Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) makes a pass during warm-ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
The New England Patriots opened the 2015 NFL Preseason with a 22 to 11 loss to the Green Bay Packers. With four of the five expected starting offensive linemen out, the offense was going to be limited. The Patriots played without center Bryan Stork, tackles Nate Solder and Sebastian Vollmer, and guard Ryan Wendell (guard Josh Kline got some snaps at center). In addition, top backup tackle Marcus Cannon did not play.
In addition, expected lead back LeGarrette Blount and versatile running back Brandon Bolden did not suit up, and nor did veteran receiving backs Travaris Cadet and Dion Lewis. All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler and top wide receivers Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell. Danny Amendola was on the field just a handful of snaps. Expected top backup wide receivers Brian Tyms and Aaron Dobson were sidelined as well.
On defense, the Patriots were without top rush defenders defensive tackles Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga along with Joe Vellano and Chris Jones. Linebackers Dont’a Hightower, Jerod Mayo and Dane Fletcher did not play for the Patriots defense. In the secondary, it was just veteran cornerback Tarell Brown who did not get on the field.
With all these players held out or injured, it was hardly a representation of the Super Bowl champions which will be on display on opening night on September 10th against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, with Green Bay playing a number of starters on both sides of the ball, it was an impressive showing for the New England defense and backup offensive players to lead 11-9 at halftime.
Digging deeper into the game tape and following up with other sources, it was clear that the New England coaches were going to have their work cut out for them getting the team improving on both sides. Here is a deeper examination of preseason game one looking at all aspects of defense and offense:
Next: The Pass Coverage on Defense
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) is tackled by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) and strong safety Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
PASS COVERAGE:
The Patriots got a long look at linebacker Jonathan Freeny who came over from Miami. Freeny was primarily a special teams performer for the Dolphins and led the Patriots with nine tackles–all in the first half. The Packers targeted Freeny in coverage of backs and tight ends as he gave up five receptions on eight targets for 47 yards (per ProFootballFocus.com–subscription required).
Speaking of coverage, there were a mixed bag of coverage as the Patriots were attacked through the air. Second year linebacker James Morris got toasted by running back James Starks who went for 22 yards past him. In the secondary, rookie seventh round draft pick got a taste of the NFL covering Davante Adams and Jordy Nelson before injuring his wrist or hand and leaving the game.
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Bradley Fletcher (24) defends against Green Bay Packers wide receiver Myles White (19) during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Veteran Bradley Fletcher got a long look on defense but acquitted himself well covering Davante Adams and Myles White primarily. Safety Tavon Wilson got a long look as well but seemed to have been targeted repeatedly in the passing game in the second half. Rookie second round draft pick Jordan Richards made some plays in coverage forcing the quarterback to look elsewhere on the field.
Logan Ryan was a mixed bag showing some decent coverage ability at times (covering Jordy Nelson at one point early) but struggled at times as well. Per PFF, Ryan gave up three receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown being targeted six times. He was called for defensive holding and Adams should have had a touchdown catch which he dropped while covered by Ryan. Undrafted rookie Jimmy Jean gave up a 31 yard completion and then his facemask penalty negated a sack.
Veteran slot receiver Robert McClain had some nice plays in coverage early in the game. He did end up allowing three catches for 44 yards on six targets, but being beaten by Randall Cobb is something that happened to the best of cornerbacks last year. Malcolm Butler played just 15 snaps along with starting safeties Patrick Chung and Devin McCourty, a clear sign that those three are already locked in as starters in the secondary.
Next: The Pass Rush on Defense
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Chandler Jones (95) rushes Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
PASS RUSH:
The Patriots’ defense came out attacking the Packers. On the first play of the game Chandler Jones was credited with a sack of Aaron Rodgers as good coverage downfield caused him to hold the ball. Jones and end Rob Ninkovich were just out for 15 snaps with linebacker Jamie Collins, clearly the rotation that defensive coordinator Matt Patricia had for the starters.
