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Had hoped to have these posted a lot sooner today, but unfortunately one of my little Pats padawans woke up immediately after the end of the game with the croup, which sounds like your kid can’t breathe. A trip to the ER and a sleepless night later he is totally fine and I’m finally able to process last night’s win. 

Obviously plenty to talk about, but it’s important not to overreact in September. Not that that will stop most of you because overreacting and complaining is what we Patriots fans do, but there was plenty to like and build upon last night so let’s stick with the positive.

I just can’t get over how good Brady/Gronk are and I don’t know how you go into a game against the Patriots without saying we won’t let Gronk beat us. At least that’s what I know Belichick would do if he was facing the Patriots offense. But the thing is I’m pretty sure Gronk is unstoppable no matter what you do.

Easing Mayo in – Not sure why I just assumed Mayo would hop right in and play a ton, but it’s clear they’re going to bring him back slowly and that makes a ton of sense. I don’t think we’ll truly know the defense’s potential until they’re fully comfortable using Mayo a ton, but I also think there will be more of a rotation against heavy passing teams.

Butler has huge potential – Yeah, Butler gave up some catches to Antonio Brown but I really like him as a cornerback and is unquestionably the most promising young corner we’ve had since Asante. Even on the completions he gives up he’s right there and the ball just somehow sneaks through. That’s the same thing we saw with Revis. Not that Butler is Revis, but to go man-to-man on a receiver like Brown right out of the gate shows what the Pats think of him.

Pass rush? – If there was one thing that was a little disconcerting last night it was the extended periods of no pass rush, especially in the third quarter. In some ways it reminded me of last year’s infamous Chiefs game where defenders were in position they just couldn’t get off blocks. So it will improve. But it was strange watching Sheard/Chandler/etc. get easily handled at times.

Easley – I’ve been Team Easley since the first time I saw his college tape, but this new injury really took the wind out of my sails with him. I don’t subscribe to “injury prone” very often, but with all the surgeries and rehab you just have to wonder if his hip was weakened during the process somehow. Didn’t look like any kind of hit to it or anything, he was just engaged and crumbled. Not a good sign and I think he’s probably out for a while. This is a headline bummer from the game and while I can’t call him a “bust” just yet, he has a long road ahead of him to prove we can rely on him.

Red zone stops – Say what you will about the Patriots defense, but they looked like the Patriots defense last night, for better or worse. And that boils down to red zone stops. The goal line stand was a game changing sequence, so you have to love the fight they showed. 

Dion Lewis – You could just tell in the preseason that Lewis had the confidence of a veteran and a shifty explosiveness that resulted in a lot of yards-after-contact. I had a feeling he’d get thrust right into the passing back role and he looked right at home. He’s going to be a big part of the offense this year, but I’m curious how Cadet and White will fit in as well. Nice to see a 33 out there again too.

Edelman so good – Edelman is so relentless and such a tough cover. He looked like he just played the Super Bowl last week and picked up right where he left off. Really praying he can stay healthy because with him/Gronk/Brady this passing offense will be unstoppable for long stretches this season.

More coming in the next few days as I review the All-22 and pick the GIFs that defined the game. For now we’re officially on to 2015.