****** First exhibition game postgame thread ******

[Uptown]

 

[patsinthesnow]

What I saw at camp for the padded practices was on display yesterday. Mac showed accuracy, quick decision making & extra rushers didn’t bother him.

The pats haven’t been able to pass effectively without play action since Gordon was suspended in 2018 (it’s honestly a miracle the Pats beat the Chiefs on the road having to throw in the 4th - kudos to the GOAT & company for coming thru). There were glimpses of a return of the quick passing offense:

Jones in shotgun
White
Agholor
Meyers
Henry inline
Jonnu split out wide

White & Jonnu underneath, Meyers & Henry in the intermediate with Agholor making defenders respect the deep ball. The cherry on top is an elite OL making it difficult getting to a QB getting the ball out early.

Good first showing in game action. Personally I do not see the value in continuing the smoke & mirrors offense with Cam that relys on heavy formations & hoping you get to 3rd and short. We’ll see what BB decides to do soon.

 

[jah]

• Mac didn't look like 2007 Brady, but if every preseason game shakes out that way for both QB I want him starting.
• We're going to have to cut/trade someone we would rather keep at RB, there's just too many. Last night made me take Bolden off my 53 for Taylor.
• Didn't really see the camp praise translate to the game for either Harry or Wilkerson, but right now I give Wilkerson the tiebreaker due to special teams.
• I didn't even notice Asiasi a single time but apparently he played. Not good.
• Was bad watching Wynn get worked by Young, but I'll start worrying when someone who isn't on pace to become the next Lawrence Taylor does it to him.
• DL is like RB in that we have too many guys who you would theoretically want to keep. Out of Spence (who was part of the starting unit), Davis, and Anderson, we probably have to cut at least one.
• Seems like our edge position is in good hands both now and in the future. Perkins looks like he has potential, wasn't like watching Senator Bequette out there.
• Similar to the Harry/Wilkerson battle is the JoeJuan Williams/Mike Jackson battle for the last CB spot. I'll have to rewatch, but that interception seemed more like a horrible play on offense. I still give #33 the tiebreaker for breaking up another pass later on.
• I'm buying in on Nordin finally. I said I wanted to see him do it in a game, and I did. Subject to change after more games.

 

[Rob0729]

• Mac didn't look like 2007 Brady, but if every preseason game shakes out that way for both QB I want him starting.
• We're going to have to cut/trade someone we would rather keep at RB, there's just too many. Last night made me take Bolden off my 53 for Taylor.
• Didn't really see the camp praise translate to the game for either Harry or Wilkerson, but right now I give Wilkerson the tiebreaker due to special teams.
• I didn't even notice Asiasi a single time but apparently he played. Not good.
• Was bad watching Wynn get worked by Young, but I'll start worrying when someone who isn't on pace to become the next Lawrence Taylor does it to him.
• DL is like RB in that we have too many guys who you would theoretically want to keep. Out of Spence (who was part of the starting unit), Davis, and Anderson, we probably have to cut at least one.
• Seems like our edge position is in good hands both now and in the future. Perkins looks like he has potential, wasn't like watching Senator Bequette out there.
• Similar to the Harry/Wilkerson battle is the JoeJuan Williams/Mike Jackson battle for the last CB spot. I'll have to rewatch, but that interception seemed more like a horrible play on offense. I still give #33 the tiebreaker for breaking up another pass later on.
• I'm buying in on Nordin finally. I said I wanted to see him do it in a game, and I did. Subject to change after more games.

Jones didn't look like Brady in 2007, but he looked like him from 2001-2004 (and I am just saying playing style, not ability). Not sure you can win with that type of offense anymore, but if you can, he looks like he can potentially be the QB the Pats need for that offense.

 

[Sicilian]

Something to keep in mind when grading or judging last night’s offensive performance…

Washington’s starting defense is outstanding, they’re a top unit in the NFL when healthy. They won their division last year with an unimpressive record in large part because of they had one of the worst offenses in the league ranking 26th in points scored per drive. Despite horrid complementary football, their defense still ranked 3rd in fewest points allowed per drive.

