PostGame Thread OFFICIAL POSTGAME THREAD: 2025 Preseason Game 1: Patriots Blow Out Commanders 48-18

[Raccoonsuit]

I had to leave the GDT. It was ridiculous. Guys want to have him fail so they can be right.

I really don't understand it. I think by mid season will campbell will have won everyone over. Dude has team captain written all over him.

I'll gladly be the 1st on this site to get a campbell jersey. Heard about him his freshman year and he's been a stud. Used to live in new Orleans so I have a soft spot for lsu guys.

 

[Real fan 02]

I think we need to be very patient with the QB. Maye is in his first season with an NFL caliber coaching staff. Also his first season under Skippy as an OC. It might take 8 or 9 games for Maye and the offense to figure it out and gel as a unit.
For example
Bo Nix is finally comfortable in Payton's offense. He struggled last season despite making the playoffs. He will take the leap in year 2. Watch these Broncos compete for the AFC championship.
So don't get too frustrated this season with the passing offense. It's going to be a work in progress all year.

Your right DPF,

What I believe is that the OL and the running game will help Drake and his continued development. The turnovers as Vrabel said are on him and unacceptable for a franchise QB.However those are absolutely fixable. The Denver offense struggled for the most part of the season What helped them was thier top defense. In the playoffs against Buffalo they fell back to earth. For this patriots team the running game and the OL will surprisingly be a strength. Last season they couldn't block a teams 1st 2nd or 3rd stringers.

 

[Salsalife]

Thoughts

Henderson seems okay.... i guess. On a serious note though. I have never made a secret that i under value RBs. And i dislike taking them high in the draft. They need to be so good to justify that pick. is Henderson good enough to justify it? Yes, it seems so. My 2 main things with RB i ask first. How are you as a pass catching threat and can you hit that all important 5+ YPA (ideally more but 5+ is the minimum). The answers for Henderson appears to be yes and yes. Good pick then.

Campbell made some mistakes and looks a bit rough at times on pass blocking, but also had a really solid long stretch. So not ideal, but not panic time either, for his first live action it was acceptable. Keep in mind unfortunately we need to grade him on a sharp curve cause he needs to be ready to go week 1. So he doesn't get time to be taken along slowly in his development. As far as being a run blocker? Kid is clearly already in the top half of NFL starters.

Starting WRs were a HUGE disappointment. Boutte, Douglas and Hollins with very little separation. For all the talk of Douglas being uncoverable in joint practice we didn't see it today.

Williams is an interesting case. On one hand he had 2 catchable balls he couldn't bring in, one more catchable than the other. On the other hand he had at least 2 other balls he was clearly open on for big plays he was given no chance to bring in as well as an uncalled DPI on one of those and another DPI which was nullified. Massive potential shown but failure to get any results. I made a comment about Williams entering this game. That after being silent in the joint practice this would be a massive test for him to show what he can be. The results are in IMO. If Williams was going to be a true #1 WR in this league he would have somehow someway have made a play tonight or in the joint practices. He didn't. Almost is not good enough. So Williams i don't believe will be that. My hopes for him are a little dashed. Not that you expect a guy in rd 3 to do that for you automatically, but i was hoping. What he did show is he can be a weapon in this league. I know it is early, but the top tier of guys show more consistent production by now. Williams has not been consistent. I think him being that is not in the cards. Being that potentially dangerous #2 option which can kill you on occasion? That seems alive and well.

Speaking of WRs... Chism popped tonight. I know it was almost all in the second half. I don't care. With Polk on his way out the door it's now more open for him. He ain't making it through waivers i think if this keeps up. Use him or lose him. Vrabel can talk up Bakers STs all he wants. But Chism showed well there too. i don't see the argument for Baker having substantially more ST value. Here is what i do see. Chism 8 targets 6 catches 50 yards 1 TD and some pop in his plays. Baker 2 targets 0 catches. How much better is Baker on STs? I know Jiles made some plays as well late. Doesn't take away from Chism or excuse Baker's lack of production.

