New week, old defense – After a week of debate about playing a 4-3, the defense came out in a 3-4. The starting unit was very aggressive and effective, especially stopping the run, unlike the week before.
Oh!-line – Last week QB Tom Brady asked to get popped to let him know he’s back. He got his wish against Cincinnati. The Bengals applied consistent pressure all night long.
Two Terrences – WR Terrence Nunn was mentioned as a play-maker throughout training camp. He made a few last night. As for CB Terrence Wheatley, again he took bad angles tackling and victimized in pass coverage. He gave up the TD pass to Chris Henry.
Reserve quarterbacks – With the exception of the 2-minute drive to end the game, Kevin O’Connell stared down his targets and couldn’t consistently move the team. Rookie free agent Brian Hoyer did a respectable job for someone not good enough to get drafted.
Ground game – I thought the Patriots planned to emphasize the run. When they did run, Fred Taylor, in his first preseason action, looked fine. BenJarvus Green-Ellis was nice, except for the fumble.
Alex Smith – New England gave up a draft pick for him? It’s bad enough he’s not making plays as a receiver, but he also completely blew a blocking assignment on an outside blitz that led to a Hoyer sack.
Extra Point – The second unit defense and beyond has a long way to go. They were carved on the ground. They’re not quite ready for prime time.Keywords: Alex Smith, Brian Hoyer, Fred Taylor, Kevin O'Connell, New England Patriots, Terrence Nunn, Terrence Wheatley, Tom Brady BenJarvus Green-Ellis
