Do We Know Anything Yet?

Still gnawing on the ankle of that first preseason game because there isn’t anything else in the fridge.

 

One thing I realized last Thursday night. The Patriots are not fun to watch without Tom Brady.

It’s a Game of Field Position

Let’s hope Roy Finch’s ball security issues were just first game jitters. When he wasn’t fumbling, he looked fast and elusive. New England’s only effective kick-off return man last year was LeGarrette Blount and he’s in Pittsburgh now. Julian Edelman has been great returning punts and says he still wants to handle those responsibilities but he has become so valuable on offense that it makes sense to give Finch a chance to handle punts as well. If Finch can hang onto the football, he could provide a shorter field for Tom Brady and the offense.

Ryan’s Hopelessness

Noting the 32-0 shellacking the Houston Texans suffered at the hands of the Arizona Cardinals and checking Ryan Fitzpatrick’s 6/14/55 line with 2 INT and an abysmal 14.6 passer rating had me thinking (again) about Ryan Mallett’s no show against Washington. I’d like to accept Mike Reiss’ view that Mallett wasn’t really that bad; Reiss notes in his Q1 and Q2 breakdowns that many of his better throws were negated by penalties. Still, I can’t shake the image of Mallett’s Steve Sax impersonation, short-hopping several attempts to open receivers.

Could Texans HC Bill O’Brien talk himself into believing Mallett is better than Fitzpatrick? That Mallett would look better throwing to Andre Johnson and DeAndre Hopkins than he does throwing to Brandon LaFell and Kenbrell Thompkins? Could he convince himself that he isn’t just trading one problem for another?

If Mallett gets a chance to redeem himself against the Eagles this Friday and Fitzpatrick continues to play to his career averages then maybe O’Brien can talk himself into offering a 4^th round pick for Mallett. It remains to be seen if Mallett will get that chance, though. If I’m Bill Belichick, I want to see what Jimmy Garoppolo does against second stringers. Jimmy G looked good against the end of the roster guys; how does he look against the next level in talent? After Tom Brady gets his reps with the first team I would send Garoppolo – not Mallett – into the game.

If you’re Bill O’Brien, aren’t you hoping Johnny Manziel wins the starting gig in Cleveland and he can talk the Browns into parting with Brian Hoyer?

Trench Warfare

With rare exceptions, not being noticed is often the highest praise an offensive lineman can receive. I hadn’t noticed that rookies Jon Halapio and Cameron Fleming were in the game in the second half against Washington. I’m as guilty as the next fan of following the skill players rather than checking out the play in the trenches but both young offensive linemen received ups from Mike Reiss in his Q4 breakdown. Halapio’s development will undoubtedly play into the decision at center and the possible move of Dan Connolly to the pivot. Fleming’s performance could free up Marcus Cannon for the right guard position, too.

If rookie Brian Stork is back on the practice field this week, I’ll make the not so bold prediction that Ryan Wendell is cut after this Friday’s game. Belichick has a history of cutting veterans he respects early in training camp to give them a better chance to catch on with another team. I could see a team like the Broncos or Saints picking up Wendell to provide insurance at the center position but he probably wouldn’t get past the Dolphins who are shorthanded with Mike Pouncey hurt.

Farewell and Adieu…

Best wishes to Steve Gregory. We’ll always have Thanksgiving…