 It was a rough night for Patriots QB Ryan Mallett. (USA TODAY Images) |
Some notes and links following last night's loss:
JIMMY GAROPPOLO OUTPLAYS MALLETT IN DEBUT:
For all the praise Ryan Mallett received this week, it was quarterback Jimmy Garopplo who had the better outing during the Patriots 23-6 loss down in Washington Thursday night after Garoppolo finished the night completing 9-of-13 passes for 157 yards along with a touchdown in the second half.
While it hasn't shown up as much during training camp, Garoppolo looked fairly poised and even showed some great touch on the football after hitting a couple of deep plays to Brian Tyms, including a 53-yard pass on third down in the fourth quarter along with his 26 yard touchdown throw to him in the closing minutes of the game.
"I did alright," said Garoppolo after the game. "There is a lot of stuff to improve on. It is a process. For any rookie quarterback, there is a lot to learn from and we will go watch the tape tomorrow and fix those things."
Meanwhile, Mallett finished the night 5-of-12 (42%) for just 55 yards on a night that seemed fit for him to finally be able to showcase himself following a week that saw him garner some positive remarks from members of the national media who were in Virginia watching him.
Unfortunately it didn't translate over into the game, which for now leaves Mallett the same as he's been. He's been just O.K. Not great, not terrible, but certainly not strong enough to be considered a starting caliber quarterback.
It's early to pile too much praise on Garoppolo, but it wasn't a bad start for the rookie. It's just one game and he was going against players who, many of which, won't even be in the NFL one month from now. But he made the most of his opportunity, which is about as much as he could have hoped for.
There's still three preseason games to go and plenty of snaps likely in their future. Hopefully for Mallett's sake he's able to regroup against the Eagles this week.
STARS SIT THIS ONE OUT:
Last night was clearly an evaluation for some of the more unproven players, with a lot of New England's starters sitting out while others got some plays in to get comfortable and back into game shape.
Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola and Logan Mankins were among some of the stars who sat this one out on the offensive side of the football, while Chandler Jones, Darrelle Revis, Devin McCourty and Dont'a Hightower were some notable names who were on the sidelines watching other guys take their reps on the defensive side.
However, out on the field were Vince Wilfork and Tommy Kelly, both of whom are coming back from injuries and needed the snaps as they continue working on settling back in. Kelly told the Boston Globe after the game that he's still got a bit more work ahead of him to get back into shape, but he expects next week's game against the Eagles to go a little more smoothly.
"I think I have to work on it, but that's what these games are for,'' Kelly told the newspaper. "I don't see myself getting this gassed next week against Philly."
PATRIOTS SUFFER ANOTHER INJURY:
According to the Boston Globe, second year defensive tackle Chris Jones suffered an ankle injury in the first half and didn't return, which delivers another blow to a group that already lost Sealver Siliga earlier in the week with a hand injury.
Prior to the two getting hurt their depth was already shaky at best, so Jones' injury will be something to monitor, especially if the injury to Siliga is as serious as some of the recent reports have been stating.
ADDITIONAL LINKS:
BOSTON GLOBE:
Ryan Mallett unimpressive in Patriots opener - Ben Volin: Volin has his "On Football" column for this morning, which focuses on the rough night that Mallett had down in Washington.
Patriots stars missing in opener - Shalise Manza Young: Manza Young files her notebook this morning, which leads off with the fact quite a few starters sat out last night's contest.
Patriots have rocky start to preseason - Here's a collection of photos from last night's game
Ryan Mallett hype is a trick of the trade - Christopher Gasper: Gasper writes there are lobbyists in Washington who wish they could spin as favorably as the Patriots have on Mallett recently.
BOSTON.COM:
Patriots vs. Redskins Stock Report: Ryan Mallett Struggles, Malcolm Butler Shines - Erik Frenz: Frenz recaps some of the performances from last night while taking a look at some players who helped their cause.
BOSTON HERALD:
Ryan Mallett misfires - Jeff Howe: Howe has an article on the less than impressive performance by Mallett last night.
Patriots Notebook: Returning vets get little taste - Jeff Howe: Howe files his notebook, which leads off with him looking at the performances of Kelly and Wilfork in their first game action since being placed on injured reserve last year.
Brandon Browner burned early - Karen Guregian: Guregian has notes on the fact that the new contact rules hurt Browner last night.
ESPN BOSTON:
Leftover Thoughts from Patriots' Loss - Mike Reiss: Reiss has additional thoughts on last night's game, including the fact it was another step forward for Vince Wilfork.
Belichick, players react to preseason loss - Mike Reiss: Reiss has additional quotes from inside the locker room after the game.
Tale of two backup QB's for Patriots - Mike Reiss: Reiss contrasts the play of the two quarterbacks last night.
Observation deck: new England Patriots -Mike Reiss: Reiss has his takeaways from last night's game along with some additional thoughts in this piece.
Ups and Downs for the Patriots - Mike Reiss: Reiss has some players who he feels had a good night, while others didn't fare so well.
WEEI:
What we learned Thursday - Christopher Price: Price has a good read from last night's loss after how it all unfolded.
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