Digging Deeper: Analyzing Preseason Game One –New England Patriots vs Green Bay Packers
By Hal Bent
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Hundley (7) throws a pass during the second half against the New England Patriots in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
DEFENSE OVERALL:
Overall the Patriots were out-rushed 133 yards to 94 on the ground, out-passed 295 yards to 169 through the air, and lost the time of possession battle 34:40 to 25:20 (all statistics from NFL.com unless otherwise noted). The time of possession was even worse with the starters on the field as Aaron Rodgers and the Packers dominated time of possession 12:19 to 2:41 for the first quarter.
The Patriots defense stopped the Packers mighty offense on downs three times. Green Bay was able to drive 78 yards to the two yard line before they were unable to convert a fourth and goal. Good pass coverage in the secondary and a late push by the pass rushers led to an incompletion. Green Bay was facing a fourth and one on their second drive at the 34 yard line when top free agent signing defensive end Jabaal Sheard stopped Eddie Lacy short of the first down marker.
The Packers had six first half drives, punted once, kicked a field goal and scored a touchdown, but failed to convert on fourth down three times as they went for it five times in the first half. In fact, their first half touchdown was a fourth-and-one play where Logan Ryan was beat by Packers backup receiver Jeff Janis when he whiffed on a jam at the line of scrimmage.
Some good, some bad, some ugly as expected in the preseason. Rufus Johnson and Trey Flowers were the surprise stars of the first game while Logan Ryan, Tavon Wilson, and Jimmy Jean struggled. An improved pass rush and some solid play in the secondary by free agents Robert McClain and Bradley Fletcher was encouraging.
Next: The Passing Offense