Observations From The Patriots First Preseason Game
Patriots football was BACK on television last night. After waiting since February for a Patriots game, we had some football to watch. Granted, it was only their first preseason game. But hey, it’s something. The Patriots obliterated the Lions last night with a 31-3 win. There was a lot to like from the game last night, so let’s break some of it down.
The Quarterbacks Looked Very Good
Obviously, we weren’t going to see Tom Brady in this one. This was the game of Brian Hoyer getting some work in and Jarrett Stidham getting a good chunk of the playing time. Brian Hoyer started and he carved up the Lions defense. He went 12 for 14 with 147 total yards and two touchdown passes. He only had a couple of drives, so this was very encouraging to see. Stidham took over for the rest of the game and he had several glimpses of future potential. He finished his night going 14 for 24 in the air. The former Auburn quarterback finished with 179 yards accumulated and a touchdown pass of his own. It’s nice to see that both quarterbacks looked comfortable running the Patriots offense, even if it wasn’t with their top weapons. By the way, did anyone else see Brady’s different reactions to both quarterback’s touchdown passes?
Brady with two very different TD celebrations tonight…Hoyer on left, Stidham on the right 🤔 pic.twitter.com/ApOH7O6rts
— Michael Pitts (@Michael_Pitts25) August 9, 2019
Yikes! That’s not a great look for the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
The Defense Played Lights Out
I don’t care that it’s the first preseason game. Don’t tell me that it was the Detroit Lions. When you don’t give up a touchdown on defense, you deserve praise. The Patriots defense was unstoppable last night. They combined for nine sacks and an interception by John Simon.
Simon says: #Patriots ball
.@johnesimon51 | #NEvsDET pic.twitter.com/wp0ye8r8yK
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 9, 2019
This defense is certainly in a lot better spot this preseason than they’ve been in years past. Even Tedy Bruschi is taking notice toward this new Patriots defense, especially the linebackers unit.
So much potential for this @Patriots linebacking unit.
— Tedy Bruschi (@TedyBruschi) August 9, 2019
If this defense can be somewhat consistent, good luck to the rest of the NFL!
The Negatives
There weren’t many of them, but I have to point out a few negatives. One name that has been “on the bubble” has been cornerback Duke Dawson. The 2018 second round pick from Florida has yet to separate himself from the cornerback pack. He gave up a 29 yard reception in the 4th quarter, which will not fly in Bill Belichick’s system. Dawson needs to step it up or he can find himself cut.
Stephen Gostkowski also has to be talked about as he missed his first field goal attempt of the game last night. Gostkowski has been the talk over the years about missing kicks in big situations. With rookie Jake Bailey in the fold, the long tenured kicker’s job is not 100% secured anymore. If Gostkowski continues to miss kicks, he could see his Patriot kicking days coming to an end. Also, did anyone else see the misspelling on his jersey last night?
Maybe spell check next time pic.twitter.com/WG9Lvw5rKZ
— Tim Langlois (@timlanglois) August 9, 2019
In Conclusion
It was an overall great game for the Patriots last night. However, it was only game one of the preseason. We haven’t seen guys like Tom Brady or Julian Edelman just yet. All in all, it is great to have football back in some capacity. Start the countdown to September 8th, 8:20 pm!
-Alan Nahigian (@BigAl2793)