Patriots/Eagles in person observations

Last night I was fortunate enough to be able to catch the game in person along with my better half, so I thought it would be great to highlight a few observations I had. I thought it'd also be fun to share a few views from the better half, as I can tend to miss the overall enjoyment factor for the Xs and Os. Let's start with her observations:

By 6 minutes into the 2nd quarter: "oh a play ended, there must be a flag"

Ironically, there was a flag on that play. I'd pretend to remember which penalty this was, but there were far too many to keep count mentally. She was obviously being sarcastic, but we both felt how the constant penalizing took the wind out of the sails in the stadium. It's an enjoyment killer for sure, and something the NFL has to look at.


I don't like that at all

This was in reference to the guns being shot off after the Patriots scored. Now, I wouldn't make note if she wasn't fairly comfortable with guns. We were up in the 300 sections (top of the stadium) and that is a rather large boom. I'd say if you're bringing kids to the stadium (and have never been) it could give them a scare.


Eagles fans are obnoxious

Okay, she didn't say this word for word, but we both noticed it. We were around some of the worst examples of NFL fans. I've never heard people cockier about a backup quarterback scoring on backup defense. They were also intentionally trying to get people worked up, because there were two of them screaming so loud that people three sections around were looking. It got funny during the drive where the Patriots made it 42-28, but it was irritating otherwise.


Okay, now on to my observations:

Steve Maneri was terrible

Obviously running a poor route leading to a pick six was bad, but he didn't seem strong across the board in expansive action. You only noticed him when he was making a poor play, which isn't good for a skill position player. I know he was a lineman not too long ago, but if he wants to pretend he's a tight end he has to at least act like he could make a play.

Patrick Chung played well

I'll continue eating crow here, as I was the biggest detractor from Patrick Chung entering camp. His angles looked strong, and he was in support even when likely not on the televised play. I couldn't make out players on special teams except returners, so I'm not sure if impact was made there.

Revis Island was just that

Darrelle Revis wasn't even challenged, and it looked as if Foles ignored the side of the field where Revis roamed. People may not have seen him have to make plays, but that was through his ability to deny a throwing lane to the quarterback. He looked like an all world player.

Garoppolo could hang with the first team

Yes, that touchdown to LaFell was tipped and probably not the smartest throw, but he made it. He also moved up in the pocked to buy time, and probably made the throw because there was no other option to make a play. While Brady would likely pump that throw into the fan section, that sort of intelligence comes with time. Garoppolo was making plays throughout, and I was incredibly impressed. While Mallett also played well, I'd say it's the second straight week where the rookie outplayed the veteran backup.


What stood out on TV? Anybody live at the game notice something different? Comment below or let's chat @TheFib0624

--Bill Stiles