Pats-Redskins: who will follow Tom Brady?
Bill Belichick is entering his 40th year of coaching, and isn’t surprised by first game jitters. Bill was first to greet RB Roy Finch at the sidelines following the 1st quarter fumble. The play was called back by a Washington Redskins penalty, but that didn’t limit the lecture from Bill.
QB Ryan Mallett struggled mightily to find any rhythm in his throws finishing the 1st half with 5 for 12 for 55 yards. When he sets his feet and uses his strong right arm, there are positive results. The touch passes on screens and the short slant routes gave him trouble. He even had a hard time sliding, banging his left knee in the process. The 4th year pro from the University of Arkansas received high praise this week from NFL Network’s commentator, Mike Mayock. Mike felt that Ryan had reached the status of an NFL starter. The term he used was, “he popped”. In the first half, it was more like he popped up.
In comparison to QB Ryan Mallett, we have the Redskins backup QB, Kirk Cousins. The 3rd year pro from Michigan State looked poised and at ease in the pocket. He drove Washington to a touchdown and field goal, with relatively little pressure. His passes were perfectly timed leading to big gains, and crucial 3rd down completions. It is quite evident that the time he has spent running the offense in place of the starter RGIII, places him light years ahead of Ryan Mallett. Please don’t bother looking to see if the Redskins would give him up for a midround draft pick.
QB Jimmy Garoppolo of the Patriots had to be thrilled attending his first NFL game, and getting to play early in the 3rd quarter. He looked sharp with some pinpoint passes, including a 53 yarder. Unfortunately, the Patriots fumbled on the next play. Color analyst, Christian Fauria was very impressed with the 5,300 yards passing that Garoppolo had in college at Eastern Illinois. Jimmy looked the part of an NFL QB right out of the chute.
A few rule changes that need to be watched closely. DB Brandon Browner will have to adjust to the hands on the receiver. Flags will be flying in his direction until he learns how much leeway the referees will allow. DE Will Smith was flagged for hands to the face. His words with the line judge fell on deaf ears. This year, it will not matter if it was intentional or not. The flag will be thrown.
A pass from QB Jimmy Garoppolo was just overthrown down the right sideline to RB Roy Finch that ended a 4th quarter drive. Minutes later, Jimmy would throw a touchdown pass to Brian Tyms in the corner of the endzone. Play by play announcer, Dan Roche asked analyst Christian Fauria to recap the QB play for the Patriots. “QB Ryan Mallett lacked consistency. He can make the throws. He has to get set, and deliver. He needs to simplify the process". As for QB Jimmy Garoppolo, he had struggled early in the week in the drills, but was very decisive in this game. He smiled, and he was spot on”.
Bill Belichick was his usual self during the postgame press conference stating, "we have a long way to go. We will evaluate the film, and sort it all out".
Paul Murphy is a freelance writer from New Hampshire.
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