Did we ever get that video evidence of this? I am waiting very patiently.
No. Brady looked fine. They just need to find out how they are going to replace Edelman's production at some level. I think those who suggest it will be from the RB crew are correct. Anyways despite the loss there are a lot of positives to take away from the game in all 3 phases.
Defensively
- Flowers, A Butler and Wise are solid. Branch and Brown looked good but were doubled teamed a lot.
- Gilmore, Butler and McCourty are solid. Gilmore plays with an edge and can get a bit chippy. Communication will get better.
- LB imo needs some work but I think that will work itself out. I wonder if Marsh will see some DE/LB time in the Star. Langi wasn't available because of injury etc.. etc.. Would Patricia have used more of a 4-3 look if they had to play the game again?
- The hate on Richards is overblown imo. He did give up a TD but I disagree with the lack of athleticism criticism. He may be too small to play against bigger offensive packages (That's just a thought I have atm) He had tight coverage on the same RB in other plays. He is obviously still learning.
Offensively
- Brady was 6 of 7 when targeting Amendola. He targeted Dola deep, right and left so Brady's accuracy with a receiver he has continuity with is just fine.
- Brady threw a pass that traveled about 57 yards in the air to Cooks. It didn't look like he gave it all he had either. Anyways that should kill the "weak arm" BS. I suspect we'll see a lot more of those deep passes throughout the season especially once the figure out the slot/short route situation.
- Cooks is a gamer. But I don't think he's comfortable with the offense yet. He also doesn't always get the separation some think he does during shorter routes. But the dude is a legitimate threat.
- Offensive line looked good and gave Brady a lot of time when KC rushed 3. After Amendola when out they rushed 4 + and the O line starting having trouble giving Brady less time. Amendola's injury was huge and hurt the game plan imo.
- 4th and 1's. Big plays in the game. I'm glad they happened in game 1 and not game 16. Have to credit KC's Berry on the first one. He made a great play. Anyways Reiss had a great tweet that showed how the O line's alignment might have been a part of the problem which will be fixed. Not worried.
Note: One thing I noticed during the re-watching was how much separation Amendola could get on a short route. He has an Edelman like ankle breaking juke move that creates good separation at the top of his routes. I haven't seen that from Burkhead or Cooks yet which is why I think Lewis and possibly Foster will address some of the Edelman void. (I'm not an expert on roster moves so am not sure of what it would take to get Foster on the 53. Just saying I've seen the ability of getting the "Edelman" like separation from both Lewis and Foster)
Special teams -
A bunch of new bodies against a speedy KC return threat. A lot of hang time traded for some field position loss. No big plays = Success.
(I didn't pay too much attention to special teams so I'm just basically generalizing)
I'm going to put together a few clips for review. If you or anyone is interested in seeing anything else please let me know.
1. All of Brady's passes from the game. It may be somewhat boring because I think I'm going to use the no audio Coaching view.
2. A few examples of KC's offensive formations. Maybe we can discuss the breakdowns in the big plays.
Disclaimer: Despite what some might think I am not a member of the Patriots Coaching staff phantomly posting game day analysis on a Patsfan site and therefore my opinions are all open for discussion.
