The Patriots opened the preseason against the Lions and absolutely dominated. The defense looked unbelieveable and the offense was solid. Here are some of my thoughts watching this game.
- John Simon looked good early, setting the edge and even intercepting a pass. Expect a larger role from him this year, a role similar to Rob Ninkovich.
- A name to keep an eye on is pass rusher Shilique Calhoun, who’s been amazing in camp and earned a jersey number upgrade from 74 to 90, I think that’s a good sign he’ll make the roster.
- Joejuan Williams is a big physical corner and he showed that ability almost immediately, making tackles in the open field and on running backs near the line of scrimmage. Patriots have not had good success drafting defensive backs in the second round, but I think they finally nailed it with Williams here.
- Can’t say the same thing about Duke Dawson, who was constantly beat and has struggled a ton in practice. He was also penalized on a punt return, and we need to see improvement from him, or he could find his way out of Foxboro.
- Jamie Collins is back, and back looking like his Pro Bowl form in 2015. Setting the edge, rushing the passer, and his elite athleticism was surely missed the past few years, and will find his way into the starting lineup on gameday.
- The backup quarterback competition is going to heat up this preseason, and right now Brian Hoyer and Jarrett Stidham are neck and neck. Stidham is definitely more athletic and exciting, but Hoyer has that experience and relationship with Brady. Stidham could be the future, and an aging Brady could cause the team to look to Stidham more.
- Punt return was an issue last year, and Braxton Berrios looked explosive. I’ve called him the second coming of Danny Amendola and I’m sticking to it. He may not get much action on offense if he make the team (I’m really hoping he does), but he’ll definitely add a spark on special teams.
- First round pick N’Keal Harry looked good, making a nice jump ball catch, but was injured on the play and could sideline him for some time.
- Get your Jakobi Meyers jerseys now because this kid has to make the team. He’s been getting first-team reps with Brady in camp and showed what he can do on the field with six catches and two touchdowns.
- The play of free agent signings Maurice Harris and Dontrelle Inman stood out, as likely only one of them will make the roster.
- The tight ends group is wide open and I’m having a hard time predicting who will actually make it, but the hype around Matt LaCosse is real.
- Brandon Bolden got a bulk of the carries, and he figures to be his old special teams ace self. He’s in a crowded running back room, so we’ll see how the Patriots divvy up the carries.
The Patriots travel to Tennessee for joint practices with the Titans and will face off in the second preseason game Saturday night at 7:00 PM.
Football Nerds 