Patriots Pregame Meal

I don’t know about you guys but this morning felt like the real start of the NFL season for me. The Thursday night opener came upon us so quickly it never really felt like the real football had started. But now, on a foggy September morning it those old football feels are finally back, as is the nervousness for this big game. Here are some pregame reflections before the carnage unfolds this afternoon.

If you’re looking for an easy and entertaining way to kill a half hour of pregame this morning check out my latest venture with Nick Stevens and the awesome folks at MediaBoss, Patshow. We’re having a ton of fun hopefully bringing to the fans the kind of entertainment they’re missing with the Patriots. A show that embraces the fun of being a fan but also talks about the team in a reasonable and football-savvy way. Please help us spread the word about Patshow, as go live every Tuesday morning at www.facebook.com/patshow6. Please like and share as we try to grow the show each week!

• Here’s a shitty little tidbit this morning from Mike Reiss about Dont’a Hightower.
  

  When Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower injured his right knee in the season opener but remained on the sideline the rest of the game — at one point riding a stationary bike — it was generally viewed as a sign that the injury wasn’t severe and might not even keep him out one week. Since that time, I’m told that Hightower sought a second opinion over the last week from Dr. James Andrews. When I saw Hightower a few days ago, he didn’t confirm plans to visit Andrews, but he also didn’t deny it, only saying with a smile, “I’m OK.” That Hightower was believed to be seeking more clarity on the injury days after the opener was notable to me based on the initial optimism. This is the same knee that led to him beginning training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

  Hightower’s knees and shoulders are a problem every season and the fact that the Pats basically kept him on ice all summer and then, in his first game of the season he hurts the same knee they were trying to protect is maddening. Unfortunately I just don’t think we can plan on relying on Hightower this season. When he’s able to go it will be great and hopefully the Patriots can cobble together quality linebacking without him that can get us to the postseason, but it’s shaping up that 2017 will be in big part about learning to win without him.

• I really think today’s game hinges on three rookies defensively. Harvey Langi should step in for Jordan Richards in some capacity today and I’d expect to see more of Dietrich Wise than only on passing downs. Adam Butler might remain only on passing downs, but his disruption is critical. If those three are flat and play like rookies I worry that both the pass rush and the linebacker play just won’t be enough to take down Brees.
• Will we see more of Phillip Dorsett this week? He was thrust into action last week and played more than I thought he might. With the Saints’ secondary struggling down the field against the Vikings, I’d expect the Pats to really try to weaponize the speed of Brandin Cooks and Dorsett. If it all clicks there could be a new exciting buzz about the Patriots’ offense.
• Seems like there’s some confusion about using running backs in the slot and using them simply as pass catchers. I don’t think anyone has to really split out into the slot to replace the Edelman impact. It can be from traditional running back receiving routes like screens, angles and wheels. I just think the more Brady targets Lewis, White and Burkhead in the passing game, the more things will open up downfield. Focus short first. I can’t believe I have to type this about the “dink and dunk” Patriots, right?
• Ready for the Kyle Van Noy defense? He’s going to be all everything today and I can’t imagine what happens if he were to go down now. Last year he came in via mid-season trade and carved out a passing down linebacker role. Now he’s never going to leave the field. I can’t stop wondering how one year ago we had maybe the best young linebacker core in the league and now here we are leaning on Van Noy. Curious to see how he does in this expanded leadership role. I hate to bring it up but I’m reminded of 2005, when the linebackers turned over (Bruschi had the stroke) and the defense was just terrible even with a good front. This secondary is of course far better, but still, linebackers impact so much of the defense.
• Marcus Cannon‘s under-the-radar ankle injury is worth monitoring today, especially against the disruptive Cameron Jordan who was one of my draft boos when he came out. If it’s Waddle time an already interesting offensive day will get even more interesting.