So I went to practice today, things I noticed versus maybe what has been written here or in the media:
First it was just shells, stop saying the OLine lost and that’s why the defense shined. There’s no contact, that’s foolish. The defense shined for sure, but the offense had some moment too. This is a really good defense, the defense shined because the coverage is smothering. Finding windows will be tough for any offense.
Tyquan Thornton: Let’s set aside that he needs to stay healthy, let’s pretend that’s a given and he’s healthy. There’s nothing at all wrong with TT, his QB’s have to better adjust to him, not the other way around. I lost count of how many passes were late, slow to arrive and under thrown. He gets open… period.
What I’ve noticed also, an extension of last season, Zappe throws better passes to Thornton. I think Mac has improved high pointing the ball to Parker, but hasn’t mastered throwing leading passes to Thornton. He shouldn’t be throwing high arcing throws to Tyquan, he’s not Parker. Zappe does a better job throwing flatter laser shots that find him faster… even if Zappe struggled a little today. Both Mac and Zappe need to understand, they can’t overthrow Tyquan… he’s too fast and too long. The QB’s need to do better with the deep ball, perhaps why Mac and the kid stayed afterwards and threw.
Gesicki made a sick one handed grab on the sideline, it was impossible to defend. He is long and can body out defenders. Both he and Henry seemed to catch everything thrown at them except for one great play by Peppers in the end zone to punch it out.
If he stays healthy Devante Parker may have a late career renaissance. He is involved and Mac is putting it high and away, few CB’s can jump or outmuscle Parker downfield.
Bourne dropped at least two balls that hit him directly in the hands with no defender around. Not sure it’s a problem, but it happened.
Douglas is a hummingbird, hard to find and track. He’s firmly entrenched with the starters.
I don’t know if anyone noticed but the Pats gave both Keion White and Ronnie Perkins #51. It’s almost like they’re trying to hide him. It’s not working, White looked like he had pads on… he didn’t. The guy is powerfully built.
Mapu seems just as slick in coverage on TE’s as he is rushing forward at runners. He should make the middle of this D a lot faster.
Firkser was pretty involved in the passing game, it’s apparent they see him as a checkdown weapon/HBack/FB… what they envisioned with Jonnu.
Bolden and Speed getting a lot of reps in the defensive backfield. Seems like they want one of these guys to emerge. Bolden looked pretty good again.