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

[JackBauer]

6 - 7 losses.

Maybe the playoffs, but this is not a Super Bowl team. The WRs are subpar to mediocre. None strike fear in a Secondary. But, like every pre season, even when Brady was around, this group from all reports is looking sharp so you better watch out. We heard all about Meyers last pre season and he never caught the first TD. There is always one dark horse WR who emerged out of nowhere and is purported to be a dynamo. The guy is usually collecting unemployment in October.

The saving grace for this team is the running backs including Cam. Cam is a top 3 rushing QB in this league. 12 TDs last season and he could have easily had more. The Yahoos want to run Cam out of town and let the Mac dynasty begin. When Mac is looking at Meyers and Bourne and Harry instead of Devonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle the 5hit is going to hit the fan.

I remember like 5-8 years ago when you were insisting that Devin McCourty wasn’t a starting caliber safety. Why don’t you have a seat?

 

[BTTA]

This what what I call the Cam Dichotomy: The guy is, hands-down, the most demonstrably enthusiastic player I've ever seen in a Patriots uniform. At the in-stadium practice last week he chest-bumped every teammate coming onto the field; he's always dancing, gesturing, high-fiving guys, etc., etc. Same sort of thing last night -- he seizes the spotlight as de facto "master of ceremonies" and team leader. But then he gets behind center and his clunky style of play is embarrassingly anticlimactic. If his on-field performance matched his off-field charisma, everyone would be all-in for Cam. But he doesn't seem capable and that makes his situation kind of sad.

I agree with all of this although haven't seen him seize the spotlight. I've just seen him be a demonstrative, upbeat person who is happy when his team mates succeed, or something good happens. If the spotlight turns to him when he does this, he's not asking for it. I just don't see that.

 

[zydecochris]

In college Mac was a phenomenal long range thrower. His metrics and stats were absurdly good. But I think people attributed it to his college WRs. Last night those balls barely missed Wilkerson and Gunner. If those balls last night had been thrown to say Agholor, Meyers, or Smith, Mac might have had 2 TDs last night easily.

Agreed, throwing the long ball was really a strength for Mac in college. Because of his focus on avoiding interceptions (something that might be even more of a strength), I expect a certain amount of dinking and dunking early on as a rookie. And I expect to see that narrative on this board, “noodle arm!”. But he throws one of the prettiest (and by all accounts from his Alabama receivers) most catchable long passes you will ever see (admittedly often to some pretty open receivers at Alabama). One he gets really comfortable with the offense (a year or two? Or, even sooner?), I think long passes will become an integral part of the Pats offense with him under center.

 

[NormZauchin]

I can understand not starting a rookie quarterback behind a weak offensive line and a poor set of running backs. You do not want him to get shell-shocked. However, that is not the situation with the Patriots. I do not see how Mac Jones learns more by holding a clipboard for a season than he does by playing in actual games. It's like saying Tiger Woods would have been better caddying for a year on the pro tour rather than turning pro immediately after coming out of Stanford.

 

[Lagaffe_07]

For me it’s pretty simple. If they look the same, play the rookie. The upside is much greater. The chances are Mac will get better week after week of playing.

 

[Gumby]

scott99 said:
Cam really loves him some Cam.

All joking aside, I really like Cam as a person, …

Why does everyonehave to add this disclaimer? It’s so out of whack when talking about professional sports players.

Especially since none of us ‚sitting in our mom‘s basement‘ posters actually know him PERSONALLY.

 

[Gumby]

In college Mac was a phenomenal long range thrower. His metrics and stats were absurdly good. But I think people attributed it to his college WRs. Last night those balls barely missed Wilkerson and Gunner. If those balls last night had been thrown to say Agholor, Meyers, or Smith, Mac might have had 2 TDs last night easily.

Agreed, throwing the long ball was really a strength for Mac in college. Because of his focus on avoiding interceptions (something that might be even more of a strength), I expect a certain amount of dinking and dunking early on as a rookie. And I expect to see that narrative on this board, “noodle arm!”. But he throws one of the prettiest (and by all accounts from his Alabama receivers) most catchable long passes you will ever see (admittedly often to some pretty open receivers at Alabama). One [once] he gets really comfortable with the offense (a year or two? Or, even sooner?), I think long passes will become an integral part of the Pats offense with him under center.

So, I attribute a good part of the misses to a lack of synchronization with WRs. We have a lot undetermined in QB, WR, and TE (a whole bunch of new guys and not locked in who is 1-2-3 ). So, NEITHER QB has the timing down where they know this guy has a ‚slater gear‘ in pads and this guy is slower than the other. so neither Cam nor Mac can properly lead them YET.

This lack of synch is aggravated by the time splitting between the QBs in addition to who #1. if same guys were here last year, at least Cam would have that rapport.