Lets also take a moment for that RB room. Stevenson with a nice showing. But Gibson showed again he is one of the better back ups in this league when given a chance. Larison had some nice players too. Both contributing in the running and passing game. I think they should keep both. We know guys will miss time, they always do at that spot. and 3 deep seems a little thin.

As for the OL... some hiccups for sure but overall solid. We saw pretty good depth tackle play tonight. Depth at OT is something we need to look at closely as this process goes on. Is someone misses a game can we keep it together? The answer for now. It may be possible. Which is better than last year when the problem was our starters to begin with. For the interior... Seems to have done okay. I couldn't keep track of it all and don't have replay but overall the unit seemed to do well i guess. Waiting for the all 22 on that one.

DL seemed to get penetration and some pressure but to little effect. Not good enough. Not vs the competition they played against. Overall this unit gets a subpar grade. They did enough to be okay, but should have done better. Particular on the edges. Yes, no Landry, Barmore or Chaisson and i think Milton didn't play much either. But still not good enough. Serveral guys who should play big roles like White, Tonga, Pharms, Farmer and Jennings were all out there and didn't show enough. As for Milton I he got 1 TFL and i think he got out fairly quickly.

As a side note on the DL. I mentioned before there is an underrated battle of Truman Jones vs Ponder for 1 spot. Jones clearly looks in the drivers seat after tonight.

Farmer did some stuff, none that was overly impressive but he was there. Swinson was pretty much silent when given what i think was substantial playing time, i don't want to use the term bust yet (and for a late rounder... but remember this was a guy people talked about as a 2nd or 3rd round pick). Right now he looks to be heading for the practice squad, which would be dissapointing. Needs to step it up.

Mapu was someone who needed to make an impression tonight and didn't for me. He made some tackles but none were memorable for me.

Even outside the pick i think DJ James played well, the question isn't will he make this team or not. The question is how much will he play. While they have some decent competition at CB, I don't believe that #3 spot is not open. Can James take over that spot at some point this year? IDK, but he has a shot. I don't think any other.

As for Alex Austin, he played well too. Marcus i honestly don't remember much from but he wasn't out of place either IIRC.

Woodson had some ups and downs tonight. Which is fine for now. We don't need him week 1. I just want to see some ups from him, and i did.

Now counting Schooler they have 9 DBs i like at this point. No safeties out of the top 4 showed me anything, No CBs stepped up in my mind to claim that 6th spot. Right now there is 1 spot for the taking IMO and it is wide open. Maybe Battle? Maybe Mapu? Maybe Pettus? Maybe Bolden? It seems this really was Dial's spot till the ACL. And now i wonder if there is anyone even worth carrying? Maybe trying to find a guy in the waiver wire is the answer?

My question...Is it Maye, is he the one? His Passing is terrible, 12 yards and forget it in the Red Zone where you have to fit some throws into tight spots. Not impressed, Oline is giving him time now so what gives. Our players are decent. Dobbs is a joke. I'd take Milton plays any day against Buffalo over Dobbs killing Williams out there. This kid has a terrible touch on deep throws. Williams is as advertised i.m.o. Brady would have connected.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Marcus was also playing corner on the outside and seemed to have mostly tight coverage. One good pass breakup on a deep pass that initially looked completed

That play exemplifies one of my biggest pet peeves with CBs. Marcus had great coverage but didn't turn and look back for the ball. If he does that he easily breaks up the pass before the WR loses it going to the ground. It's so common place, drives me nuts. Just turn your friggin head!

 

[Salsalife]

That fumble was a 3 man mistake. Maye has to take the sack, or throw it away earlier. I have a feeling that he will make bone headed mistakes through his whole career. I still think he’s gonna be a top 10-15 QB throughout his whole career (maybe even higher), but there will always be head scratchers. Kinda reminds me of Elway, 15 highlight plays and 1 head scratcher.

