Well, I’ve watched the highlights of the three Patriots pre-season games, and based on that completely insufficient amount of evidence, my prediction is for a spectacularly mediocre season from the Pats. I’ll forecast a final regular season of 8-9, no playoffs (at best).
The offense is stuttering and uninspiring. Sure, there are flashes of good plays, but no consistency, no sense of dominance at any time. Without Josh McDaniel, no one even knows who is calling the plays. Apparently they have “simplified” things, but the offense line is committing penalties left and right, so that doesn’t seem to be working.
The defense looks stout up front and I suspect they will be able to generate good pressure and keep the run game in check. But the secondary is just a bunch of guys. Belichick’s vaunted defenses of the past have always included a lock-down corner, and there is not one in sight here. I predict the defense will be able to get opponents into third and longs, but then constantly give up the first down because the secondary won’t hold, which will be monumentally frustrating for both fans and players.
Meanwhile, all the teams in their division have added quality players and look to be improved. (OK, maybe not the Jets, but how much worse can they get?). I don’t see the Pats having a chance against the Bills and even Miami looks better on paper assuming Tua is not a complete bust.
Unless Mac Jones suddenly turns into Tom Brady in Year 2, I think it’s going to be a long slog of a season.
Joe Thomas does the color commentary for the Browns preseason games now and he’s actually a pretty smooth broadcaster. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him working for one of the networks in this role in a few years.
Remember how the Ravens were hit by the injury bug so badly last year?
We’re still in the preseason, and now their mascot got injured in a Mascots vs. Youth Football Players game at halftime of the Ravens’ last preseason game.
He lay on the field for about five minutes in agonizing pain because no one realized he was actually hurt (maybe they thought it was just part of the show).
Bills release punter Matt Azaiza after a lawsuit was filed accusing him of partaking in a gang rape of a 17 year old girl in 2021. One source is reporting the Bills didn’t know about the allegation when they drafted him, but did when they cut his competition and gave him the job.
In a purely cold and cutthroat way, this would probably be the smart move. They can’t really sink any lower from a public perception standpoint and the same shitheels defending Watson will buy this idiots jersey. When you’re already over your head in manure, what’s a few more pounds on top.
Plus they’ll get him for close to nothing if they want, there won’t be a bidding war. And the dude can kick, so basically a free draft pick to upgrade special teams.
Commanders rookie running back Brian Robinson is in stable condition after being shot multiple times in his lower extremities, in what was either a carjacking or simple armed robbery attempt.
Steelers top WR Diontae Johnson and top pass-rusher T.J. Watt left today’s preseason game with injuries. Coach Mike Tomlin indicated, however, that this was done out of an abundance of caution, and that if this had been a game that counted in the standings, they might have returned.
A lot of fans, myself includes, are not touching that hill. And if you’re really incensed, all NFL fans should take it out on the league that lets this dude stick around and get paid. I haven’t watched a minute of preseason NFL and don’t plan on watching any regular season, either. Never been less excited for an NFL season, even when the Browns were winless.
In news that will bring one Doper to his knees in tears, it appears the Chiefs have cut JOSH FUCKING GORDON. The Browns are considering re-signing him, but only if he gets some kind of sexual assault/harrassment case against him
