6 Things We Learned About New England Patriots During Week 3 Of Preseason

6 Things We Learned About New England Patriots During Week 3 Of Preseason

By Nick Sardina

August 29, 2015

6 Things We Learned About New England Patriots During Week 3 Of Preseason

New England Patriots — The New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16 Friday night in what was used as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. While several positions and roster spots are set, there still are several things that still need to be decided. Here are six things we took from the Patriots’ preseason game in Carolina.

The New England Patriots defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16 Friday night in what was used as a dress rehearsal for the regular season. While several positions and roster spots are set, there still are several things that still need to be decided. Here are six things we took from the Patriots’ preseason game in Carolina.

6. Cornerback Position Taking Shape

Bradley Fletcher New England Patriots

6. Cornerback Position Taking Shape

Bradley Fletcher New England Patriots — Things are beginning to become clearer on who will play opposite Malcolm Butler when the regular season begins. Tarell Brown really stood out, breaking nicely on a few passes. Bradley Fletcher, who still struggles against quickness, did show the ability to be a solid tackler and zone defender. Dax Swanson, who is regarded as a longshot to make the roster, also showed impressive ball skills in breaking up a pair of second-half passes.

Things are beginning to become clearer on who will play opposite Malcolm Butler when the regular season begins. Tarell Brown really stood out, breaking nicely on a few passes. Bradley Fletcher, who still struggles against quickness, did show the ability to be a solid tackler and zone defender. Dax Swanson, who is regarded as a longshot to make the roster, also showed impressive ball skills in breaking up a pair of second-half passes.

5. Versatility Along Defensive Front

Dominique Easley New England Patriots

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5. Versatility Along Defensive Front

Dominique Easley New England Patriots — The Patriots could have their most versatile and athletic front of the Bill Belichick era. The number of quality defensive ends gives the Pats plenty of options up front, and that versatility was on display Friday as they used Chandler Jones, Trey Flowers, Rufus Johnson and Dominique Easley as inside rushers. While the Pats only got two sacks, they continuously harassed Panthers quarterbacks Cam Newton and Derek Anderson.

The Patriots could have their most versatile and athletic front of the Bill Belichick era. The number of quality defensive ends gives the Pats plenty of options up front, and that versatility was on display Friday as they used Chandler Jones, Trey Flowers, Rufus Johnson and Dominique Easley as inside rushers. While the Pats only got two sacks, they continuously harassed Panthers quarterbacks Cam Newton and Derek Anderson.

4. Dion Makes Mark

Dion Lewis New England Patriots

4. Dion Makes Mark

Dion Lewis New England Patriots — The battle to replace Shane Vereen has been one of the key competitions of the preseason. It appears James White has won that competition, but Dion Lewis made a case to remain with the team with another good performance. Lewis made tacklers miss and showed good hands in hauling in a touchdown pass. Lewis has great elusiveness, and his ability to turn nothing into something is what will make him difficult to cut.

The battle to replace Shane Vereen has been one of the key competitions of the preseason. It appears James White has won that competition, but Dion Lewis made a case to remain with the team with another good performance. Lewis made tacklers miss and showed good hands in hauling in a touchdown pass. Lewis has great elusiveness, and his ability to turn nothing into something is what will make him difficult to cut.

3. Garoppolo Takes Step Back

Jimmy Garoppolo New England Patriots

3. Garoppolo Takes Step Back

Jimmy Garoppolo New England Patriots — While his final line of 13 of 17 for 126 yards and a touchdown looks like he had another good game, Garoppolo looked more like a backup than a starter Friday night. Garoppolo too often predetermines where he’s going with the ball. That almost cost him on his opening drive as he threw two sideline routes right into the mitts of Panthers defenders. Both were dropped, but if they made the simple play, it would’ve resulted in two touchdowns.

While his final line of 13 of 17 for 126 yards and a touchdown looks like he had another good game, Garoppolo looked more like a backup than a starter Friday night. Garoppolo too often predetermines where he’s going with the ball. That almost cost him on his opening drive as he threw two sideline routes right into the mitts of Panthers defenders. Both were dropped, but if they made the simple play, it would’ve resulted in two touchdowns.

2. What To Do With Aaron Dobson?

Aaron Dobson New England Patriots

2. What To Do With Aaron Dobson?

Aaron Dobson New England Patriots — Dobson once again displayed his tantalizing talent and head-scratching inconsistency during one game. Dobson was called for a block in the back and was also unable to handle a catchable pass from Brady that was wrestled away by Carolina corner Charles Tillman for an interception. However, he consistently got open and made two catches for 51 yards. Dobson’s ability to provide the Pats with a true deep threat makes him worth keeping.

Dobson once again displayed his tantalizing talent and head-scratching inconsistency during one game. Dobson was called for a block in the back and was also unable to handle a catchable pass from Brady that was wrestled away by Carolina corner Charles Tillman for an interception. However, he consistently got open and made two catches for 51 yards. Dobson’s ability to provide the Pats with a true deep threat makes him worth keeping.

1. Offensive Line Struggling

New England Patriots Offensive Line

1. Offensive Line Struggling

New England Patriots Offensive Line — The biggest question mark on offense has been how the interior of the offensive line will take shape. It has to remain the biggest concern heading into the season, as the Patriots have not been able to establish any consistency in the running game. Far too many runs have been stuffed for no gain or negative yardage. That inability to get any push puts the entire offense off schedule and puts the quarterbacks in tough must-pass situations.

The biggest question mark on offense has been how the interior of the offensive line will take shape. It has to remain the biggest concern heading into the season, as the Patriots have not been able to establish any consistency in the running game. Far too many runs have been stuffed for no gain or negative yardage. That inability to get any push puts the entire offense off schedule and puts the quarterbacks in tough must-pass situations.

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