Here are few quick thoughts and observations from opening night:
1. Jerod Mayo is needed.
The Patriots used duct tape for most of the game at middle linebacker and got away with it. That could be a problem going forward. Jerod Mayo’s knee injury, if it is extended beyond a few weeks, will be tough to overcome. The Jets and Falcons, the Patriots next two opponents, are in this for the long haul.
2. Watson still has proving to do.
Ben Watson was Hero No. 2 last night, behind Brady, and just ahead of Brandon Meriweather (more on him later) and Pierre Woods.. But lest we forget, just before his two touchdown catches, he dropped an easy first down catch on that first of the two late score. It was all too familiar. Right in his hands … and he dropped it. Nobody doubts this guy’s raw ability — teammates have called him a Pro Bowl talent — but he has failed more than he has succeeded.
3. Brady is going to need time.
While last night’s game ended gloriously, it is going to take Brady time to get in mid-season form. It is going to take at least half of the season for Brady to really feel comfortable throwing the ball. He walked gingerly the entire game and his throws didn’t have the zip they usually have. He was not stepping into his intermediate throws and it showed. I would say the best of Brady is about two months away.
4. Maroney is Dice-K.
You can see the talent. You can see smidgens of greatness. And then you slam the table in disgust. Laurence Maroney is Dice-K … very, very frustrating to watch. The irony is that Maroney is made for this offense, which is not smash-mouth. The Patriots team is based on this offense, which is wide open. But Maroney’s refusal to get the extra two yards is bothersome. He has a love affair with the sidelines (outside). That doesn’t work in January.
5. Meriweather made the play of the game.
My MVP last night was Brandon Meriweather. He wasn’t credited with anything on the eventual fumble by Leodis McKelver, but it was he who met McKelver, standing his ground, before loosening his grasp on the ball. Pierre Woods finished the job, followed by Stephen Gostkowski’s fumble recovery. But it was Meriweather who made the “tough” play. He didn’t back down when McKelver came at him full speed. It’ll be interesting to see if a play like this helps Meriweather became a play-maker rather than a role player.
6. Gillette Stadium was dead.
I have to give a big thumbs down to the sold out Gillette Stadium crowd. They were as inspiring as a door knob in a basement closet. This has been ongoing for a few seasons at Gillette. They get excited after something happens rather than trying to inspire it. Patriots fans should watch a Red Sox game for tips, or better yet watch a game in Kansas City, Denver or Pittsburgh. Those fans leave it all in the stadium.
7. Where’s the pressure on opposing QB’s?
Other than the final minute, the Patriots got zero pressure on the Bills quarterback. If this is an ongoing problem, we will find out quickly about the defensive backfield, which thus far appears to be a decent, but non-descript group. The key is finding ways to get to the quarterback. It might mean for blitzing, which Belichick does sparingly.
8. Where was Joey Galloway?
Brady has said it before, his favorite receiver is the open receiver. Well, he didn’t even attempt a pass to Joey Galloway and that’s saying something for a guy that threw the ball 53 times. Galloway was supposed to be a deep threat because of his speed and the fact that Randy Moss will draw an extra safety the entire game. Anyway, I saw Joey Galloway on the field. I just didn’t see him do anything.
9. More tough luck for Buffalo.
You have to give it to these Bills. They came to play on a Monday night. I would argue they are more physical than the Patriots, especially on defense. Defensive end Aaron Schobel is a star. This is his ninth season, all with the Bills, and he just does his job. If not for this division, the Bills might be a playoff team. The problem is they are at best the third best team in the league, behind the Patriots and Jets, and quite possibly fourth behind Miami.
10. Matt Light dilemma.
Isn’t it a little early to be benched, during Game 1? This could be an issue. Light is the left tackle, the key guy in cleaning up Brady’s blind side. Light was in and out of the game after some shoddy work on Schobel. He allowed a sack and was knocked away when Schobel made the interception and returned it for a score. The Patriots can’t be doing this game in and game out. Light has to be the staple on that line for both rushing and passing plays. Sebastian Vollmer was admirable as a fill-in, but he’s not a full-time left tackle.