Veteran Antonio Johnson started next to rookie Malcom Brown at defensive tackle. Brown struggled to push the pocket while Johnson had a few pressures and helped his cause as he fights for a roster spot. The players on the defensive line catching the eye on film review were fourth round draft pick Trey Flowers and veteran Rufus Johnson. Flowers and Johnson each had sacks and multiple pressures, but Johnson was a man among boys. Besides terrorizing the quarterback, he even had a nice breakup of a screen pass.
Unfortunately, continuing a theme of training camp, Flowers was injured early as he apparently hurt his shoulder. He went to the locker room and did not return. Johnson limped off the field with an apparent ankle injury in the third quarter but looked as if he could have returned if needed. Fighting for a practice squad spot, young player Dekoda Watson made some good tape for his highlight reel with a late sack.
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Rufus Johnson (70) is pushed away from Green Bay Packers quarterback Scott Tolzien (16) by tackle Jeremy Vujnovich (60) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Free agent signing Jabaal Sheard had an excellent first appearance in New England. Rob Ninkovich is going to have trouble keeping Sheard from stealing snaps from him as the season progresses. Sheard had two quarterback hurries and drew a holding penalty as he made his presence felt as a pass rusher. New England fans got see number 93 creating havoc in the backfield as Sheard acquitted himself well in wearing Richard Seymour’s old number.
Young players who were expected to make an impact in the pass rush but did not were second year defensive tackles Dominique Easley and Zach Moore, third round draft pick defensive end Geneo Grissom, and seventh round draft pick defensive end Xzavier Dickson. Grissom had zero impact overall (Easley and Moore were solid against the run at least) and that is not what is expected of a third round draft pick, although in reviewing the tape he was lined up inside at defensive tackle on many plays which does not play to his strengths outside.
Next: The Run Defense
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back Eddie Lacy (27) escapes the grasp of New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (92) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
RUN DEFENSE:
Jabaal Sheard was a factor in the running game as well as he was stout up front as well and stopped running back James Stark for no gain on fourth and one. Dominique Easley had just one pressure rushing the quarterback but was stout up front. PFF gave him the second best grade on run defense and going back to the tape it was clear he looked much stronger at the point of attack and healthy knees likely had much to do with his increased strength.
Rufus Johnson was just as strong in the running game as he was pass rushing as he had a strong game all around. Another performance like that and the Patriots will have to find room for the 2013 sixth round draft pick. Starters Rob Ninkovich and Chandler Jones were strong as always in holding the edge in run defense.
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Green Bay Packers running back James Starks (44) runs the ball against the New England Patriots during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jamie Collins stuffed Lacy at the goal line early in the game. Rookie Malcom Brown got his introduction to the NFL in his first game as he was pushed around by the Packers offensive line. He did make one nice play moving laterally across the line to tackle James Starks for a three yard gain. The Packers ran at him successfully on their first run with him double teamed and Eddie Lacy going past him for 15 yards.
Jonathan Freeny was not filling in well for Dont’a Hightower and Jerod Mayo at linebacker which showed in the run defense as well as he let Lacy run right past him. He was out of position or taken out of the play too often. L.J. Fort had a nice stop late in the game as well.
Young linebackers James Morris and Cameron Gordon stuck their noses in the middle of play in run defense. A.J. Pataiali’i did not look ready for primetime as he was pushed around inside. At 320 pounds, he should have been much stronger at the point of attack. A bigger and stronger Zach Moore was stout at times.
Next: The Defense Overall
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
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) in the huddle during the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
PASSING OFFENSE:
Having Tom Brady start at quarterback was a surprise with the rag-tag group of offensive linemen and pass receivers. Other than Jonas Gray at running back (and only because of suspension/injury of LeGarrette Blount) no one else on the field with him is expected to start against Pittsburgh in week one. Brady played just two series and completed just one pass. It was hard to gauge if his passes were off target or the routes run were not sharp. Either way, the positive was the pass rush did not get to him.
With so many wide receivers out of action, third year player Josh Boyce had a golden opportunity to step-up and steal a roster spot. He instead made that much harder on himself catching just 2 of 11 passes thrown his way. Certainly, some of the passes his way were not well thrown, but his inability to corral the passes thrown his way or make a big play did not help him in his battle to win a roster spot. Bobbling a pass which was then intercepted did not look good.
