Pros, Cons, and Observations: Wk 1 Patriots vs. Bengals
EDITOR’s NOTE: In a word, this game was surprising. More than anything they looked competent. Dating back all the way to the Patricia and Judge years there has been a vein of dysfunction running through this franchise all the way up and through the very first play of the game vs. the Bengals. Dell Petus miraculously jumped off sides on the opening “dynamic Kick off” that was sailing out of bounds as NOBODY is allowed to move. My first thought was to turn the TV off an mow the lawn. But, from that point on the Patriots controlled the game in all three phases. It was pleasantly shocking and the most enjoyment I have gotten from this team in years.
PRO: Ramadama (Rhamandre Stevenson) earned his money. He was the best player on offense and looked nimble.
CON: Red Zone offense: 1 TD; 3 FG in 4 trips (25%) , 3 - 30-ish yard FG's. Syle Guy came through.
Observation: Offense was VERY basic. The Patriots pushed the Bengals around with 6 linemen, but I can go either way with this. As players return and develop new layers to the offense can be added to gain complexity and explosiveness. E.I.; adding Bourne and development of a young WR.
It could be that they felt they only needed a basic plan to win THIS game. But, it can't be this simple all year. Was Brisset not pushing ball down field or was it intentional game plan? Is there anything left on the table for Brissett? Can the offense take another step forward with Brissett at QB or will it require Drake Maye?
They will need their execution at a minimum to improve in the red zone as the field shrinks. To win regularly you need TD's not FG's.
PRO: The Offensive Line as a WHOLE didn't puke all over itself; they made running lanes and gave BBH (Jacoby Brissett) throwing windows. No penalties, no BS. Drake Maye can play behind that line.
CON: CHUKS blows got benched should stay there
PRO: Defense was physical, aggressive, rallied to the ball; never gave up on a play. As a unit the defense looked fast and played clean containing a pathetic looking Bengals team.
CON: Defense did tire as the game wore on it seemed. It’s the first game but something that will have to be accounted for.
Observation: Bengals adjustments after halftime were better than Pats. In the second half Pats basically changed nothing. Bengals made adjustments which led to improved performance on both sides of the ball. We need more games to see if it was on purpose or a lack of halftime adjustments.
Was Marcus Jones playing deep safety?
PRO: Tyquan Thorton? A Thing ?
CON: BBH inaccurate passing. Outside of the Duck in the endzone to Hunter Henry, he never put the ball in danger, but he was off target multiple times in the game. Specifically on 3rd downs. In two situations a better pass leads to a 1st instead of a tackle behind the line. One to KJ Osbourne resulting in a FG and one to Pop Douglas later in the game.
Observation: Players like Mayo. The gave him the Gatorade bath. They don't think they suck and they give a shit. The players have every intention of having a season and there appears to be a level of "buy in" into the program right now.