Patriots Pregame Thread Week 4 discussion: Pats @ Niners

[Thelonious]

Purdy have a 72.6 completion % a career best so far if what AR and a Jets Offense did to our Defense is any indication...this game should be over very early.

It might well be. I am quite serious, though, in saying that I will be happy with progress this year, whatever the outcome of particular games, whatever the eventual record. Some will say this attitude - because it focuses on development over wins - does not "support the team." It is quite the opposite. We can get back to waving our pom poms and gloating over wins when the more important work of rebuilding the team is done.

 

[PatsFan2]

It might well be. I am quite serious, though, in saying that I will be happy with progress this year, whatever the outcome of particular games, whatever the eventual record. Some will say this attitude - because it focuses on development over wins - does not "support the team." It is quite the opposite. We can get back to waving our pom poms and gloating over wins when the more important work of rebuilding the team is done.

The thing that bothers me right now is our passing game. I expected Big Things for Pop Douglas in year two and it's obvious our OL along with the QB is holding him back. Thornton had a good Preseason and we have yet to see the progress: again not his fault in the least. I really hope this game Today is watchable though I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Thelonious]

The thing that bothers me right now is our passing game. I expected Big Things for Pop Douglas in year two and it's obvious our OL along with the QB is holding him back. Thornton had a good Preseason and we have yet to see the progress: again not his fault in the least. I really hope this game Today is watchable though I'm not holding my breath.

I guess it just comes down to talent: Brisset is serviceable (and courageous) at qb, nothing more, none of the WR's is yet performing at a #1 nor even maybe at a #2 level, and the o-line is the worst in the league. I really wish I could convince myself to view things otherwise, but good gracious. I hope one more year will put it all right (It ain't gonna happen this year, right?), but what will be will be. I've been following the Pats since they were the Boston Patriots: sometimes it takes a while and you have to take delight in whatever progress is made. If I base my peace of mind on wins, I'll just end up tossing empties at the flatscreen and spending more time with my cardiologist.

 

[signbabybrady]

Some injury updates Per Reiss this morning:

6. Strange's status: Third-year offensive lineman Cole Strange, who tore the patellar tendon in his left knee last December and is on the physically unable to perform list, was a consistent presence in the locker room this past week during the time reporters had access.

While Strange is eligible to begin practicing next week, my observation is that isn't currently on the radar. A more likely scenario is that others on the PUP list -- receiver Kendrick Bourne, linebacker Sione Takitaki and possibly safety/linebacker Marte Mapu -- begin practicing.

8. Ximines update: Reserve outside linebacker and core special-teamer Oshane Ximines, whom veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones had predicted would be a surprise performer this season, was diagnosed with a torn ACL after he was injured on a Week 2 play in punt coverage, according to a team source.

Thus, Ximines' timeline for recovery won't have him returning to the team this season. The current plan is to wait for swelling to subside before scheduling surgery.

 

[Real fan 02]

Some injury updates Per Reiss this morning:

6. Strange's status: Third-year offensive lineman Cole Strange, who tore the patellar tendon in his left knee last December and is on the physically unable to perform list, was a consistent presence in the locker room this past week during the time reporters had access.

While Strange is eligible to begin practicing next week, my observation is that isn't currently on the radar. A more likely scenario is that others on the PUP list -- receiver Kendrick Bourne, linebacker Sione Takitaki and possibly safety/linebacker Marte Mapu -- begin practicing.

8. Ximines update: Reserve outside linebacker and core special-teamer Oshane Ximines, whom veteran cornerback Jonathan Jones had predicted would be a surprise performer this season, was diagnosed with a torn ACL after he was injured on a Week 2 play in punt coverage, according to a team source.

Thus, Ximines' timeline for recovery won't have him returning to the team this season. The current plan is to wait for swelling to subside before scheduling surgery.

Ximmnes I had high hopes for this season he was projected to have a bigger role especially with Barmore not being available. It's a tough go for the guy. Hopefully he can recover and be back for next season.

