Patriots Pregame Thread Week 1 pregame discussion: On to Cincinnati

[Sicilian]

I wholeheartedly agree with this. Jacoby Brissett isn't going to be 'the problem'.

Yup, and to your point, he's also unlikely to be the solution.

 

[Sicilian]

It's very rare that a doubtful player ends up playing, so that's a break for sure. I would be completely shocked if Chase doesn't play, I think it's all mind games at this point.

 

[sb1]

It's very rare that a doubtful player ends up playing, so that's a break for sure. I would be completely shocked if Chase doesn't play, I think it's all mind games at this point.

Higgins had a big game against us in the last one. Mixon too and he's not there anymore. Definitely a break for us.

 

[TommyD4207]

Yup, and to your point, he's also unlikely to be the solution.

Right. He'll be somewhere in the low-middle in QB Rating (which is a vast improvement over the Zappe/Jones era). If you had signed him to a 2-year contract instead of 1, you could have flipped the #3 pick for lots more picks, and build up the lines, or get real depth - but I guess if you *really* like Drake Maye over Ewers or Beck, then I suppose that's the choice you have to make.

I think the latter 2 are 10-year starters at worst. So ymmv.

 

[Hugepatsfan]

Sow ruled out and Lowe seems to be trending that way. So apparently the starting OL is looking like it will be Okorafor/Michael Jordan/Andrews/Robinson/Onwenu.

Lazar mentioned that the OL usually rotates week 1 because they're building up stamina. Hopefully Wallace outshines Okorafor in the LT snaps to the point he takes over the job. Then it would be Wallace/Jordan/Andrews/Robinson/Onwenu.

They seem to like Lowe so then once he comes back, assuming Wallace is doing enough to hold down a spot and go with Lowe/Robinson/Andrews/Onwenu/Wallace.

Then once Sow finally returns, hopefully Wallace is outplaying Lowe and they can go Wallace/Sow/Andrews/Robinson/Onwenu. That'd the 5-man combination that sets us up best for the future. Those are the 5 guys on the team with the best starter potential so if it can evolve to that point it would be best. Succeed or flop, it'd be best to get a look at that group.

 

[Pape]

Lazar mentioned that the OL usually rotates week 1 because they're building up stamina.

the lack of padded practices and two a days in camp is slowly killing the NFL product...

lack of stamina? run some effing wind sprints... or better yet, hills

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Yup, and to your point, he's also unlikely to be the solution.

I am hearing the Bengals run defense is pretty bad. It would probably have to come down to our OL being passable enough for rham to take the game over if we are going to have a chance. Im not expecting much from brisset other than hopefully protecting the football.

We can expect a little rust and bengals may be a bit slow coming out the gate. But if we are going 3 and out all day or turning the ball over theyll turn it on in no time.

 

[Ross12]

 

[Zuma]

My only hope for this game is no injuries. The longer our defense is on the field…the more likely injuries may happen. I’m hoping for a somewhat even time of possession.

 

[Ross12]

Looks like Lowe is a toss-up, he could play or could not. I'm not really sure what they do there. I'm guessing that they probably will plan to start Okorafor at LT no matter what, since even if Lowe plays he will be a little rusty - so maybe rotate them if he's active.

I haven't seen reports on what line they are using in practice, specifically whether Onwenu is still playing RT or if he's gone back to guard. I am guessing he'll stay at RT and Robinson will play RG, then either Leverett or Jordan will play LG. However, it's possible that Onwenu could play RG with Robinson playing LG (likely rotating with the other guys previously mentioned), and Wallace playing RT. We'll have to see what happens.

Long-term, as others have said, I think the best line is Sow or Strange at LG with the other as the backup, Onwenu at RG with Robinson as the backup, Okorafor at RT with Wallace as the backup, and Lowe competing with Jacobs for the LT job with the other being the backup. Thomas should be a plus guard backup also.

 

[Ross12]

If Higgins is out and Chase is rusty and on a snap count (which seems to be the likely scenario), this helps a lot. I'd say put Gonzo on whoever they play at #2 (Burton?) and then double Chase when he's on the field. When he's not, you can afford to spend less on coverage and bring someone closer to the line either for run support or pass rush. They may lean on Zack Moss and the ground game if their receivers aren't available, which NE's front should be able to manage with. Could be a tight game.

 

[Real fan 02]

I haven’t been available much the past few days…has practice mostly been Lowe-Leverett-Andrews-Onwenu-Chucks? I was hoping Sow could play but if he’s not ready then Leverett or Robinson could play LG. Leverett has issues shaping but he’s ok at LG…I’d prefer Robinson however so he can get the experience. Chuks at RT might be ok as well. He’s better there than LT. I’d rather Wallace at RT.