That being said, besides that huge mistake by Campbell/Wilson, there was a lot to like about Campbell & Wilson, and then add Bryant as the RT, man, what a draft. There was a lot of success running to the left (Campbell/Wilson side). A lot of positives to take out of their first NFL action ever.

Yeah. I really like Onwenu also. They ran between him and the center. Gonna be useful in the Winter. I know Josh see's Henderson. Gamebreaker. I think Williams with the right qb is going to stretch the field. Kid should have had 100 yards tonight. Dobbs SUCKS. I want Milton back....

 

[Real fan 02]

My question...Is it Maye, is he the one? His Passing is terrible, 12 yards and forget it in the Red Zone where you have to fit some throws into tight spots. Not impressed, Oline is giving him time now so what gives. Our players are decent. Dobbs is a joke. I'd take Milton plays any day against Buffalo over Dobbs killing Williams out there. This kid has a terrible touch on deep throws. Williams is as advertised i.m.o. Brady would have connected.

Yes, drake is special. Let's not forget when he took over last season in a terrible situation how he had to overcome his coaching and OL.. they weren't really calling anything last night just a vanilla offense, running, and Drake used his legs to move the chains. That seemed to be what Vrabel wanted..I loved the aggression the overall team played with. Dobbs is what is he is a back up QB, he's better than Brissett. On joe Milton he's a back up who thinks he's a starter nothing wrong with believing that however he's not a starter. I still don't get to up/down on a meaningless preseason game. It's all about what happens week 1 and beyond..

 

[Zuma]

Great game last night. My only real concern is the complexity of Josh's offense and the lack of production from QB1, QB2 and the WR's. I get that Maye didn't get a lot of snaps (why not?) and some WR's didn't play, but their was a lot of out-of-sync going on there. Yes it's just the preseason...but the real games start in 30 days. I would actually prefer Drake, the WR's and Josh go over plays / routes and build on chemistry for the next 2 weeks by themselves inside the stadium and just focus on that....constantly. All other phases of the team look good otherwise.

 

[Real fan 02]

Great game last night. My only real concern is the complexity of Josh's offense and the lack of production from QB1, QB2 and the WR's. I get that Maye didn't get a lot of snaps (why not?) but their was a lot of out-of-sync going on there. Yes it's just the preseason...but the real games start in 30 days. I would actually prefer Drake, the WR's and Josh go over plays / routes and build on chemistry for the next 2 weeks by themselves inside the stadium and just focus on that....constantly. All other phases of the team look good otherwise.

I believe we'll see that Saturday.. the 2nd pre-season game is typically where starters play more.. well typically.. Minnesota IMO is much more talented team and better defense. Last night the offense was vanilla just run plays, and safe play calling for guys not to get hurt. The defense to me without alot of the top Dawgs, Barmore, Gonzo, landry, Chaisson, davis.. was impressive. On the back up QBs.. meh.. the idea is to never see Dobbs unless the game is out of hand during the regular season.. he's a veteran back up.. better than Brissett IMO.

 

[TheRainMaker]

Glad the Pats continue to move away from the all blue look. The current uniforms would look even better without the shoulder stripes.

Why did it look like the game was played in a dome last night?

Henderson is going to be a big playmaker. The one cut and explosion though the hole on his only carry is something we've had had in a long time.

Bring back the old kickoff format.

Anfernee Jennings isn't making the team. Playing in the 4th Q is a really bad sign.

Wilson and Campbell need to do better figuring out the stunt where Maye was carless himself and fumbled.

 

[Salsalife]

Bryant has locked down the #3 OT spot, no question now. In fact he did so well last night that while back up OT is still a concern... I wouldn't call it the #1 concern right now like i would have 2 weeks ago.

The #4 and maybe #5 spot if they want it are open. Is Lowe better than Jacobs and/or Wallace is more to the point. Both are cheaper and just as young if not younger.

Great Oline draft so far..

