Pre-Season Game #3 vs Tampa
Tom Brady and many of the starters played extended time in this third preseason game. Brady himself was on the field for 50 of the 72 Offensive snaps. Overall, it looked like Brady desperately needs this live speed work to get up to game speed.
It is obvious that the O-line play in the post-Light era is going to be a season-long storyline, and Brady was sacked twice in this contest, fumbling once. Brady is going to have to compensate for the youth at Tackle by getting the ball out fast. Cannon and Solder are going to get beat and make mistakes, but we will not win too many games if the pressure is on like it was last night. In addition to the sack fumble, Brady was forced into a few hurried throws, including an INT returned by Mark Barron for a TD.
Brady's attack did lack for his security blanket Wes Welker, and it should be noted that Julian Edelman was not impressive in his stead. Wes is irreplaceable, and everytime we try to throw Edelman in there it becomes more obvious. In fact, with his involvement in skirmishes and lack of valuable production when given time, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if Edelman fails to make the cut. His value in the return game is his greatest strength, but the speedster Demps looked good on returns, and figures to make it hard for Edelman.
Unfortunately, the team sustained injuries to Kyle Arrington and Shane Vereen. Updates forthcoming. Vereen's injury and Ridley's nice performance in this game position him well to be the #1 RB for the team. Ridley broke a nice 29 yarder, totaling 87 yards on 16 carries. He is hitting holes hard, and I like what I am seeing.
On the Defensive end, the starters were less active, but not enough can be said about the work of Brandon Spikes and Nate Ebner. Ebner made 6 solo tackles, Spikes had 5. These guys have been making plays all preseason, making the most of their playing time. Ebner and Tavon Wilson played the bulk of the snaps without any major lapses on the back end. Its nice to have back up safeties that can play (hmm...cough...Sergio Brown).
All in all, this was not a great effort by the Pats. Unfortunately the disappointment begins with the Offense, especially the turnovers. Brady and company need to be more efficient on 3rd down as well going 5-13. The Defense continues to be a work in progress, but the outlook is positive. Rookie development is crucial, and all of our picks seem to be living up to or exceeding expectations. This squad has great depth on both sides of the ball, and that is an encouraging thought considering the scrubs that were trotted out last year. Still, I am eager to see these guys in a real game trying to win.
It is obvious that the O-line play in the post-Light era is going to be a season-long storyline, and Brady was sacked twice in this contest, fumbling once. Brady is going to have to compensate for the youth at Tackle by getting the ball out fast. Cannon and Solder are going to get beat and make mistakes, but we will not win too many games if the pressure is on like it was last night. In addition to the sack fumble, Brady was forced into a few hurried throws, including an INT returned by Mark Barron for a TD.
Brady's attack did lack for his security blanket Wes Welker, and it should be noted that Julian Edelman was not impressive in his stead. Wes is irreplaceable, and everytime we try to throw Edelman in there it becomes more obvious. In fact, with his involvement in skirmishes and lack of valuable production when given time, I wouldn't be terribly surprised if Edelman fails to make the cut. His value in the return game is his greatest strength, but the speedster Demps looked good on returns, and figures to make it hard for Edelman.
Unfortunately, the team sustained injuries to Kyle Arrington and Shane Vereen. Updates forthcoming. Vereen's injury and Ridley's nice performance in this game position him well to be the #1 RB for the team. Ridley broke a nice 29 yarder, totaling 87 yards on 16 carries. He is hitting holes hard, and I like what I am seeing.
On the Defensive end, the starters were less active, but not enough can be said about the work of Brandon Spikes and Nate Ebner. Ebner made 6 solo tackles, Spikes had 5. These guys have been making plays all preseason, making the most of their playing time. Ebner and Tavon Wilson played the bulk of the snaps without any major lapses on the back end. Its nice to have back up safeties that can play (hmm...cough...Sergio Brown).
All in all, this was not a great effort by the Pats. Unfortunately the disappointment begins with the Offense, especially the turnovers. Brady and company need to be more efficient on 3rd down as well going 5-13. The Defense continues to be a work in progress, but the outlook is positive. Rookie development is crucial, and all of our picks seem to be living up to or exceeding expectations. This squad has great depth on both sides of the ball, and that is an encouraging thought considering the scrubs that were trotted out last year. Still, I am eager to see these guys in a real game trying to win.
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