I can't ever remember a time during the last say 20 plus seasons that I've been this concerned about the line. They are who they are. The best 5 are going to have to man up and get the job done.

 

[Real fan 02]

Oh boy the Bengals are not the kind of Team we want to play with Tackle Problems. This one could get Ugly very quickly I see why they are starting Brissett sacrificial lamb. We don't pass or run block well we feel like an expansion Team.

Their only option is running the ball PF2.. like I said take the ball out of..Brissett hands.. Cincy is ranked 28th in run defense. DJ reeder was best run player he's no longer there... if they can't run Sunday then are really F****...

 

[TomPatriot]

the lack of padded practices and two a days in camp is slowly killing the NFL product...

lack of stamina? run some effing wind sprints... or better yet, hills

Yeah, sometimes I wonder about some of his takes.

 

[dliverey44]

The Bengals Front can bring some Heat they have their Judon in Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard also 2023 First Rounder Myles Murphy should be factor. The Bengals LB's don't get a lot of Sacks but they can Tackle Pratt and Wilson Bengals D can make it real uncomfortable upfront for a QB good overall Team.

Murphy is out

 

[State]

Mixon is not there anymore.

What, did he break another girl’s jaw?

 

[Ochmed Jones]

This offensive line is beyond terrible. Worst I have ever seen.

Staying out of third and long and winning the turnover battle is our only remote chance this weekend at an upset

 

[Real fan 02]

The Bengals Front can bring some Heat they have their Judon in Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard also 2023 First Rounder Myles Murphy should be factor. The Bengals LB's don't get a lot of Sacks but they can Tackle Pratt and Wilson Bengals D can make it real uncomfortable upfront for a QB good overall Team.

Your right brother. They should have been much better than 28th ranked and allowing 126 on the ground...

 

[Real fan 02]

If Higgins is out and Chase is rusty and on a snap count (which seems to be the likely scenario), this helps a lot. I'd say put Gonzo on whoever they play at #2 (Burton?) and then double Chase when he's on the field. When he's not, you can afford to spend less on coverage and bring someone closer to the line either for run support or pass rush. They may lean on Zack Moss and the ground game if their receivers aren't available, which NE's front should be able to manage with. Could be a tight game.

Reportedly Higgins is dealing with a hamstring. My take was gonzo on Higgins and J. Jones and safety help on chase. Gonzo needs to from the first snap hit Higgins in the chest and let him know not today. Joe mixon is big loss for them. 24 TDs last 2 seasons. I think Burrow is going to be under pressure all day from the exotic blitz thrown at him. IMO.

 

[Thelonious]

Onwenu is a much better guard than tackle, but he’s still a solid tackle. If it’s best for the team, I’d be fine with keeping him there for now. Sow/Strange, Andrews, Robinson and Onwenu makes a pretty solid group besides LT (once Robinson gets acclimated after a couple weeks), and even at LT, Okorafor should be “good enough”. Lowe is probably around the same level. Not world-beaters but that’s a line that should be able to get the job done once they gel, especially in the run game, which is what they really want to focus on anyway.

Your hopes, though reasonable, are far from assured. There is no question that the team - struggling new under leadership which may or may not grow into their jobs - has chosen to neglect the o-line. The gap between what this o-line is and what is required to field a minimally-competent, let alone a "competitive" team, is likely, I think, too great to allow for much optimism.

We hear (and the decision to take on Brisset confirms) that the running game will be front and center. Though the middle of the o-line may in time accomplish some degree of adequacy, the tackles are, I think, beyond repair until next draft. The result must be a very limited and predictable running game, Woody Hayes style, one unlikely to yield the sort of big plays so weak an offense needs, aside from the iffy prospect of establishing a run game strong enough to create opportunities for play-action. Any play action opportunities will, again given the o-line's issues - happen fast, and doing stuff fast is not a Brisset strong point. Add to this that Rhamondre, after a very promising start to his career, has not been a particulary impressive RB of late. Whether this is due in injury or discouragement under incompetent coaching I do not know, but. - here it comes! - it is what it is. Stevens' backups are largely unproven. All in all, I suspect the running game might well prove to be a thin basis for much hope. Opponents will, I suspect, starting this week, concentrate on stopping the run - they know what we will try to do - and, given the state of the o-line and possibly of the RB group, they will likely succeed in this, forcing reliance on a passing game with lousy protection, a mediocre QB, and barely adequate WR's.

I have thought from the start that this year is entirely about next year and years following. The lousy job of rebuilding the o-line - can they even be said to have tried? - ensures a losing season. (It also ensures a high draft postion next year, but we are obligated to pretend that is not part of the plan, ) I intend to enjoy this season for what it is: the first year (arguably) in the rebuilding of a team run into the ground by incompetent leadership. I intend to celebrate whatever rays of hope might show themselves. Celebrating wins will have to wait.