And so the Patriots preseason has concluded with a loss at Tennessee of 7 to 23, and that sound you heard, Pats Nation, was a collective sigh of relief with a hint of concern.
It was a tough game to watch, and that’s got nothing to do with the fact that it was on at crazy’o’clock in the morning for us not on eastern time!
On reflection the most difficult thing for me now, is the fact that whilst we are worrying, and looking over it saying how bad the game was, there were guys out there fighting for their livelihoods. It may be a game but it’s also a business, a job, and so for that reason I want to give respect for the players that did well but probably aren’t going to be on that 53 list that gets cut down just a bit later on, and champion those in my final preseason game recap wrap of 2023.
Now, don’t misunderstand me you lovely lot, I’m not here to gloss over the bad, there was plenty. I will call out how the offensive line still looked weak, how Bailey Zappe played possibly one of his worst games so far, and how Jack Jones may be feeling the effects of the distraction his legal case could be. I know there are still so many questions we want answering, so much of the offense we (thank goodness) didn’t see and may just be so much better than we expect, and how well will that first round draft pick really end up being.
But, as I mentioned, this preseason recap wrap is to remind you of those guys who really tried to kick butt and take names on Friday night.
The first note I made this game was defense are stopping the run, something that wasn’t happening earlier in the preseason and something that is a key to success in this ever evolving sport we love.
Calvin Munson first hit my notes in the middle of the first quarter with a great play stopping the run, and then i’m guessing he shows up in everyone’s note book with his end of the first quarter interception!
Diego Fagot has been released as I write this, however I would still like to champion his efforts in Tennessee as his was one name that appeared in my notes multiple times and perhaps we see him back on the practice squad. To close out the second quarter Fagot took out the runner Chestnut with a thump that had the guy somersaulting and fumbling. Mid third quarter Fagot had multiple instances of good coverage on the receiver, and unfortunately sustained a shoulder injury. However, he was back in the game and mixed in to take down the runner. Definitely a name I would like to see on game day sheet in the near future.
Sam Roberts chased down Malik Willis rather quickly for a big guy on multiple occasions, and again as I write this Carl Davis was released perhaps Roberts did enough to secure himself a one of the 53.
Thyrick Pitts opened the second quarter with a great catch and a powerful run through people! I do love it when a received runs through people. Unfortunately, with the current depth at receiver Pitts may have been playing more as an interview for another team at this point.
Anfernee Jennings may not exactly be fighting for his roster spot, but with the NFL you never truly know and he had a strong game. He stepped it up whilst stopping the run early in the first quarter. A big, physical guy from Alabama who really fits in with the Patriots way at defense.
One side note, the broadcast I was privy to was some sort of Titans network and they moved away from the game plenty when it was time for Patriots offensive plays, perhaps they were saving us from ourselves! I jest, mostly. But, they did mention, in regard to the pending cut downs, how the Titans may keep five but more certainly four, tight ends. FOUR?!? FOUR tight ends?! I won’t lie, I got a little flush!
But back to the Patriots, we have survived the preseason and next the real football is back and we all wait with bated breath to see who makes the 53. My main hopes at this moment are a third tight end… but right now my heart goes out to the guys who don’t make the team, particularly those that don’t make any team and wish them lots of luck in their future endeavours!
Go Pats.
Agreed, those players really left it out on the field. Preseason has evolved into something that is hard to recognize. I’m still thinking back to a 4 game schedule where the starters played quite a bit but in reality, we are seeing something different. This is leaving me with that “I don’t really know what we have” feeling, but it’s on to week 1, will be an interesting day today