 

[Real fan 02]

I guess it just comes down to talent: Brisset is serviceable (and courageous) at qb, nothing more, none of the WR's is yet performing at a #1 nor even maybe at a #2 level, and the o-line is the worst in the league. I really wish I could convince myself to view things otherwise, but good gracious. I hope one more year will put it all right (It ain't gonna happen this year, right?), but what will be will be. I've been following the Pats since they were the Boston Patriots: sometimes it takes a while and you have to take delight in whatever progress is made. If I base my peace of mind on wins, I'll just end up tossing empties at the flatscreen and spending more time with my cardiologist.

The entire NFL production is down this season. I still think even with a loss today the Patriots can still salvage thier season. I never was one to get caught up in the schedule it never pans out how we think. My optimism is solely if Drake is the QB.. AVP even admitted he can't call everything he'd like in his play sheet due to the inability to block and the limitations at the QB. He knows more than anyone what Brissett can/can't do.

This offense cannot reach it's potential if Brissett is the QB. Even with the line in its current state Drake gets rid of the ball faster and has more in his skill set for a DC to worry about.

 

[Real fan 02]

- Alex Austin to IR
- Isaiah Bolden signed to the 53 from the PS
- Trysten Hill and Mitchell Wilcox are the PS elevations for the game

Surprised they didn’t elevate the tackle Jones. I’m guessing Wilcox is going to replace Wallace in the jumbo OL package

I really hope covington puts gonzo on Jennings, and not 5"9 Marcus or Jon..

 

[Thelonious]

The entire NFL production is down this season. I still think even with a loss today the Patriots can still salvage thier season. I never was one to get caught up in the schedule it never pans out how we think. My optimism is solely if Drake is the QB.. AVP even admitted he can't call everything he'd like in his play sheet due to the inability to block and the limitations at the QB. He knows more than anyone what Brissett can/can't do.

This offense cannot reach it's potential if Brissett is the QB. Even with the line in its current state Drake gets rid of the ball faster and has more in his skill set for a DC to worry about.

Yep. Brissett is what he is and what he was expected to be, and it isn't enough, nor was it expected to be. At least his presumptive replacement is on the roster. The same can't be said for the WR's, at least with respect to WR's 1 and 2, and the o-line has maybe a couple of backups at present, a great but declining center, a mediocrity or two...at best. I worry too that just as the offense gets squared away, we'll look around and see the defense in decline. The two units might be out of phase, so to speak. But concerns are easy to devise at any time, so there's no point indulging them too much.

As for the league as a whole, I think it was a mistake to de-emphasize the preseason as much as the rules makers and the coaches (who keep their starters on the shelf) have done. I thought all along that the whining about "let's get the real games started" was foolish, and it has turned out to be so. We still have preseason, but unfortunately the preseason games now count, so they don't really prepare the team so much as require that for half the season we watch games played by players who are not ready to play the game. I'd learn the lesson and go back to four preseason games, but I'm sure that'll hit the fat cats in the purse and as a result will never happen.

 

[Real fan 02]

Yep. Brissett is what he is and what he was expected to be, and it isn't enough, nor was it expected to be. At least his presumptive replacement is on the roster. The same can't be said for the WR's, at least with respect to WR's 1 and 2, and the o-line has maybe a couple of backups at present, a great but declining center, a mediocrity or two...at best. I worry too that just as the offense gets squared away, we'll look around and see the defense in decline. The two units might be out of phase, so to speak. But concerns are easy to devise at any time, so there's no point indulging them too much.

As for the league as a whole, I think it was a mistake to de-emphasize the preseason as much as the rules makers and the coaches (who keep their starters on the shelf) have done. I thought all along that the whining about "let's get the real games started" was foolish, and it has turned out to be so. We still have preseason, but unfortunately the preseason games now count, so they don't really prepare the team so much as require that for half the season we watch games played by players who are not ready to play the game. I'd learn the lesson and go back to four preseason games, but I'm sure that'll hit the fat cats in the purse and as a result will never happen.

