new england patriots

Had a chance to take another look at the game, a lot of positive stuff to get excited about. Still a lot of questions loom, and while some of the young players have really stepped up, others in “make-or-break” years have not.

Here’s some general observations, and thoughts on the team right now.

– Didn’t see a lot out of Marcus Benard last night, but he’s been pretty consistent so I think we could see him bounce back big against the Lions. But his ineffectiveness, along with Jake Bequette’s invisibility and Michael Buchanan’s rawness, leaves some major questions still to be answered about this defensive end squad. Jermaine Cunningham might make the club from the tub.

– Due to all that uncertainty at DE it might be best to get the fourth contract negotiation going with Ninkovich.

– It’d be nice to see Ras-I this week, and that’s all I’ve got to say about that.

– Little let down watching Duron Harmon, and still not in love with Steve Gregory. Also not convinced Adrian Wilson has any deep coverage left in him. Safety door next to McCourty still seems wide open.

– I can safely say that I feel like an idiot now for questioning a Chandler Jones sophomore slump. He’s been nearly unblockable thus far, and looks like he could be our defensive MVP if he keeps it up.

– TFB is good at football.

– Same old same old with Mallett. Good throw here. Off throw there. No question he has the arm, but in my eyes I’ve see little to no progression in him from the preseason games I’ve seen him in.

– I was also dumb to be unsure on Vereen. He looks explosive and like he’ll be a versatile threat who will give defenses problems.

–Still really like Brandon Bolden and think there’s room for five running backs on the roster.

– The Rutgers rooks are all getting a lot of preseason experience. Along with Dobson, it’s the best thing for them. Really all of this year’s picks have flashed at one point or another, now it’s just a matter of getting them up to NFL speed. 

– Kenbrell Thompkins is why the whole draft process is really just a shot in the dark.

– Why do I fear for Edelman’s life every time he has the ball in his hands?

– Tommy Kelly. I think I’m in love.

– Armond Armstead has been seen around games and practices recently. If he doesn’t practice this week it’s probably a good bet he’s staying on the PUP list.