So don’t judge the offense too harshly for checking it down, nibbling and taking what the defense gave them… that D is fantastic.

Ron Rivera has historically had pretty good defenses, so this was a good first test both from a player standpoint and a coaching one. Vanilla schemes I'm sure, but well-coached talent is still tough to play against.

 

[Salsalife]

I'm so happy to see that maybe just maybe we will have a competitive team and maybe bring back some magic. Wynn scares me at left tackle. Judon is a great great signing, reminds me of Chris Slade. Ulche, he's coming. Rhamonde has got excellent feet in the hole (Jump cuts) and speed like Curtis martin, house speed LIKED! Surprised Wilkerson seen more balls throw his way versus N'keal. Wilkerson needs a Randy moss chat on how to shield the defender better on deep balls (Hands come up later).
You know, for a moment, watching Mac play vs Cam i see the Coaches offense really come thru. Great start for the rook. I would absolutely go bonkers if this kid could run the dink and dunk Brady offense. Tools needed;
1. Versatile Run or catch back with a good fullback
2. Great slot receiver who consistently can get open.
3. Big TE who can run block and catch and get's double covered alot.
It's what built championships, take what the defense is giving you. Couple that with a possible great WINTER back like Rhamonde and you got the equation correct. I was very very impressed with the 7 or eight running plays in the Red Zone, YES YES YES . Pound the ground game. Just imagine if we had a great running game what this offense would look like.....

 

[StockingAnarchyNumber12]

I was wrong about Cam. When he was first signed, I thought the issue would be his me-first, attention-hog ways.

Since he’s been in NE, Cam’s been a hard-working leader who’s made good relationships with everyone around him and by all accounts is a really excellent teammate.

While I’ve been disappointed with his play (which is the only thing that counts, in the end), I really wish he’d been more productive. Not just “for winning” but also “it’s nice when hard-working people find success”.

Unless a 180 occurs, it’s clear Mac isn’t only the QB of the future…

I think the hate for Cam has been a bit unfair. Look, the dude isn't good anymore. I get that. However, people need to remember he was once good. Mac Jones may be better (i want to see one more game before fully judging but I feel like he will be), but Cam was once a MVP level qb or was at least good. Injuries really derailed his career and it must suck. I think Cam came into a really hard situation last year and put it all on the line. He failed. No way around that. However, it's a pity he failed because he does have other good attributes like leadership and does bring a fun attitude to the team.

 

[Rob0729]

I think the hate for Cam has been a bit unfair. Look, the dude isn't good anymore. I get that. However, people need to remember he was once good. Mac Jones may be better (i want to see one more game before fully judging but I feel like he will be), but Cam was once a MVP level qb or was at least good. Injuries really derailed his career and it must suck. I think Cam came into a really hard situation last year and put it all on the line. He failed. No way around that. However, it's a pity he failed because he does have other good attributes like leadership and does bring a fun attitude to the team.

The problem with Cam now is that he was never a great passer, but he was an amazing athlete. He could rattle off a 20-40 yard run every game with ease (many times, several a game). He just ain't that physically gifted which makes him a mediocre passer and an above average athlete which isn't good enough to make a him a good QB.

I don't hate the guy. I just think he is ill suited for this offense and probably more of a back up at this point. Seems more like a fit for a team like the Ravens than the Patriots. I don't get why Belichick would want him over a Fitzpatrick or even Trubisky as a one year stopgap.

 

[Nehalem]

Did you watch Justin Hebert last year? Was he not ready? 4331 yards, 31 TDs, and 10 Ints? If Mac Jones ends up starting this year and ONLY produces numbers like these, I will take it.

