analysis

I realize I’m no Peter King, but I’ve got about 10 Pats things to share so I’m stealing his format. It won’t be the first time, nor will it be the last.

1. Still don’t think Tebow makes the team. They need him for Thursday night, but this team is all about value and I don’t see much value in Tebow at this point.
2. I see Leon Washington as a lock given Vereen’s injury history and his explosiveness in the return game. Reliable veteran insurance at RB/KR/PR? Yes please.
3. Wondering if the lack of offensive line depth factors into James Develin having a shot as a FB to make the roster. Do you really want to use an OL at FB on the goalline if he’s backing up three different positions?
4. I do think Adrian Wilson could get cut, I really do. The question is how Harmon and Tavon have looked in practice in the money role. Even if Adrian makes it I am not sure he plays anything but dime linebacker.
5. I am now obligated by the rules of this blog established over the last three-plus years to mention my crush on Tommy Kelly. Unlike past player crushes like Patchung!, this one should work out. I hope.
6. Joe Vellano has played well in preseason, holding up surprisingly well against double teams and getting some push, but I still think he’s a Rudy-type and will likely end up on the practice squad.
7. I really liked what I saw out of Brandon Bolden before he fumbled against the Lions, and remain a fan of his. Just love how he runs and if Ridley were to go down, Bolden would still be my next option in line.
8. My starting weapons vs. Bills/Jets: Amendola-Thompkins-Ballard-Sudfeld-Ridley, with Dobson and Edelman rotating in. If Fells gets healthy I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in there over Sudfeld.
9. My starting secondary: Talib-Arrington, McCourty-Gregory. Ryan comes on in nickel, Arrington slides inside. Adrian Wilson comes on in dime, playing linebacker with Mayo.
10. This might surprise people, given the Patriots uber-blogger that I am, but I get far more enjoyment out of football when the Jets and Bills are good. All these injuries and disfunction going on now is not that enjoyable for me.

I’ve been picking the nuggets that ring truest to me so far today, now it’s time to weigh in with a big picture follow-up.

Let’s start on the offensive side of the ball.

I’ve been saying it all summer, this offense shows promise, but there are going to moments of inconsistency. Granted, last night was an ENTIRE GAME of inconsistency, but I still expect things like Sudfeld’s fumble, Thompkins 3rd-and-2 drop, and Dobson having trouble fighting through traffic to happen at various times throughout September and October.

The key for the offense will be to build on these moments and not let them continue into the winter months. For that reason, it is a positive to get a bunch of them out of the way now in the preseason. 

This was an excellent lesson for this young offense on the road against a team that clearly came to play (as the Patriots should’ve expected). This will be a positive learning experience, but only if they can clean it up.

On defense, I like the resiliency they showed last night as a unit. They were definitely exposed yet again in the middle of the field and that is a little troubling.

Tommy Kelly is clearly going to make an impact this year and I am more excited about him that any other new player. Plug Wilfork back in, draw up an actual game plan, and this defense should be better, but they still had some of the same problems as last year.

Still, plenty to build on here.

Had a chance to take another look at the game, a lot of positive stuff to get excited about. Still a lot of questions loom, and while some of the young players have really stepped up, others in “make-or-break” years have not.

Here’s some general observations, and thoughts on the team right now.

– Didn’t see a lot out of Marcus Benard last night, but he’s been pretty consistent so I think we could see him bounce back big against the Lions. But his ineffectiveness, along with Jake Bequette’s invisibility and Michael Buchanan’s rawness, leaves some major questions still to be answered about this defensive end squad. Jermaine Cunningham might make the club from the tub.

– Due to all that uncertainty at DE it might be best to get the fourth contract negotiation going with Ninkovich.

– It’d be nice to see Ras-I this week, and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

– Little let down watching Duron Harmon, and still not in love with Steve Gregory. Also not convinced Adrian Wilson has any deep coverage left in him. Safety door next to McCourty still seems wide open.

– I can safely say that I feel like an idiot now for questioning a Chandler Jones sophomore slump. He’s been nearly unblockable thus far, and looks like he could be our defensive MVP if he keeps it up.

– TFB is good at football.

– Same old same old with Mallett. Good throw here. Off throw there. No question he has the arm, but in my eyes I’ve see little to no progression in him from the preseason games I’ve seen him in.

– I was also dumb to be unsure on Vereen. He looks explosive and like he’ll be a versatile threat who will give defenses problems.

–Still really like Brandon Bolden and think there’s room for five running backs on the roster.

– The Rutgers rooks are all getting a lot of preseason experience. Along with Dobson, it’s the best thing for them. Really all of this year’s picks have flashed at one point or another, now it’s just a matter of getting them up to NFL speed. 

– Kenbrell Thompkins is why the whole draft process is really just a shot in the dark.

– Why do I fear for Edelman’s life every time he has the ball in his hands?

– Tommy Kelly. I think I’m in love.

– Armond Armstead has been seen around games and practices recently. If he doesn’t practice this week it’s probably a good bet he’s staying on the PUP list.