Patriots QB Ryan Mallett: Last week's Performance in the "Rear-View"
 Week one was a less than stellar performance for back-up quarterback Ryan Mallett. (USA TODAY Images) |
After a rough outing in week one of the preseason against Washington, Patriots quarterback Ryan Mallett is trying to have a short memory as the team gets set for their second exhibition game of the year Friday night against Philadelphia.
Mallett, who finished the night just 5-of-12 (42%) for 55 yards along with a sack, didn't exactly look comfortable out there against the Redskins after getting the starting nod. He was erratic while he was out there and had several errant throws, including one where he hit running back Roy Finch in the back of the head as he came out of the backfield.
Having been a back up for several seasons, Mallett had said that he feels like he's a starter, however he didn't exactly look like one last week in Washington. They had problems moving the chains largely in part due to fact they struggled running the football, as well as the fact Mallett struggled to complete passes on early downs. He finished 0-for-3 on first down and just 1-of-3 on second down, which put him in long yardage situations throughout most of the time he was out there.
He faced nine second down plays last Thursday night, seven of which were from eight or more yards. Third down was just as dismal, with Mallett converting just three of seven for the contest, mostly due to the fact five of those seven were from 10 or more yards.
The result lead to a group that only crossed midfield twice with Mallett at the helm. They never reached any farther than the Redskins’ 36 yard line and that drive ended with a missed 54-yard field goal by Stephen Gostkowksi late in the second quarter.
Mallett missed a couple of sessions this week for what he called "maintenance days", which coincidentally followed what appeared to potentially be him aggravating his knee after catching his brace in the turf in Washington. It remains to be seen if he'll see action tonight depending on his injury situation, with Mike Reiss of ESPN BOSTON suggesting he could sit this one out. Should he get the opportunity to potentially try and redeem last week's performance, he said this week he's focused on going out and having a better game, while having already put last week behind him.
“I’ve already moved passed it and ready for this week,” Mallett told WEEI's Ryan Hannable. “Rear-view mirror kind of game right now.”
