Review/Preview: 5 Things We Watched & 5 Things to Watch

Last week, I asked these questions about the Point-least Game ever. Here’s what I came up with for answers.

1. What the hell is happening on defense, specifically at LB?
A: Um, a whole lot. For a more philosophical look read Mike’s piece on BB’s defense 2.0. Also Doug Kyed touched on it in his mailbag.
This defense is jacked with talent, more importantly versatile talent, quick, smart, instinctive guys who will play through the whistle. Shea McClellan looks the part, he was in on nearly everything when he was out there. In front of him, the DTs were able to push into the running lanes early and often; really nice depth there and I think Alan Branch could be cut. Also Pot Roast’s gut is as advertised.

How is that guy a pro athlete?

The player that I was most excited to see was Kamu Grugier-Hill. He looked lost, not a surprise for a 6th round pick, but multiple times he was too anxious to go after his coverage assignment, even if they were staying in to block and even when his assignment was pointed out to him, he got caught up in the wash somehow. His coverage skills apparently stand out in practice, but he doesn’t possess the size at LB to make significant contributions in the running game, as evidenced by his several back-tapping assisted tackles. It is an intriguing enough idea (a coverage specialist LB), but the dude needs time. And protein.

2. Other Defensive areas of interest:
A: The secondary looked solid, the guy that stood out was undrafted rookie and First and Last Name all-star: Cre’von LeBlanc. This has been written about a lot, but he’s feisty. Long way to go, but he has a great work ethic and no short-term memory, both traits that make Malcolm Butler a high-level talent. That’s what the 1st game of Preseason is useful for, identifying the back-end of the roster player who can have a long-term impact either this season or next. If he can string em together, he’s making the practice squad.

3. At RB, where do we stand behind Lewis and Blount?
A: I have no idea. Gaffney had the long run, reminiscent of Gray’s 55-yarder, highlighted last week. My advice is to not read too much into it, other than his separation speed, which was better than advertised. Mostly the play was a result of Cam Fleming not giving up on his block, he initially whiffed and then got himself back into the play and sealed the lane.

In other RB news, is there anything more predictable than James White getting tackled at the one? In truth, if Bennett had just moved in front of the chasing Saint, he would have gotten there, but hilarious nonetheless. He’s shifty and a valuable 3rd down guy, but just gotta hope the wind doesn’t knock him over.

Blount struggled at times, some of that was the slow development of the plays and lack of push from the offensive line. Glad I went out on a limb for him.

4. Who’s behind Edelman and Amendola?
A: Malcolm Mitchell, that’s who! Initial returns on Mitchell are positive and his toughness is outstanding, lining up at practice only a few days after the excruciating separation.

Don’t mistake the hype train for that of Kenbrell Thompkins, this kid can create real separation against DBs that will end up on an NFL 53. Dobson, who knows? Looks better than in previous years.

5. Maybe most importantly, who doesn’t play?
A: This was definitely not the most important thing. I was surprised how many projected starters played, not sure why I even venture a guess at this stuff. Of note: it seems like preseason will be a chance to see if two-back sets (with Develin) are an efficient piece for the offense. Early returns are: a few decent gains, at least one stopped in the backfield. On to the next–

Looking forward: 5 things to watch for Bears-Patriots, Preseason Game 2.
This week after some difficult practices in difficult conditions, I’m actually excited about this one. But the first question is one of temperament:

1. How disciplined is this Patriots team?
In the past, leaders in the locker room have championed the disciplined Patriot Way. This season seems looser certainly from the PR standpoint. I’m interested if the fighting this week has any translation to the game. Stork and Butler were involved in scraps; in practice that’s fine, but can they restrain themselves when their behavior means 15 yards? Bears Head Coach John Fox gets credit for being a disciplinarian, but he’s just not. His time in Denver was marked with the inmates running the asylum, racking up personal foul penalties. After the intense week of practice and heat, the players (and coaches) will be itching to show each other up on television. I think there’s a chance a few cheap shots are thrown in after the whistle and I will be watching to see how the New England players respond. Also please, no injuries…

2. Sun or shade for Flowers?
We’ve seen what Tre Flowers does against the practice squaders, total obliteration. Flowers and Long will likely be running up against the 1s this week, how do they perform? One large caveat, the Bears offensive line stinks. Pro Football Focus (an admittedly imperfect site) has them ranked at 30, and they will be in the bottom of the league again. So it’s a bit of a double-edged sword. If Long and Flowers play well: enthusiasm should be tempered, but if they struggle, that’s bad. Excited to see Grissom out there in the first half of the game.

3. How’s Jimmy Garoppolo developing?
This game will give us a window into the progress Garoppolo is making. Chicago, like a lot of NFL teams, struggles down the seams so identifying coverage linebackers on the TEs should be of principle import, so I’d expect to see more looks for AJ Derby and Bennett. Derby is someone to monitor. After the 1st preseason game, people are guaranteeing him a roster spot, which is silly but it’s becoming clear that Clay Harbor needs to earn his spot and nagging injuries are hurting his chances.

Also, Il Grappa is taking over for one of the best ever at selling play-action, so can he get defenses to bite? In the 1st preseason game, he had only one play-action pass called, which was a slow developing counter screen that got blown up because his action didn’t sell the run.

All in all, his decision-making seems good for a young QB, throwing the ball away or taking the sack when things don’t open up. A few exceptions last week: the ill-advised cross body throw in the redzone in the 2nd quarter and the slightly underthrown fade to James White on 4th Down were plays he’d like to have back.

4. I’m a broken record, but where do the rushing yards come from?
Bolden made some good snap decisions in the running game against the Saints, following his blocking but also finding narrow lanes as they opened up. I wonder if his role in the offense can expand just a bit more (don’t sigh, Mike). The Patriots have brought in special teams talent and Bolden appears to be taking advantage of his opportunities in the offense. I’ll be interested to see when his first snaps are.

Blount was way too indecisive last week, trying to run to the sidelines on stretch plays when the edge was a muddy mess. Of course he can’t determine the blocking, but cutting up and settling for small gains rather than taking losses would be nice to see tonight. I think Blount would normally be on thin ice, but the lack of depth at RB makes his reliability enticing, if not boring.

James White also ran with purpose up the middle and had several nice cuts, which is a welcome sign. I’d like to see what he does this week, as Dion Lewis hasn’t been activated and appears to be on a slower timetable to return, which makes White our starting 3rd down back as of now.

5. Another week without news about extensions. Should we prepare for the worst?
There’s still time to lock up Collins, Hightower, Butler and Sheard. On top of that, Gronk is looking to be extended. They’re all going to require decent-sized paydays and with each passing week, I wonder if we shouldn’t prepare by re-watching the opening day game against the Bills after the Lawyer Milloy trade. Brutal.