Football is back! Well, we are not quite there yet. Preseason football pales in comparison to regular season football but it does get the adrenaline pumping through our veins and is like an appetizer to the main course to come. After a horrible year in 2020, football with fans in the stands is something to enjoy. The preseason gives fans some clues as to how players will project into the season. It also helps us to understand the mindset of the coaches. With that said, my New England Patriots officially kicked off their preseason at home last Thursday in a 22-13 win against the Washington Football team, and here are my thoughts in reviewing the game based on reactions from fans.
1. Mac Jones should be the starter in week 1- Overreaction
This was the number 1 reaction emerging from the game among some fans. Jones had a solid game in completing 13 of 18 passes for 87 yards. He was able to make the short and intermediate throws and his best throw of the night was to Wilkinson in the end zone which went incomplete due to a good play by the defender. However, Jones was playing against the backups and third-string defensive players. On the other hand, Cam completed 4 of his 7 passes for 49 yards in his two series. He had a bad screen pass in the game but he played fine, and the sample size was small. Jones failed to knock it out of the park, and Newton did not fall on his face. So I think he should be the starter for Week 1 but Jones is progressing nicely.
2. Rhamondre Stevenson looks like a legit NFL running back-Correct reaction
Stevenson was the biggest winner from the preseason week 1. The Oklahoma fourth-round draft pick introduced himself to the world with a standout performance by having 10 carries for 127 yards. It included a 91-yard scamper down the sideline which sealed the game and displayed his speed, balance, and strength. A tantalizing three-headed monster group of running back appears to be emerging with Sony Michel and Damian Harris.
3. N’Keal Harry still can’t be trusted- Correct reaction
Based on reporting, Harry was looking good in training camp despite making it public that he would like to be traded. However, despite playing into the third quarter of the game, he could only log one catch for four yards. Jakobi Meyers made one catch for 11 yards in just a few series while Kristian Wilkerson had six catches for 39 yards. Harry’s time in New England may be running out.
4. JC Jackson is an equal replacement for Stephon Gilmore- Overreaction
JC Jackson had a solid game but he did give up a few catches to Terry McLaurin. It was another proof that he is no Stephon Gilmore. Gilmore is an elite shutdown cornerback who makes good receivers end up with blanks on their stat sheets. Gilmore needs to be healthy and his contract situation needs to be addressed-IMMEDIATELY!
5. Davon Godshaux is the run-stuffer we needed last season-Correct reaction
The Patriots’ defense turned out to be awful last season because of the inability to stop the run. Belichick addressed that need by signing former Dolphins defensive tackle, Davon Godshaux. In his first appearance for the Patriots, he lived up to expectations by logging three tackles in the short time he spent on the field. Patriots fans will be happy to see Godshaux in the trenches and doing damage this season.
