It’s finally here: After six long months of pacing the room,
wondering how Wes dropped that catch, and how Manningham pulled in that pass in
double coverage, I – we – can finally put it all behind us. We as Patriot
Nation can look forward to another year of football. The Patriots stand on the precipice
of a long and grueling battle to defend their title as AFC Champions, and they
are armed with the personnel to make it happen.
Continuing with the 3-Step Dropbacks series, here are 3
situations to watch for in Thursday’s preseason opener vs. the New Orleans
Saints.
QB Ryan Mallett
For the second week in a row, I begin with Ryan Mallett. I
have to admit – I love this guy! He was easily first-round material in 2011,
yet he fell to New England at the 74th overall selection. He’s 6’7”,
has an absolute cannon for an arm, and is learning from one of the greatest of
all-time in Tom Brady. Mallett will no doubt be a starter in the NFL someday,
it’s just a matter of when. Right now, the number 2 QB slot is his for the taking,
and it would come as a surprise if he didn’t hold that spot on Sept. 7.
The Offensive line
Unit
There are many players in this unit who show promise (Nate
Solder, Nick McDonald, Sebastian Vollmer), but the line is a far cry from being
the sure-fire unit it’s been in years’ past. Some vets are injured, one vet
retired, and another just refuses to show up to Training Camp. Lost in all the
excitement of a new-look defense is a very suspect offensive line.
The Secondary Unit
Speaking of defense, one of the gaping holes in New England’s
2011 defense was the defensive backs corps. A few favorable moves have been
made – the unit has more of a veteran presence – but the question is if it will
be enough to support what is projecting to be a pretty consistent pass rush.
Watch for the new guys to get a few looks in tomorrow’s contest. You can be sure that the defensive backs that
survive all cuts to Opening Day will be a battle-tested group of warriors.
Stay logged into Reign Over New England throughout Pats Camp
for 3 Step-Dropbacks, A rapid-fire style of reporting that will highlight 3 key
areas of the many topics that surround this Patriots squad. Follow @ReignOverNE
on Twitter to keep up!
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