Had a chance to briefly look back at the game this morning and there weren’t too many new things that stuck out to me. Looking forward to taking a closer look at the defense once the all-22 comes out, seems like they amped up the complexity this week a bit. Otherwise, here’s what’s on my mind this morning.
- There’s no question I really like what this defense has done in three weeks, and really, it’s just living up to expectations. They’ve been torched by so many sub-par QBs in recent years, it shouldn’t be understated that despite the lack of strong opposition, they’re getting it done now. Bigger tests are coming, but this group should have some confidence.
- Nice to see some of the rookies getting worked in on defense as well, with Jamie Collins starting to see the field in pass defense sub-packages. From the early snaps I saw, he was solely covering the middle of the field, a place the Pats have struggled in recent years.
- Have to take a closer look at Kyle Arrington, but it certainly seems like he got benched in this one, giving Logan Ryan some quality snaps in his place.
- Brandon Spikes was back and it seems clear he was not himself the first two games. He was once again blowing up oncoming blockers and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Didn’t seem like the Bucs were able to attack him in coverage either.
- Can’t say enough about Aqib Talib and the performance of the defensive backs. Looked to me like almost all the sacks were because of the coverage. Even when there were completed passes on them, the tackles came immediately.
- I’m still a little worried about Vince Wilfork. He was better against the Bucs, but has yet to really flash his usual dominance.
- Brady was off a bit for sure, but it’s all part of the process. I don’t think you can make any major judgement of Brady separate from the receivers he has, even if there were open throws he missed.
- Props to Gostkowski. There was some buzz around him this offseason, but he’s played as well as a kicker can play thus far. The impact of putting Ryan Allen in at holder has had zero effect.
- I still don’t love LeGarrette Blount and would be happy with a Ridley/Bolden rotation.
- Hopefully Gronk is back this week, they need him in the red zone especially and then things should really start to click.
- All in all it was an old-fashioned win. It’s tough for the Pats because they’re always judged against the high standards of past teams. But judged alone this looks like a team that will really improve and be a tough out once winter comes.