Dress Rehearsal

I spent two weeks taking close looks at rookies and back-ups to see how much potential and depth the Patriots have. Tomorrow will be about the front line.

OK, so I’m exaggerating. Yeah I was concerned about what the starters did in the first two preseason games. I wanted to see how Tom Brady would play after his first major injury. I was curious about how the defense would play, taking certain interest in the pass rush. And the backfield has a standard to reach with Laurence Maroney back and Fred Taylor a new addition to the team.

But this week is different. In what is called the dress rehearsal, all teams gameplan as if it is a regular season game. The starting rotation will play three full quarters before being pulled from the game. After getting glimpses of the starters, we get the best and longest look at the Patriots, giving us the best idea of what to expect in the regular season.

So based on what I’ve seen after two games, here’s what I’m particularly looking for in the dress rehearsal:

Brady after contact:  Tom got what he wanted against Cincinnati – he got tagged. Brady absorbed two sacks on the night before getting pulled, probably as a safety precaution. But how will he bounce back after taking a hit? We will see his eyes stay downfield or will they be drawn to the pass rush? Will Brady’s passes stay on target or do they start to float because he’s not completing his follow through?

Grind it out: Week one, it was Maroney. Week two was Fred Taylor’s chance. Let’s see how productive they are when they are taking turns. Washington had the eighth-ranked run defense last year so the O-line and backfield will be challenged. It will be especially interesting to see if the Pats can run inside and control DT Albert Haynesworth, Washington’s premiere free agent addition this year.

Hold the line: Opposing teams had their way on the ground after two games. New England is giving up 144 yards per game at a 4.7 yards per carry clip. Calling that unacceptable is a major understatement. Whether it was the starting unit or the back-ups victimized, or the 4-3 or 3-4, the Pats have to improve dramatically at defending the run. They may see RBs Clinton Portis and Laddell Betts, a very good 1-2 backfield combination.

Questions? Comments? Send to talktome@randolphc.com