Patriots Pregame Thread Patriots @ Seahawks pre-game discussion

[One-If-By-Sea]

Speed is definitely important.
But with the new kickoff rules guys are on you so quickly, so many bodies around the play immediately.
A move or two in space can be the difference between a pedestrian 23 yard avg, and a prowl level 28 yard avg.
He will never be a burner, but he could be a much better returner than he was last year.
I admit he was bad, but I do think he could be better.
However I'm not advocating for him to be the guy, just think IF he needed to be, he can improve.

Anyone can improve over time, but how much and how long does the team have to wait? You are a nice person to look on the bright side.

My approach would be to use Kyle Williams, or someone like that, and instantly improve.

 

[varjao]

With Henderson out maybe we go a little agressive in our First possession trying to get a head start. McDaniels always start slow, I can almost see a 3 and out with 2 runs, 3rd and 9 and incomplete

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Anyone can improve over time, but how much and how long does the team have to wait? You are a nice person to look on the bright side.

My approach would be to use Kyle Williams, or someone like that, and instantly improve.

I appreciate you calling me a nice person.....some would disagree.
Returners are usually not front line players that you risk losing to injury.
I would argue KW will be a front line players this year.
Chism will not be.
Thats factors into it, always.
I don't know who our returner will be Wednesday.
If it was Chism, I would give him the game to see if has improved.

 

[Sect140]

If the result is just based on the more talented roster, Pats have no chance

Sam have you ever thought about being a motivational speaker.

 

[Grogan14]

Amazing how fans overrate this team. Darnold and Maye are equals at this time
Njigba Smith is better than AJ, shaheed us better than Doubs, stevenson is an average RB, Hendersonnis MIA and inconsustent, seahawls ol, te and defense are all better.
Maybe pats pull off upset but seahawks are still better team and they are very very unlikely to lose at home

 

[Uptown]

Random, but it would be great if Henderson could provide a few ‘99-‘02 Charlie Garner seasons for us. Totally forgot about him.

 

[JoeSixPat]

I'm predicting that Gonzo will play as it's a nationally televised game in which he can show his stuff for a potential future team. (I'm not so sure he continues to play all season in an effort to protect himself from injury, so won't be surprised if he has a "hamstring issue" after this game.

Aside from that, all bets are off as this is not even close to the same team that played the Seahawks in the SB.

The Pats are returning only 16 starters from the Super Bowl, with 24 of the 53 players currently on the active roster new to the team. That's a 43% turnover, with some good players leaving here for other teams too. The Seahawks meanwhile return 20 of 22 starters from the SB.

I don't doubt that the team can and will come together later in the season, but with so many new guys who have never even had a pre-season game playing together, I'm expecting some pretty imperfect football against the defending champs.

That's not exactly what you want heading into the game, but in the end, once they sync, I do think this will be a better team than last year even if the score or season record doesn't show it.

 

[Uptown]

New season but..

 

[jdlboot14]

I hope Barmore is just resting a sore knee, rather than real injury.
Hendo will certainly be Out IMO. Which means, we need someone behind Rham that knows the offense more than 1 week.
Two things will be the factor in this game:
1 - OL looking to right a wrong from SB and establish toughness in run blocking & security in pass blocking
2 - Front 7 making Darnold uncomfortable and disrupting timing.

 

[jdlboot14]

One last comment from SB loss - it may have been the worst big game JMD called since the 07 SB loss.
Both dealt with ailing OL and a dominant DL on the other side.
Let's hope he's figured it out.

 

[upstater1]

One last comment from SB loss - it may have been the worst big game JMD called since the 07 SB loss.
Both dealt with ailing OL and a dominant DL on the other side.
Let's hope he's figured it out.

Seattle definitely had some "intel" from a person who not only knew the best way to defend against it (all scouts and coaches know that) but what makes it tick from the QBs standpoint.

I always say inside knowledge is so crucial to what goes on. I remember when the Dolphins got a hold of the Patriots calls/cadences at the LOS for a game back in 2006. They shellacked the Patriots 21-0, and that Phins team sucked.

 

[DoubleDeluxe]

Amazing how fans overrate this team. Darnold and Maye are equals at this time
Njigba Smith is better than AJ, shaheed us better than Doubs, stevenson is an average RB, Hendersonnis MIA and inconsustent, seahawls ol, te and defense are all better.
Maybe pats pull off upset but seahawks are still better team and they are very very unlikely to lose at home

And it's amazing how you continually underrate this team.
You did it all the way to the SB.
For starters:
Doubs has 2424 yds and 21 TDs in his 4 year career.
Saheed has 2243 yds and 12 TDs in his 5 year career.
Stephenson is a proven NFL back who has played some very good ball once he fumbling woes were behind him.
Price is a rookie who hasn't taken an NFL snap, but somehow you think Seattle has an advantage here.
Yes they have a better D, but our secondary is unquestionably better, especially with Seattle down at least one, maybe 2 of their SB starting safeties, and the guy they drafted to replace Bryant is on IR.
You really think AJ Barner and Eric Saubert or Elijah Arroyo are better than Henry/Raridon? I see that as a wash at worst.