 

[Real fan 02]

That play exemplifies one of my biggest pet peeves with CBs. Marcus had great coverage but didn't turn and look back for the ball. If he does that he easily breaks up the pass before the WR loses it going to the ground. It's so common place, drives me nuts. Just turn your friggin head!

I've said this at nauseum..Marcus isn't an outside CB.. I get Hobbs vibes whenever he's outside.. I love Marcus in the slot.. contract year for him I'm expecting him to play well.

 

[The Gr8est]

Yeah. I really like Onwenu also. They ran between him and the center. Gonna be useful in the Winter. I know Josh see's Henderson. Gamebreaker. I think Williams with the right qb is going to stretch the field. Kid should have had 100 yards tonight. Dobbs SUCKS. I want Milton back....

Soooo…..

If Milton doesn’t make the Dallas roster,

The Pats are 4th in line to claim him.

Amirite?

 

[Salsalife]

Tackling still really bad in general, stupid camp rules. Only 8 padded practices, come on.. 2nd and 3rd team looked really suspect.. I get it, preseason camp faader..

 

[The Gr8est]

Bryant has locked down the #3 OT spot, no question now. In fact he did so well last night that while back up OT is still a concern... I wouldn't call it the #1 concern right now like i would have 2 weeks ago.

The #4 and maybe #5 spot if they want it are open. Is Lowe better than Jacobs and/or Wallace is more to the point. Both are cheaper and just as young if not younger.

Or….

Since it is Moses, who is on his last legs, who is ahead of him, is Bryant our future RT?

 

[TheRainMaker]

My question...Is it Maye, is he the one? His Passing is terrible, 12 yards and forget it in the Red Zone where you have to fit some throws into tight spots. Not impressed, Oline is giving him time now so what gives. Our players are decent. Dobbs is a joke. I'd take Milton plays any day against Buffalo over Dobbs killing Williams out there. This kid has a terrible touch on deep throws. Williams is as advertised i.m.o. Brady would have connected.

I'll wait until the preseason game where the starters are playing and it's more serious, but too many fans continue to reset his timeline and don't want to answer your question. Their biggest fear is entering a territory they haven't seen before Bledsoe was drafted. Many fans have only seen one QB in Brady. Mac Jones not working out set the franchise back 4 years and led to BB getting fired. Maye being a bust will push the franchise back even further. It's a reality some fans have to come to terms with. This isn't Madden where the Pats hit on every QB.

This is a big year for Maye.

 

[BobDigital]

Or….

Since it is Moses, who is on his last legs, who is ahead of him, is Bryant our future RT?

I won't go that far yet... but that would be great. Moses is here for 3 more years.... if managed properly he can certain play 2 of them i'd think if not all 3. Plenty of time to see if Bryant has it. Best case? Bryant does well in spot duty or for a game or two when someone goes down (sadly likely to happen... hope that is all it is) and next year we have a more serious discussion about it.

Moses in reality really has a 2 year contract. Plenty of time to see what we have in Bryant and Campbell. It would be nice for both to look good and not feel the need to use a top 4 round pick on OT next year.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

I don't care what anyone says, this is a thing of beauty (probably already posted, sorry). Henderson exploded for 18 yards, but Big Will was a huge part of that and I just love the nasty finish.

 

[Salsalife]

I don't care what anyone says, this is a thing of beauty (probably already posted, sorry). Henderson exploded for 18 yards, but Big Will was a huge part of that and I just love the nasty finish.

Out the club. Got some Gronk vibes...

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Out the club. Got some Gronk vibes...

Luv it. We will lean on the run game early in the season, and we should be a really good play action team if we can continue to push people around in the run game. Passing O will come, gotta give it some time.

 

[Hammer of Thor]

Love that overhead shot. Focusing on just the first two series — when he was out against Washington’s 2nd stringers — and he pretty much controlled them. Hell of a start for Bryant — looking forward to his going up against Minny’s 1s next week, hopefully. Can’t help but wonder already if he can develop into our starting right tackle in time like Marcus Cannon did.