5 New England Patriots Who Are Struggling In 2015 Preseason

5 New England Patriots Who Are Struggling In 2015 Preseason

By Nick Sardina

August 24, 2015

5 New England Patriots Struggling During Preseason

Logan Ryan New England Patriots — The New England Patriots have struggled through their first two preseason games. They have plenty of young players competing for spots and several veterans who must step it up as we close in on the 2015 season. Here are five Patriots who have struggled during the first two preseason games.

The New England Patriots have struggled through their first two preseason games. They have plenty of young players competing for spots and several veterans who must step it up as we close in on the 2015 season. Here are five Patriots who have struggled during the first two preseason games.

5. Geneo Grissom, OLB

Geneo Grissom New England Patriots

5. Geneo Grissom, OLB

Geneo Grissom New England Patriots — The Patriots rarely cut players they drafted early, and Grissom was a third-round pick. However, he has done very little to impress during the first two preseason games and the Patriots have a logjam at the position. Grissom better have some good practices and perform well during Friday’s preseason game in Carolina. As of now, I think Xzavier Dickson, a seventh-rounder, and Rufus Johnson deserve a roster spot more than Grissom.

The Patriots rarely cut players they drafted early, and Grissom was a third-round pick. However, he has done very little to impress during the first two preseason games and the Patriots have a logjam at the position. Grissom better have some good practices and perform well during Friday’s preseason game in Carolina. As of now, I think Xzavier Dickson, a seventh-rounder, and Rufus Johnson deserve a roster spot more than Grissom.

4. Shaq Mason, Guard

Shaq Mason New England Patriots

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4. Shaq Mason, Guard

Shaq Mason New England Patriots — Mason is getting a ton of work, and he really needs it. He was consistently bullied by the Saints' defensive tackles, and even more concerning was that Mason was constantly beaten to the outside while giving up leverage on stretch plays. Mason is definitely a work in progress; even though he should easily make the roster, right now he’s not ready to be a starting guard in the NFL.

Mason is getting a ton of work, and he really needs it. He was consistently bullied by the Saints' defensive tackles, and even more concerning was that Mason was constantly beaten to the outside while giving up leverage on stretch plays. Mason is definitely a work in progress; even though he should easily make the roster, right now he’s not ready to be a starting guard in the NFL.

3. Sealver Siliga, DT

Sealver Siliga New England Patriots

3. Sealver Siliga, DT

Sealver Siliga, New England Patriots — Siliga didn’t have any explosiveness during his first extensive game action Saturday night against the Saints. He was consistently handled by the Saints and didn’t provide much push up the middle against the pass. The most disturbing play, albeit it was just one mistake, was when Siliga jumped offside when the Saints were obviously trying to bait the Patriots on a fourth-down situation. Belichick won’t tolerate too many mental miscues.

Siliga didn’t have any explosiveness during his first extensive game action Saturday night against the Saints. He was consistently handled by the Saints and didn’t provide much push up the middle against the pass. The most disturbing play, albeit it was just one mistake, was when Siliga jumped offside when the Saints were obviously trying to bait the Patriots on a fourth-down situation. Belichick won’t tolerate too many mental miscues.

2. Nate Solder, OT

Nate Solder New England Patriots

2. Nate Solder, OT

Nate Solder New England Patriots — Solder has missed some time throughout training camp and the preseason, and it showed on Saturday night as he was consistently beaten by rookie outside linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha. This shouldn’t be much of a concern, but Solder also struggled with his balance during long stretches in 2014. If he can’t fix the problem, the Pats will be in trouble because they already have several other issues along the offensive front.

Solder has missed some time throughout training camp and the preseason, and it showed on Saturday night as he was consistently beaten by rookie outside linebacker Hau’oli Kikaha. This shouldn’t be much of a concern, but Solder also struggled with his balance during long stretches in 2014. If he can’t fix the problem, the Pats will be in trouble because they already have several other issues along the offensive front.

1. Logan Ryan, CB

Logan Ryan New England Patriots

1. Logan Ryan, CB

Logan Ryan New England Patriots — Ryan really competes and never gives in, but he must stop giving up huge plays. He was beaten two more times on deep passes Saturday night. Ryan also gave up a long touchdown pass in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, so his struggles have to be a concern for the Patriots. Ryan has had his chance to show what he can do, but so far he hasn’t proved he can handle playing in man coverage without safety help over the top.

Ryan really competes and never gives in, but he must stop giving up huge plays. He was beaten two more times on deep passes Saturday night. Ryan also gave up a long touchdown pass in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers, so his struggles have to be a concern for the Patriots. Ryan has had his chance to show what he can do, but so far he hasn’t proved he can handle playing in man coverage without safety help over the top.

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