AFC East Preseason Week 2 Recap
So after another week of preseason, there are, as always, some things to take away. The New England Patriots had to rest several starters because of terrible scheduling by the NFL, (the Patriots play their last 3 games within 10 days of each other) so I won't be able to talk about how good Gronk might have looked, or Brady's hypothetical dazzling performance, because they didn't play. However, there is always something to be taken from a preseason game, and of course, there are a few other teams that play in the same division that Pats fans should always keep an eye out for. On top of that, this week and possibly at other points during the season, we will have takeaways from the Giants by a colleague of mine, Shawn Berman, so that Pats fans can keep tabs on them. We don't want them sneaking up on us for a 3rd time. Without further ado, here are my takeaways from the second week of AFC East play.
New England Patriots:
>> Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley combined for just 45 rushing yards on 20 carries. After a solid showing from both second-year backs in New England's preseason opener against New Orleans, inconsistency in the running game could be an issue this year. It is notable though, that Vereen had 4 receptions on 5 targets, for 29 yards.
>> Undrafted rookie Brandon Bolden muffed a punt, a turnover which was later converted into points by LeSean McCoy. A sack on 2nd String QB Brian Hoyer caused another fumble, and led to yet another touchdown by an opportunistic Philadelphia offense. The Patriots, who just two years ago were the best team in pro football at holding onto the football (most of which can be attributed to Tom Brady's 36TD 4INT year), should be concerned by the team's looseness with the football.
>> Safety Pat Chung, arguably the most solid player in New England's secondary, left the game with a shoulder injury. This is the LAST thing that defense needs. Chances are, Head Coach Bill Belichick doesn't play him on Friday at Tampa Bay.
>> Kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit from 51, 35, and 55 yards out, showing the leg he had before his injury a few seasons ago.
>> The offensive line wasn't as horrible in this game, but work still needs to be done. RT Sebastian Vollmer was removed from the PUP list earlier in the week, so if he is actually healthy, he should contribute significantly to the performance of the offensive line.
>> Ryan Mallett, viewed by some as the quarterback to take over the franchise after the Brady Era, played pretty well. He was 10 of 20 for 105 yards, and a 7 yard TD pass to newly converted tight end Alex Silvestro.
>> Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham took Eagles QB Michael Vick out of the game due to a hard blow on a Vick incompletion. Cunningham has showed promise this preseason, and could be a big contributor on the defensive side of the ball. X-rays revealed that Vick is fine, but coach Andy Reid held him out of the game for precautionary reasons.
New York Jets:
>> Despite going 9 of 11 against the New York Giants, starting QB Mark Sanchez threw a pick that was returned 77 yards for a touchdown. This is mostly interesting because according to a friend of mine who was in attendance, you couldn't hear the person speaking next to you over the "Tebow! Tebow!" chant immediately following. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, a New Yorker, believes that New York fans are too sports savvy to be fooled by Tebowmania. Sorry Steve, by the looks of things, if Sanchez doesn't perform in the regular season, the fans will go nuts for Tim Tebow. And I don't blame them.
>> RT Wayne Hunter was awful. He's been put on notice by Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan because of his poor play. Speaking of poor play along the offensive line, the ENTIRE Jets O-Line is terrible. I felt bad for Sanchez and Tebow, the guys must have been terrified every time they took a snap!
Buffalo Bills:
>> Vikings QB Christian Ponder tore the Bills apart. He was 10 of 13 for 136 yards and a touchdown. The Bills are loaded in the secondary, adding 1st round pick Stephon Gilmore out of South Carolina. Their poor play should be a cause for mild concern, though I forsee them having a much improved defense this year, especially thanks to the addition of one of the league's best pass rushers, "Super" Mario Williams.
>> QB's Ryan Fitzpatrick (starter) and Vince Young (presumed backup) both had solid performances. Fitzy was 8 of 11 for 58 yards and a TD. Young went 8 of 14 for 123 yards. While these two flourished, veteran Tyler Thigpen and Wildcat specialist Brad Smith each threw a pick to rookie linebacker Audie Cole, both picks being returned by Cole for a touchdown. This is more of an indication of Cole's awesome play than any knock against the Bills offense considering the starters weren't in the game.
>> Buffalo hasn't made the postseason in 12 years, and based on the preseason so far, it looks like they'll reach 13. However, the Bills are a preseason Wild-Card pick of mine, and I still believe that they'll reach that pinnacle.
Miami Dolphins:
>> Rookie Ryan Tannehill started the game for the Fins, and went 11 of 23 for 100 yards. He was sacked 3 times on the night, but is continuing to impress the Dolphins coaching staff, so much so that head coach Joe Philbin named him the team's starter for the regular season.
