think that he needed this one game to complete his rehab because there's nothing like facing an actual opponent at actual game speed in a game that actually matters. Preseason games were helpful, but lacked the intensity of a real game (even against the Bills).
2. WRs and TEs: Moss, Welker and Watson were great. I think the dropped passes at the beginning of the game - whether Brady or the receiver was more to blame - were just early season kinks getting worked out. If they had continued through the game, I'd be worried, but they didn't. I was disappointed that Galloway didn't get involved, but not worried about Baker's lack of involvement. Baker's play in the preseason is enough to show that he's going to be a playmaker with this team, some weeks more so than others. I was really hoping, though, that Galloway would prove to be enough of a threat to make defenses at least think twice about doubling Moss. Maybe it's still in the works, but I hope it shows up soon.
2b: Kevin Faulk with his third down play was in midseason form. Several times on third down I said to my wife "There's Kevin Faulk. He'll be getting the first down."
3.RBs: I thought that the running game was pretty good, although it was very limited by the fact that the Pats were playing from behind the entire game. I liked what I saw from Maroney and Taylor (he was hardly touched on his TD). I thought it was a good sign that the Bills bit hard on play-action once or twice, proving that the running game was at least enough of a threat to keep them worried about it. If they can maintain at least that level of production, fine, but i think they have the potential for more and greater things. Plus, I hope Brady doesn't have to attempt 56 passes every week.
4. OL: I remember years ago watching Pats games and regularly counting to four or five after the snap while Brady stood in the pocket taking his time picking his target. Last night the pocket was closing too fast around him for much of the game. This was especially frustrating because on the other side, the Pats couldn't collapse the pocket around Edwards who looked all-too-comfortable for much of the night.
5. Defense: Negatives - not enough consistent pass rush except during the last drive; too many big running plays and screens given up. Positives - The DBs (esp. the corners) already seem to be better than last year. Trent Edwards is a better than average QB and Evans and Owens are two great receivers, yet they got almost nothing done down the field. It is GREAT to have TBC back! He seemed pumped to be out there. In fact, on an individual basis, many if not most of the players seemed to be playing with great intensity, running hard, hitting hard, etc. Meriweather, Wilfork, AD, and Bodden really stood out in this regard. I hope to see the Defense gel as the season progresses. The Pats are definitely younger and faster out there, but the overall experience (in the NFL and as a team) is lower than in years past. That should change and improve as time goes on.
6: Penalties: The penalties on AD and Wilfork really ticked me off because they put a dark cloud over two great plays that really exemplify the kind of intense, hard hitting defense that we need and want to see. I don't want these guys to hesitate next time worrying that they might get penalized for physical play. Hit first and ask questions later.
7: Special Teams: Excellent all around. While the Offense and Defense seemed to struggle at times, the ST always looked solid. Maroney's KO return was inspiring. It will be great to get Slater back, too, as he's one who is consistently down the field first.
Ok... I think I've got the 10 character minimum covered...
TB146
