When the 1st team defense was in the game (first 3 series), what was the rushing average for TB (minus the reverse)? Under 4.
During the same time, what was the yards-per-completion for TB? Under 8. Take away the 33 yard reception on a short crossing route? Under 5. Remember, this is YPC and not YPA.
Not saying that the Pats played a stellar game. Just saying keep it in context. The Pats played a vanilla zone and the Bucs were content with constantly taking the checkdown. Good for them. Did we really need to know if Griese could throw a 3 yard dump pass?
That is the difference in the preseason. You have 3 goals: get your vets some reps, get your new guys in gametime situations and evaluate battles for roster positions/roles. I really only saw 2 plays that were cause for concern...the reverse had no backside containment (Woods?) and the missed tackle on the Bryant crossing route (Mayo). Hardly a tragedy.
Kinda off-topic, but the teams that really "play to win" (and not to train/evaluate) are tempting the football gods. Mangini's decision to kick a chip-shot FG to go to overtime rather than going for the TD is a great example. A coach WANTING to go to overtime in a preseason game? Karma fired a shot across his bow with the FG hitting the upright. Next time the punishment will certainly be more severe.