The game I remember him in, his team lost 45-0 to the worst QB in the league

 

[jdlboot14]

Mac only had 38 more passing yards than Cam but had 9 more completions .. that is not good

Mac hardly played any snaps with Meyers, Smith, Bourne... That makes a difference, when Wilkerson drops a long TD, Gunner was late in recognizing his long ball, Harry STILL can't do sh*t to get open... BUT - Mac still found the check-down and on time, in rhythm. That's impressive.

 

[Rob0729]

The game I remember him in, his team lost 45-0 to the worst QB in the league

LOL! He did play like crap against the Pats. But that was probably his only really bad game as a starter thus far.

 

[Kontradiction]

I caught a little of the recording and watched Mac this morning before I left for the offense. A couple of things stand out - his fundamentals and his mechanics. His mechanics, in particular, are very polished. Hips are fluid, follow-through and release point are good. I’d love to see him get a chance with the 1s next week.

 

[masterbouncer]

LOL! He did play like crap against the Pats. But that was probably his only really bad game as a starter thus far.

Pats defense wasn't that bad, especially if you are behind early and have to beat them through air its realy difficult
the run defense was horrendous though


hope Fat Patricia won't reinvent bend-don't break coverage again here, hope he has nothing to say about defensive concepts, hope he just does some scouting or such things, I can't take again the Philly debacle

 

[jdlboot14]

The major difference in the eyeball test last night was what we saw all last year - Cam doesn't have the sense of urgency. He seems okay feeling things out for the first couple series of the game, and tends to have major ups and downs. And it happened last night. He started with some very bad/lazy plays. A horrible screen throw, a near-sack/fumble. Then, his 2nd series it's like he woke up a bit. But, Mac looked more natural & comfortable in his first NFL snaps EVER. That shouldn't be so obvious. And it can't be lost on the best coaches in the world.

 

[Rob0729]

Pats defense wasn't that bad, especially if you are behind early and have to beat them through air its realy difficult
the run defense was horrendous though


hope Fat Patricia won't reinvent bend-don't break coverage again here, hope he has nothing to say about defensive concepts, hope he just does some scouting or such things, I can't take again the Philly debacle

Looks like Steve Belichick and Jerod Mayo are in control of the offense and Patricia won't be involved. They did a very good job last year especially since they lost a lot of talent. My only fear about their coaching is can you really trust a man with a mullet?

 

[Rob0729]

The major difference in the eyeball test last night was what we saw all last year - Cam doesn't have the sense of urgency. He seems okay feeling things out for the first couple series of the game, and tends to have major ups and downs. And it happened last night. He started with some very bad/lazy plays. A horrible screen throw, a near-sack/fumble. Then, his 2nd series it's like he woke up a bit. But, Mac looked more natural & comfortable in his first NFL snaps EVER. That shouldn't be so obvious. And it can't be lost on the best coaches in the world.

There really is a night and day comparison between the two. During that two minute drill I got a few brief flashes of Brady out of Jones. It really felt like it did when Brady was running it at the start of that drive.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Looks like Steve Belichick and Jerod Mayo are in control of the offense and Patricia won't be involved. They did a very good job last year especially since they lost a lot of talent. My only fear about their coach is can you really trust a man with a mullet?

defense

 

[Rob0729]

defense

Oops! But they do say the best offense is a good defense. So technically, I am correct.

 

[scott99]

I turned on Skip and Shannon this morning (I guess it’s because I hate myself ?), and the first subject they discuss is how weak Mac Jones arm looked last night. Skip saying something to the effect, “Mac’s arm looked much weaker than in college”, I immediately shut it off.

I don’t care what people say. He’s got a good arm, not a great arm. Certainly not weak. He played with a lot of poise, excellent knowledge of the offense, stood strong in the face of the rush and took punishment after delivering the ball. This is one of the toughest offenses to learn in the NFL, and he had command of that offense. Mac is gonna prove A LOT of people wrong.

 

[RobertWeathers]

There really is a night and day comparison between the two. During that two minute drill I got a few brief flashes of Brady out of Jones. It really felt like it did when Brady was running it at the start of that drive.

We've got ourselves the next long-term starting QB.