A Look into the Trenches
It is dangerous to take too much out of preseason game #2 which saw nearly all of the veteran big guns on the bench for the duration of the game. But by sitting the bigger names, Coach Belichick gave us a better look at some of the young guys on the roster looking to earn both roster spots and significant playing time once the real games begin. We will highlight the first half performance (when Philly had their starters in) of some of the Lineman that pave the way for Brady to sit in the pocket and some guys trying to get after the opposing Quarterback on the other side of the ball.
Doing Well:
Dan Connolly, Center- Connolly appears poised to step in as the starting Center full time even with the resigning of long time Brady favorite and BC grad Dan Koppen. Connolly held up against a dangerous pass rush last night and was fairly unnoticeable, which is generally a good thing for any Center.
Jermaine Cunningham- Starting this game and playing for an extended period of time for the first time since his rookie year, Cunningham was around the ball and made an impact. He is still young and may yet develop into the situational pass rusher many of us hoped he could one day become.
Kyle Love- Love continues to impress as he grows into himself as a full time player in the league. He had several nice pass rushes, highlighted on the play that Cunningham knocked Vick out of the game. Love beat his man up the middle on that play, fought through a bear hug from the Philly lineman (how the hell was that not a hold, replacements?), and forced Vick out of the pocket and into the big hit from #96. All half, Love was stellar in the middle and looks to expand on his career year next year and catapult into a full time impact player.
Up And Down
Nate Solder- The 2nd year tackle struggled early on. This was highlighted on a play where Trent Cole bullrushed Solder right onto his keister in an early drive in the 1st quarter. However, as the game wore on, Solder began to settle in. He took some nice pass sets and was able to wall off Pro-Bowler Cole for the remainder of the half. Solder is one of the keys to the offensive line and must prove he can provide the consistent protection he provided Tommy last year as a Right Tackle on the left side as he moves to the blind side full time with the retirement of Matt Light.
Chandler Jones- Jones didn’t necessarily do anything terribly wrong during his early snaps. He had a few nice rushes and remains a presence, as the Eagles consistently had a Tight End lined up over the former Organgeman to help out the left tackle. He didn’t have any of the highlights he has provided in camp and game #1, but extended playing time should allow him to shine as we get closer to the regular season.
Struggling:
Marcus Cannon- The kid is a nice story, but boy did Cannon look awful last night. He essentially mimicked a turnstile, opening up his hips and waving at Defensive Ends as they headed on a beeline towards either Mallet or Hoyer. Cannon may be better suited to kick inside to be more of a mauler at Right Guard, and Sebastian Vollmer’s recent activation from PUP has to make Brady and McDaniels smile.
