One Win Down!

So, not sure what you were expecting out of an opening week game. But, that’s about what it should have been.

The Patriots seem to really hold onto the concept of feeling things out for the beginning of the season, and then fine tuning things once they know what they’ve got. So thats what I felt was going on this weekend. Lots of wondering who can do what, and who can’t do what.

What worked? The offense seemed to have things figured out. Brady was able to hit multiple targets, multiple times. The only concern I’d have in that area is how often he seemed to force it into Gronk. There were a couple times, including the first touchdown, where Gronk was expected to just beat the double coverage on him and make the catch. I understand that he usually makes catches in those situations, and as I said it did result in a score. But moving forward, I hope he doesn’t start feeling like Gronk in the only option, even in good coverage. I hope the other guys can show they can make the catch when needed. Otherwise Gronk is going to have five guys covering him on every third down.

The defense also looked like they had their stuff together. It’s always tough, especially after just one game, to know whether your defense is that good, or their offense is that bad. But I tend to think it was the defense controlling the game, which is a great sign.

It was also a great sign that the announcers were practically begging to call JJ Watt’s name, but didn’t have the chance for a long time. The fact that they kept him off of Brady for so long is another great sign going forward. Even if the Patriots always seem to do a good job controlling him.

Bad stuff? Turnovers. I know the Brady interception was on a tip, and Gronk hasn’t lost a fumble in the last six years or so, and fumbling on a kick return obviously gets you cut the next day. But, that’s clearly an area they should, and will, clean up moving forward.

They’ll need to against Jacksonville.