So here’s what to be on the lookout for when the Pats don their costumes and hit the stage. When the Patriots are on offense, barring a last minute change in court, Tom Brady will not be suiting up.
These replays will probably be the condensed version of the game, but it’s better than nothing. The former University of Iowa star Brandon Wegher has played pretty well in their NFL preseason games, but he may still not make it to the roster. Poor Rob.
While that’s being worked out, Brady can practice with the Patriots and play in exhibitions. (Jerricho) Cotchery obviously will play a bigger role.
For now, Belichick says he isn’t preparing for the Steelers, but trying to get his team ready for the regular season.
In true Patriots fashion, he’s taking it day by day. He’ll look to improve against the New England Patriots on Friday. That will depend on how it helps the football team. Wayne, who has spent his entire career until now with the Colts, will join a Patriots receiving corps that has been battered with injuries this summer.
Week three of the preseason is when things finally get serious in the NFL. Garoppolo has completed 48 of 63 passes (76.2 percent) for a touchdown and two interceptions in preseason, and is making quicker decisions, delivering the ball when his receivers are getting out of their breaks.
How should the Patriots split the reps at QB Friday night? But last week against the Saints, Dion Lewis really flashed positively, so much so that he looked to be in command. That’s great for the Patriots.
Also On Spin Zone: Will Devin Funchess Fill The Void? Nobody is panicking over his preseason performance. That’s quite the jump for a player who went undrafted out of West Alabama, but he’s clearly a player the coaching staff trusts.
Cornerback Malcolm Butler needs a partner in crime, and Tarell Brown has earned the chance.
We’ll also have live updates and analysis during the game from MassLive Patriots beat writer Kevin Duffy. Those games will give Garoppolo further opportunities to adjust to his possible new life as a starting quarterback, if not the spotlight that will shine on him if he does get the nod on September 10.
Beyond Brown, there aren’t many folks left who believe Logan Ryan is up to the task, and Bradley Fletcher still carries the question marks that came with him when the Patriots signed him this offseason. With most of the starting offense sidelined during the first two games of preseason we will likely get to see most, if not all of them in action. He is 3 of 9 for 23 yards with one first down in five preseason possessions, and he was 0 of 3 on third down against the Saints. I believe the Patriots defense will finish Top 10 in fewest points allowed this year, particularly because all 11 of their starters are at least average or better. He had to sit out all of last week’s game, however, with a sore hamstring.
And so, the job for Jimmy Garoppolo becomes all the more complicated. That’s not what you want to see from the future Hall of Famer or an offense expected to compete for a second-straight Super Bowl trophy. It should be interesting to see how this plays out.
It wouldn’t be beyond Belichick to pull Brady in the first quarter to insert Garoppolo, only to put Brady back in a series later, just to test the backup’s ability. For Garoppolo, the preparation for being a starter in the NFL goes beyond practice work. Kline and Groy played very well against the Saints.
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