New England Patrios: Quick Hit Thoughts at Halftime vs. Jacksonvile Jaguars

No one really cares about the outcome of the game in the NFL preseason, but the New England Patriots' 19-9 lead over the Jacksonville Jaguars is a good start to the season.

Of course, to read too much into the first half of a preseason game featuring mostly backups may be a little premature, but these are the proving grounds that will play a big role in determining the makeup of the final 53-man roster for the 2011 season.

Here are just some of the stories from the first half of the game.

Dane Fletcher making his case: In the absence of Brandon Spikes, it's been little-known inside linebacker Dane Fletcher making an impact at middle linebacker. He's been all over the field, making four tackles and assisting on one more, but those numbers don't do service to his stellar play. Three times he's disrupted a play in the backfield. Twice, he has applied heavy pressure to quarterback Blaine Gabbert and disrupted the rhythm of the rookie.

Third down defense: The Patriots third down defense was almost historically horrendous in 2010, forfeiting a conversion rate of 47 percent. In today's game, that number has been reduced to 22 percent (2-for-9). Although the Patriots got a little help from miscues by Gabbert, they would have killed for numbers like that last season.

Taylor Price looking good: With two catches for 31 yards and a touchdown, Price has nearly matched his production for the entire 2010 season in his first preseason game of 2011. He had a highlight reel touchdown catch in the back of the end zone, tip-toeing on the line to keep his feet in and maintaining possession all the way through. Of course, it's a lot easier going up against second- and third-team defenders, but proving his worth is essential in a tight battle for roster spots at wide receiver.

Brian Hoyer's hot start: Heaven forbid Tom Brady suffer another debilitating injury, but should that be the case, it appears that the Patriots should be set with their backup. Hoyer has been impressive in the first half, going 15-of-21 for 171 yards and a touchdown. He has shown poise in the pocket, rolling out when necessary and making good reads.