>> Cam Newton had a great day for the Panthers, which should be troubling for the Dolphins, who figure to have a top 5 defense this year. They did play without 3 starters on defense, but Newton's level of comfortability showed. With extreme ease, he completed 72.7% of his passes, for 119 yards and a TD. The pressure by the Dolphins didn't exist. One of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history, Newton didn't have a single carry on the day, simply because he didn't need to run the football.
>> Wide receiver Rishard Matthews had 4 receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown for the Dolphins. If you tell me you've heard of this guy, you're lying. Matthews was Miami's 7th round pick (227th Overall) in this year's draft. I bring him up because he had the best day of any receiver. Joe Philbin made a terrible move releasing Chad Johnson, because now they're reduced to nothing at the receiver position. Ryan Tannehill is destined for failure because, what use is his gun if it's got no bullets?
New York Giants:
>> With the conclusion of the second annual MetLife Bowl, the Giants thumped their cross-stadium rival 26-3, improving their preseason record to an overall 1-1.
>> Lawrence Tynes looked to be beyond midseason form in his second preseason game. The 34-year old was a majority of the Giants offense and accounted for four field goals (from 35 yards, 30 yards, 40 yards, and 45 yards). Not only did he manage to successfully put up points on the board, he also pinned the Jets in their own endzone seven times, resulting in four touchbacks. If he keeps this up, the Giants’ special teams unit will have a very dominating year.
>> The defensive line picked up right where it left off last year. The front line was as good as advertised and registered seven sacks in the win against the Jets. Jason Pierre-Paul and Adewale Ojomo each had two sacks apiece, Matt Broha accounted for one sack, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora each had a half a sack, and safety Will Hill had one as well.
>> The Giants’ never ending running struggles continue to plague their offense. Last year, they were ranked last in the league in rushing, and showed little to no signs of improvement. Granted, it’s still very early. The Giants rushed for 58 yards, averaging 1.8 yards a carry, and had no run longer than seven yards. Ahmad Bradshaw rushed for two yards on only three carries, before leaving the game when a cyst on his right hand popped.
>> Twelve Giants did not participate in this preseason game against the Jets. Linebacker Mark Herzlich left the game with a hip injury, and defensive end Adrian Tracy also left with a hamstring issue. Speaking of injured players, coming off of his second ACL tear, receiver/return man Domenik Hixon looked rather impressive. Hixon went up high to catch a ball thrown from Manning on a fourth-and-one situation resulting in a four-yard gain.
There you have it folks. The Pats and their enemies all in one article. Think I left something out? Have an opinion you'd like to share? Comment on the post, or on Twitter @PatriotsLife or my personal Twitter account @MoveThoseChainz with all of your thoughts and concerns.
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| Ryan Mallet communicates with his teammates in a 27-17 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles |
New England Patriots:
>> Shane Vereen and Stevan Ridley combined for just 45 rushing yards on 20 carries. After a solid showing from both second-year backs in New England's preseason opener against New Orleans, inconsistency in the running game could be an issue this year. It is notable though, that Vereen had 4 receptions on 5 targets, for 29 yards.
>> Undrafted rookie Brandon Bolden muffed a punt, a turnover which was later converted into points by LeSean McCoy. A sack on 2nd String QB Brian Hoyer caused another fumble, and led to yet another touchdown by an opportunistic Philadelphia offense. The Patriots, who just two years ago were the best team in pro football at holding onto the football (most of which can be attributed to Tom Brady's 36TD 4INT year), should be concerned by the team's looseness with the football.
>> Safety Pat Chung, arguably the most solid player in New England's secondary, left the game with a shoulder injury. This is the LAST thing that defense needs. Chances are, Head Coach Bill Belichick doesn't play him on Friday at Tampa Bay.
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| Eagles QB Michael Vick after taking a hit from Patriots Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham |
>> Kicker Stephen Gostkowski hit from 51, 35, and 55 yards out, showing the leg he had before his injury a few seasons ago.
>> The offensive line wasn't as horrible in this game, but work still needs to be done. RT Sebastian Vollmer was removed from the PUP list earlier in the week, so if he is actually healthy, he should contribute significantly to the performance of the offensive line.
>> Ryan Mallett, viewed by some as the quarterback to take over the franchise after the Brady Era, played pretty well. He was 10 of 20 for 105 yards, and a 7 yard TD pass to newly converted tight end Alex Silvestro.
>> Linebacker Jermaine Cunningham took Eagles QB Michael Vick out of the game due to a hard blow on a Vick incompletion. Cunningham has showed promise this preseason, and could be a big contributor on the defensive side of the ball. X-rays revealed that Vick is fine, but coach Andy Reid held him out of the game for precautionary reasons.
