New England Patriots-Atlanta Falcons: 10 Things a Pats Fan Should Watch
Much like last week, the Patriots participated in joint practices with an NFC south team. This time, they traveled to Flowery Branch, GA, to the Atlanta Falcons' practice facility in preparation for tonight's preseason game.
A lot has happened for the Patriots over the past week, including two veterans being placed on injured reserve. Needless to say, Bill Belichick is looking long and hard at his guys, analyzing and evaluating their every move as he prepares to make cuts and name starters.
Here are some key topics for Patriots fans to keep their eyes on.
Which Running Back Gets a Bulk of the Carries?
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Last week, BenJarvus Green-Ellis ran the rock more times than any of New England's backs. This is part of Bill Belichick's plan to give each a chance to be the featured back, running behind the first-team offensive line against the opponent's first-team defensive line.
Who gets the load this week?
Laurence Maroney had a few opportunities last week, but didn't do much with them, although he did finally seem to take off the tap-dance shoes and put on some cleats when he got to the hole. Maybe Belichick wants to see more of that?
Or perhaps Fred Taylor, the injury-prone veteran who seems to be vying for that fourth spot on the roster with Green-Ellis, is the better candidate?
Whoever gets the carries will have to make the most of them, because it could become a very tight race for roster spots.
How Does the Defensive Line Do Without Ty Warren?
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When one player is lost, the ripple effect can often be seen across the entire unit. Three to four defensive linemen are of prime importance to the entire unit, because they are the front guys holding the blockers and allowing everyone else to move freely.
The impact can be seen immediately on the defensive line, where certain players who may have only been singled up or double-teamed are now facing one extra man if the replacement isn't as imposing as his predecessor.
The ripple effect can also be felt in the pass rush, where whichever outside linebacker is playing next to Warren may no longer have a free lane rushing the passer. Last year, that man was Tully Banta-Cain, and he had 10 sacks. Will he repeat that this year without Warren by his side?
We'll have to see how they do against the run, too. The Falcons boast one of the league's top running backs in Michael Turner. The Patriots defensive line is faced with the tall order of stopping him without the presence of Warren, who has become a notorious run-stuffer in his career.
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How is the Offensive Line Holding Up?
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Logan Mankins: hold-out. Nick Kaczur: injured.
These aren't news bulletins to Patriots fans, who have had plenty of time over the past few weeks to talk about who will be opening holes in the running game, and more importantly, who will be guarding Brady at left guard.
Dan Connolly filled in admirably last week, opening up a nice hole in the Saints defensive front as Laurence Maroney plowed through for an easy touchdown.
The play of the offensive line is key to New England's offense, which relies heavily on passing. Brady can get the ball out quickly, but the Patriots' offense has been stopped dead in its tracks by interior pass-rushers in the past. For fear of opening up massive scars, I won't mention further specifics.
Also, keep an eye on depth players on the offensive line.
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Who Starts at Outside Linebacker?
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Derrick Burgess has returned to the fold, so all should be well with the Patriots linebacking corps, right?
In another devastating pair of blows to a depleted defense, Tully Banta-Cain went down with injury on Monday at practice. He's been on the sideline stretching and doing light workouts, but hasn't suited up since. Jermaine Cunningham also hasn't practiced since last Tuesday afternoon.
So who will start at outside linebacker for the Patriots?
Marques Murrell got the start last week with both Burgess and Cunningham out, and it seems as though Burgess will take Banta-Cain's spot. Rob Ninkovich may also figure into the equation as a situational linebacker.
The Patriots just can't seem to get everyone on the field at the same time, but if they can do so by September 12, everything should be just fine.
Where's Rob Gronkowski?
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We didn't hear much from Rob Gronkowski in last week's game against the Saints. In fact, the Patriots second overall pick failed to log a stat of any kind. He was seen run blocking a few times, but after several impressive touchdown catches in training camp, some Patriots fans were probably hoping for more.
Can Gronkowski turn it around and contribute in his second appearance wearing a Patriots uniform? Or will I continue to scour the photo library for college pictures of the Arizona tight end?
Can Zoltan Mesko Stay Consistent?
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Throughout training camp, Mesko has been impressive at times, but inconsistent at other times.
He had a great game against the Saints, putting three of his five punts inside the Saints' 20-yard line, averaging over 43 yards per punt, and knocking one punt for 52 yards.
He also held the ball well for kicker Stephen Gostkowski, even correcting a botched snap to allow Gostkowski to go two-for-two on field goals and three-for-three on PATs.
Can Julian Edelman Continue His Success?
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Julian Edelman played last week's game against the Saints like a man possessed. Reeling in six passes for 90 yards wasn't enough for Edelman, though. He also returned a punt 40 yards in the first quarter.
It's likely that Welker will sit again, so the opportunities will be there for Edelman. Will he continue to make the most of them as he did last week?
Can the Defense Stop Matt Ryan and Michael Turner?
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The Patriots had their share of struggles against top skill position players last year, allowing some gaudy statistics to Drew Brees, Peyton Manning and Ray Rice, among others. Matt Ryan isn't yet in the league of Brees and Manning, but headed into his third year, many are calling for a breakout season from the former Boston College star.
As mentioned earlier, Michael Turner is one of the top backs in the league, and the Patriots may have to come up with some interesting ways to stop the run with Ty Warren out for the season.
Can the Patriots stop these two? If so, how are they able to do it?
Will Wes Welker Play?
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Most New England fans will probably wet themselves at the sight of Welker's first reception back from injury. Could this be his first game back?
His recovery has been nothing short of miraculous, but that doesn't mean that Belichick wants to rush him back onto the field. If anything, Belichick might be thinking that more rest can't hurt. Still, it may be too much to expect of Welker to just pick up where he left off in Week 17.
Some playing time would be good, but too much, too soon, wouldn't be positive.
Tom Brady To Randy Moss
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The two have had a very productive training camp, and while I won't go on record as predicting 2007 numbers (50 touchdown passes for Brady, 23 touchdown receptions for Moss), I will say that the duo has been together for two years on the field, and could really hit stride this season.
The Falcons' secondary is currently without its No. 1 cornerback, Dunta Robinson. The duo could abuse the hapless group of Falcons' corners, much like they did this week at practice, and this could be a good warm-up for them as they really work out the kinks—what few there are, if any.
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