Then there is nfl limits on pad practices. All those CA beach drills and shorts-Tshirt practice don’t mean as much.

i think when you get a firmer grip on 53 Mac at least will dial it in on long ball. Cam hopefully improved, if not dialed in.

PS: re: velocity/arm strength. IIRC TB was quoted once as saying that he had no business being anywhere near the field his first year; that he was just not developed/built out yet for rigors of nfl. Pats put him on a specific weight program that he then attacked in the Brady way; and put on some ungodly amount of (non-Doping) muscle.
This is my main fear w argument for starting Mac right away, that he isn’t built for it yet, gets injured, and has a Luck-type career as a result.
i still like the thought of picking a starter on Monday based on the pass vs run liability of the next opponent. Then Mac gets full-game experience when starting but also multi bye weeks in season to weight workout.

 

[Triumph]

I remember like 5-8 years ago when you were insisting that Devin McCourty wasn’t a starting caliber safety. Why don’t you have a seat?

Yo JB. Jethro Bodine

Back in the days of Pol forum. I vividly recall when you tried to impress everybody boasting that you worked in a "Think Tank" Too damn funny.

I so seldom get to laugh at you anymore. Please come around more often and bring your comedy with you.

 

[Triumph]

Well, folks, that settles it -- straight from the horse's rectum.

As long as Gillete doesnt run out of hotdogs and pizza youll be fine.

 

[Tunescribe]

As long as Gillete doesnt run out of hotdogs and pizza youll be fine.

What, or who, is "Gillete"? Are you referencing pandemic-related restaurant supply chain concerns? Not my line of work, you've confused me with someone else or posted in the wrong thread.

 

[Triumph]

What, or who, is "Gillete"? Are you referencing pandemic-related restaurant supply chain concerns? Not my line of work, you've confused me with someone else or posted in the wrong thread.

Do not fret, supply chains will hold up.

Just prepare for inflation.

 

[sambam94]

cut Cam, he adds nothing to this team, even as a back up. Being a nice guy is not enough. The guy just can't throw the ball accurately.

 

[RIpats88]

The difference between cam Newton and Mac Jones was noticeable when they were in the game.

With cam it was still this protect him by running screen passes and 1 yard throws. Where Mac Jones was running the Brady/Jimmy spread offense. Kid is just a natural QB.

 

[jah]

cut Cam, he adds nothing to this team, even as a back up. Being a nice guy is not enough. The guy just can't throw the ball accurately.

Who's our backup? Hoyer can't throw the ball accurately either.

 

[Pats2000]

I can understand not starting a rookie quarterback behind a weak offensive line and a poor set of running backs. You do not want him to get shell-shocked. However, that is not the situation with the Patriots. I do not see how Mac Jones learns more by holding a clipboard for a season than he does by playing in actual games. It's like saying Tiger Woods would have been better caddying for a year on the pro tour rather than turning pro immediately after coming out of Stanford.

I guess, but in gold if you don't get the putt off fast enough you don't get killed by a 300lb dude. Might not be apples to apples

 

[Tunescribe]

Do not fret, supply chains will hold up.

Just prepare for inflation.

Ah, some good news for a change. Uncharacteristic of you and still OT but welcome nonetheless.

Inflation’s Ups and Downs: How It Impacts Your Wallet

Economy Explained: A little is a good thing.

www.gobankingrates.com

Inflation Happens When Things Are Good​

No one likes to pay more for the same tank of gas, haircut or previously mentioned cup of coffee, but inflation is actually a good thing. When the economy expands, wage earners have more money to buy things. That increases demand, which causes prices to rise. When prices rise, wages follow suit and the standard of living increases.

 

[jah]

Ah, some good news for a change. Uncharacteristic of you and still OT but welcome nonetheless.

Inflation’s Ups and Downs: How It Impacts Your Wallet

Economy Explained: A little is a good thing.

www.gobankingrates.com

Inflation Happens When Things Are Good​

No one likes to pay more for the same tank of gas, haircut or previously mentioned cup of coffee, but inflation is actually a good thing. When the economy expands, wage earners have more money to buy things. That increases demand, which causes prices to rise. When prices rise, wages follow suit and the standard of living increases.

If only wages actually increased proportionally to inflation...

 

[Tunescribe]

If only wages actually increased proportionally to inflation...

It'll all even out and be humming by next spring. But for now let's get back to football.

 

[RIpats88]

I guess, the question is. If it is close between Cam Newton/Mac Jones why go with Cam newton? he is a 1 year rental at MOST even if cam starts.

You might as well go with the future and Mac Jones and let the kid learn on the job.

 

[1960Pats]

I'm convinced it was an intentional plan (well, not so much a plan like they orchestrated the whole thing, but an intentional non-challenge). But to answer your question, that's one of the things that people think Patricia might be involved in. He was up in the booth for this game I think.

Matt Patricia might be Ernie Adams heavy.