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| Tim Tebow (left) and Mark Sanchez (right) may be on the same team but they're still competing against each other |
New York Jets:
>> Despite going 9 of 11 against the New York Giants, starting QB Mark Sanchez threw a pick that was returned 77 yards for a touchdown. This is mostly interesting because according to a friend of mine who was in attendance, you couldn't hear the person speaking next to you over the "Tebow! Tebow!" chant immediately following. ESPN's Stephen A. Smith, a New Yorker, believes that New York fans are too sports savvy to be fooled by Tebowmania. Sorry Steve, by the looks of things, if Sanchez doesn't perform in the regular season, the fans will go nuts for Tim Tebow. And I don't blame them.
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| After a poor 2011 season, Jets RT Wayne Hunter (78) is off to a terrible start to the 2012 season |
>> RT Wayne Hunter was awful. He's been put on notice by Jets Head Coach Rex Ryan because of his poor play. Speaking of poor play along the offensive line, the ENTIRE Jets O-Line is terrible. I felt bad for Sanchez and Tebow, the guys must have been terrified every time they took a snap!
Buffalo Bills:
>> Vikings QB Christian Ponder tore the Bills apart. He was 10 of 13 for 136 yards and a touchdown. The Bills are loaded in the secondary, adding 1st round pick Stephon Gilmore out of South Carolina. Their poor play should be a cause for mild concern, though I forsee them having a much improved defense this year, especially thanks to the addition of one of the league's best pass rushers, "Super" Mario Williams.
>> QB's Ryan Fitzpatrick (starter) and Vince Young (presumed backup) both had solid performances. Fitzy was 8 of 11 for 58 yards and a TD. Young went 8 of 14 for 123 yards. While these two flourished, veteran Tyler Thigpen and Wildcat specialist Brad Smith each threw a pick to rookie linebacker Audie Cole, both picks being returned by Cole for a touchdown. This is more of an indication of Cole's awesome play than any knock against the Bills offense considering the starters weren't in the game.
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| The homes of the Vikings' season rest squarely on the shoulders of sophomore QB Christian Ponder. |
>> Buffalo hasn't made the postseason in 12 years, and based on the preseason so far, it looks like they'll reach 13. However, the Bills are a preseason Wild-Card pick of mine, and I still believe that they'll reach that pinnacle.
Miami Dolphins:
>> Rookie Ryan Tannehill started the game for the Fins, and went 11 of 23 for 100 yards. He was sacked 3 times on the night, but is continuing to impress the Dolphins coaching staff, so much so that head coach Joe Philbin named him the team's starter for the regular season.
>> Cam Newton had a great day for the Panthers, which should be troubling for the Dolphins, who figure to have a top 5 defense this year. They did play without 3 starters on defense, but Newton's level of comfortability showed. With extreme ease, he completed 72.7% of his passes, for 119 yards and a TD. The pressure by the Dolphins didn't exist. One of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks in college football history, Newton didn't have a single carry on the day, simply because he didn't need to run the football.
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| Rookie QB Ryan Tannehill attempts a pass in a loss to the Panthers |
>> Wide receiver Rishard Matthews had 4 receptions for 39 yards and a touchdown for the Dolphins. If you tell me you've heard of this guy, you're lying. Matthews was Miami's 7th round pick (227th Overall) in this year's draft. I bring him up because he had the best day of any receiver. Joe Philbin made a terrible move releasing Chad Johnson, because now they're reduced to nothing at the receiver position. Ryan Tannehill is destined for failure because, what use is his gun if it's got no bullets?
New York Giants:
>> With the conclusion of the second annual MetLife Bowl, the Giants thumped their cross-stadium rival 26-3, improving their preseason record to an overall 1-1.
>> Lawrence Tynes looked to be beyond midseason form in his second preseason game. The 34-year old was a majority of the Giants offense and accounted for four field goals (from 35 yards, 30 yards, 40 yards, and 45 yards). Not only did he manage to successfully put up points on the board, he also pinned the Jets in their own endzone seven times, resulting in four touchbacks. If he keeps this up, the Giants’ special teams unit will have a very dominating year.
>> The defensive line picked up right where it left off last year. The front line was as good as advertised and registered seven sacks in the win against the Jets. Jason Pierre-Paul and Adewale Ojomo each had two sacks apiece, Matt Broha accounted for one sack, Justin Tuck and Osi Umenyiora each had a half a sack, and safety Will Hill had one as well.
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| The Giants' defensive linemen attempt to sack Tim Tebow in a win against the Jets |
>> Twelve Giants did not participate in this preseason game against the Jets. Linebacker Mark Herzlich left the game with a hip injury, and defensive end Adrian Tracy also left with a hamstring issue. Speaking of injured players, coming off of his second ACL tear, receiver/return man Domenik Hixon looked rather impressive. Hixon went up high to catch a ball thrown from Manning on a fourth-and-one situation resulting in a four-yard gain.
There you have it folks. The Pats and their enemies all in one article. Think I left something out? Have an opinion you'd like to share? Comment on the post, or on Twitter @PatriotsLife or my personal Twitter account @MoveThoseChainz with all of your thoughts and concerns.