Slot receiver Brandon Gibson flashed why he is in the discussion for a roster spot with four catches on four targets for 29 yards. Gibson looked like a solid fit behind Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola in the offense. Chris Harper burst upon the scene with seven receptions for 48 yards as he worked well in space.
Aug 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) makes reception during the first half against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim O
Running back James White looked ready to step in and replace Shane Vereen as a receiver (blocking, not so much). White had four catches for 52 yards and with most of those as dump-offs, he had 57 yards after the catch. White was elusive in the open field and was able to plant his foot and change directions. He was able to make defenders miss him and accelerate away from tacklers.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo had a rough day in front of a weak offensive line. Sacked seven times, Garoppolo did best when efficiently taking the short passes and eschewing the deep ball. On passes travelling less than ten yards in the air he was 18 of 20 for 128 yards. However, his passes over ten yards in the air he was just 2 of 9 for 31 yards.
Without any starters on the offensive line, there were plenty of mistakes leading to pressure. Undrafted free agent rookie David Andrews was a top performer along with practice squad player Chris Barker at left tackle. Rookie Shaq Mason had some hiccups pass blocking. One sack was due to a whiff by running back James White in pass blocking and another was a coverage sack as Garoppolo scrambled into a pass rusher. Mark Asper played three plays at right tackle and allowed a sack.
Rookie Tre’ Jackson appeared to allow a sack and guard Josh Kline allowed one playing at center. There were individual breakdowns as one would expect in preseason game one. A positive sign was that there were no single player or players having multiple breakdowns. Cameron Fleming was solid, as was much-maligned Jordan Devey.
Next: Rushing Offense
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Jonas Gray (35) breaks away to run the ball for a touchdown against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
RUSHING OFFENSE:
The Patriots rushed for 94 yards on 18 carries against the Packers. Jonas Gray accounted for 74 of those yards on seven carries, but 55 came on one run. Showing improved speed, Gray following rookie guard Shaq Mason pulling from left guard and fullback James Develin who threw a key block on Micah Hyde to open space for Gray to rumble to the end zone.
Expected contributors LeGarrette Blount, Travaris Cadet, Dion Lewis and Brandon Bolden did not play against the Packers. James White–who had just nine rushing attempts in 2014 as a rookie–had eight rushes but gained just 12 yards. However, in rushing for 12 yards the second year back had 13 yards after contact, showing that the defenders for the Packers were overwhelming the New England blockers and getting to White in the backfield.
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Darryl Roberts (28) is tackled by Green Bay Packers cornerback Ladarius Gunter (36) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Shaq Mason showed his strong blocking skills from playing in a rushing-only offense at Georgia Tech and left tackle Chris Barker was solid at the line showing good strength. Right guard Cameron Fleming–who was a beast in the running game as a rookie–seemed overpowered at times on running plays. Backup tight end Jimmay Mundine struggled as a blocker as the fringe roster player just could not stay strong and keep defenders out of the backfield.
Next: Offense Overall
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) takes with Green Bay Packers outside linebacker Julius Peppers (56) after a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
OFFENSE OVERALL:
The Patriots scored just one touchdown and were shut out in the second half. That is not often a recipe for success. However, they did get to see a number of depth players and potential fringe roster players for extended snaps on the field. James White had an up-and-down performance, struggling to run the ball and in pass protection, but dynamic in the passing game.
Wide receivers Chris Harper and Brandon Gibson stepped up while Josh Boyce did himself no favors. Jimmy Garoppolo was effective working underneath the defense, but did not have success down the field. Some of that was due to the spotty blocking up front with all five expected starters not on the field. There was some strong blocking in the running game as Jonas Gray was the beneficiary of it.
Quarterback Tom Brady was on the field to the delight of the fans but did not do much to move the ball. Overall, it was not a great performance by the offense, but with the cast of players on the field it was expected. With just 11 points, 14 first downs, and just 211 net yards, it was a weak game by the offense. Fortunately, the Patriots have time to improve in the preseason.