Highly agree. Sneakily Andrews and ownenu for that matter are having to over compensate for the lack of performance on the tackle position, being moved back and fourth G/T.. I had heard that Andrews was possibly considered retirement taste seasons end any truth to that? We are definitely going to need a new center . I had aspirations for nick Leverett but he can't even snap the ball. Geeeshhh...

But on the QB position yes we know what Brissett is and what he was brought here to do. I thought the passing game would look better than last seasons 192 average.. I was wrong.. we look worse.

Also I've said that when the 89 and 120 passing yards games keep happening fans aren't going to show up to watch a dreadful offense.. as you said that then gets the attention of ownership.. you'd think last year would have been just that.

 

[raduray]

A bit off topic, but why is there only one game on network TV at 1pm and two games at 4pm when one of the latter games is our home team? Makes no sense.

 

[captain stone]

I have a good feeling about Bolden hoping he can that Big CB we pair with Gonzo. That said Austin have been terrible.

Austin does indeed suck… But Bolden is far, Far Worse. Dude’s simply unworthy of being on the 53 (or even the 69) of a legit contender.

 

[PScottman]

I still think even with a loss today the Patriots can still salvage thier season.

What does "salvage" even mean for this team?

Salvage isn't a word for a team in this position because it intimates that there was a structural opportunity in the original framework for the season to be productive and in the mix for contention. You salvage something that was great to start but befall some calamity or unexpected accident.

Build is the better word. Are the Patriots building toward being something in the future? Are they fundamentally improving across multiple facets of the game? As an example - their tackling declined in quality and execution across the three weeks. Not an indicator of building toward better things in the future.

 

[Real fan 02]

Austin does indeed suck… But Bolden is far, Far Worse. Dude’s simply unworthy of being on the 53 (or even the 69) of a legit contender.

I was shocked Wade got cut.. I actually thought he played well. Guess hanging around for 3 seasons comes with a expiration date.

 

[Real fan 02]

What does "salvage" even mean for this team?

Salvage isn't a word for a team in this position because it intimates that there was a structural opportunity in the original framework for the season to be productive and in the mix for contention. You salvage something that was great to start but befall some calamity or unexpected accident.

Build is the better word. Are the Patriots building toward being something in the future? Are they fundamentally improving across multiple facets of the game? As an example - their tackling declined in quality and execution across the three weeks. Not an indicator of building toward better things in the future.

Let me explain. Based on the current product out there in the NFL your watching the past month alot of teams are flawed and are struggling. This team although in a rebuild can still compete.. the Patriots biggest obstacles are themselves and that's the OL. If you can't block you can't run an offense I don't care who you have at WR or QB. So I said that post with the idea that if they can steal a win today and get to 2-2.. go home and have a strong performance against Miami they could possibly go on a run.. and just may have a decent run possibly getting to 8-9. That will do more for the future of the franchise then loosing and looking dysfunctional on offense. We can't get FAs to come here now imagine if they went the rest of way looking like they did against the Jets. So salvage was my word choice for this season.

 

[Real fan 02]

I have a good feeling about Bolden hoping he can that Big CB we pair with Gonzo. That said Austin have been terrible.

And Wozzy buddy Marco wilson.. ugh I had hight hopes for Austin.. he's still young he can still turn it around. Meanwhile wilson has been a starter in the league a veteran no excuse for his poor play.

 

[Thelonious]

What the heck has happened with Sam Darnold? There has to be a lesson there.

 

[Real fan 02]

What the heck has happened with Sam Darnold? There has to be a lesson there.

He is with a great offensive minded former QB HC.. that has alot to do with his resurgence. I think KO needs to start getting recognition as a great young coach.

 

[Real fan 02]

Austin does indeed suck… But Bolden is far, Far Worse. Dude’s simply unworthy of being on the 53 (or even the 69) of a legit contender.

Also.. this game feels erierly similar to when we played SF in 2020.. bad QB play then.. bad QB play now.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

Like ive always said sam darnold is an amazing qb

 

[farn]

Like ive always said sam darnold is an amazing qb