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Breaking Down Pats O-Line Struggles vs. Tampa Bay

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Despite being the first team in NFL history to allow five straight 300 yard passers in a single season, the New England Patriots defense looked immensely better Thursday night in Tampa, grinding out a 19-14 victory thanks in large part to the woes of Nick Folk. The defense, despite coming in to Thursday’s game ranking last in the NFL in points allowed and yards allowed, showed signs of improvement, and in my mind, the defense is not the unit that could cost the Patriots the shot at a return trip to the Super Bowl.

To me, the struggles of the offensive line thus far have been far more concerning than the defensive woes, because New England returns the exact same starting group as 2016, a year in which Brady was only sacked 15 times (in just 12 games), yet he has been sacked 16 times already in just five games. Brady has been hit 32 times, meaning he has been hit on 17% of his drop backs this year, a rate that is certainly not ideal for the 40-year old quarterback. Despite Brady’s seemingly impenetrable youth, it is now more important than ever to protect him, and the offensive line needs to do its job and step it up.

And it’s not like Brady needs a ton of time too; on Thursday night, when he released the ball in under 2.6 seconds (13 attempts), Brady’s quarterback rating was 116, and his adjusted completion percentage was 92.3%, meaning all Brady needs is roughly 3 seconds in order to be successful, yet the offensive line isn’t even giving him that.

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Film Review: Patriots vs. Texans Offense Edition

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The Patriots offense has certainly gone through a new evolution this season. While we all expected the four-headed running back monster to be a major focal point, it’s really just been the downfield passing game that has taken off thus far.

You continue to see strides in various areas as Brady learns how to best use this newfound speed at wide receiver. It was certainly on display with Brandin Cooks in this one as Brady found him three times deep for game-changing (and -winning) plays.

The progression is obvious, but there are still quite a few areas where the offense has to get better, especially the blocking up front and in the running game. But there’s plenty to be excited about, especially as Brady finds his new chains-movers.

Let’s dive into the offensive film review!

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Pats Posits: Things to Fix But Plenty to Like

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Most of Patriots Nation is gushing over Tom Brady this morning and rightly so, as he delivered another last-minute comeback, the 50th 4th quarter comeback of his career, with a pinpoint end zone pass to Brandin Cooks. The game against the Texans was one where the two teams were evenly matched and for many spoiled Patriots fans, that’s cause for concern.

But it’s important to remember this is only Week 3. It’s still September. And when you look around the rest of the NFL, with 15 teams owning the same 2-1 record as the Pats and just two undefeated teams remaining, it’s clear that everyone is still figuring it out. The “figuring it out” phase is always hard for fans. It’s a roller coaster of inconsistency as teams discover what they’re good at and where their weaknesses are.

So yes, the Patriots have some weaknesses, and the defensive performances especially are concerning, especially when you see they’re giving up twice the points-per-game that they did last year (15.6 vs. 31.7).

Let’s unpack all the leftover thoughts on what we’ve seen from the 2017 Pats, including where they must improve if they’re to start their annual mid-season climb to the top of the NFL rankings once again.

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Film Review: Patriots vs. Saints Offense Edition

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Finishing off the film reviews of the Saints game with this quick-hit look at the offense. This looked like the Patriots offense we’re used to. Keep the chains moving, sprinkle in some trickeration and big plays, and win the short yardage situations with their power back. Despite the absences of Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, the Patriots offense looked pretty much like we’ve come to expect.

As always, watching the All-22 really gives you a better sense of how teams defended the Patriots, but also allows you to take a closer look at things that were missed on initial glance. One big thing that stuck out to me is that I don’t think Tom Brady, Brandin Cooks and Josh McDaniels are quite on the same page yet. And I also think that Nate Solder isn’t quite playing the best football of his career.

More on those and everything else in the quick-hit Film Review…

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McClellan to IR, Bolden re-signed

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Some interesting roster developments today as Shea McClellin was moved to IR and Brandon Bolden was re-signed to the roster. On the practice squad, an offensive lineman that I liked a little too much in 2016 along with a few other new faces were seen. Roster building continues.

On Bolden it’s good to get him back. I’ve never been his biggest fan but it was more directed toward him as a running back. As a special teamer I think he’s the kind of smart, tough player you win football games with. Add in that he’s a well-respected leader off the field and it feels even better to bring him back for a campaign without Edelman or Ninkovich. They don’t need him at running back now, so welcome back BBHulksmash.

As for McClellin, I held out slim hope that he would start making consistent plays on defense but now it appears we’ll have to wait until next year and a mystery injury recovery later for that. The hit on the Pats linebacker/edge depth continue, but the good news is Dietrich Ward was not listed on the injury report, so I’d expect him to play A LOT.

Nate Solder was another notable player absent from the injury report after being in and out all summer. Solder is entering the last year of his deal and the Pats are handling more delicately than Brady. If Tony Garcia can somehow return from a mystery non-football illness, maybe the team can see if they might have a potential replacement at left tackle. Maybe they’re making Solder prove he’s still durable for giving him another contract.

These Thursday Season Kickoff games come up on you quick and the low end roster moves are a blur. It will be an exciting week. New Patshow Wednesday afternoon! Game Thursday. Here. We. Go.

Pats Welcome Some Important Injured Players Back

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwpIJF26_U0

I had a feeling there would be some injured players returning to practice today as the Pats lock in on their most-hyped third preseason game in Detroit this Friday and I was right.

The headline is Dont’a Hightower coming off of the PUP list, rocking some Ninja Turtle socks and going through drills with the defensive linemen (?). Others to return to the padded practice included Nate Solder, Mike Gillislee, LaAdrian Waddle and Deatrich Wise.

Obviously it’s always good news to get players back from injury, especially now as we’re closing in on the regular season kickoff in just a little over two weeks. Most of the starters should get a half-plus of work against the Lions before the team shuts just about everyone of importance down for next week’s preseason finale against the Giants.

However it wasn’t all great news, as Rex Burkhead and Malcolm Mitchell were both new absences from practice. They join previously missing players Matthew Slater, Shea McClellin, Matt Lengel and Tony Garcia.

Incredibly, Elandon Roberts, last seen getting carted off in considerable pain with a rib injury, was at practice but rocking a red “no contact” jersey. No question, Roberts is old school tough. This makes multiple times he appears to sustain a significant injury in a game only to be right back out there shortly thereafter.

Injuries become more and more important to monitor at this time of year. There are some extremely important players amongst those dealing with something at this point, none more important than Solder and Hightower, so today has to be seen as a positive step forward.

 

Patriots Tweets of Note: The Final Training Camp Practice Open to Fans

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The Patriots closed out the public portions of their training camp practices on Monday, with developments on the injury front.

Now the Pats will head to West Virginia to practice with the Texans, whom they’ll play in Houston on Sunday. It’s like one big former Patriot reunion camping trip in the mountains!

It should be a fun week. I’m excited to see new Texans defensive coordinator Mike Vrabel. He should speak to the media at some point. Vrabel never disappoints with a great quote or two.

Here’s what those who were there saw at Monday’s practice.

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