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After further review

Email|Link|Comments (5) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 29, 2008 11:20 PM

A few follow-up thoughts after watching the television copy of the Patriots-Giants preseason finale:

On Laurence Maroney runs that went for no gain and minus-1 yard, center Dan Koppen was pushed back into the running lane by defensive tackle Fred Robbins. It seemed to be a clear case of how one disruptive player, Robbins, could blow up two running plays. Robbins won the one-on-one battles against Koppen up front.

Veteran Mike Flynn's ability to handle the shotgun snap, as the second-string center, likely earns him a roster spot. Bill Belichick made the point earlier this week that the team's two center/quarterback botched exchanges were two of the worst plays of the preseason. Flynn did it with ease.

One of the most underrated plays of the game was delivered by rookie QB Kevin O'Connell. Taking over in the fourth quarter, and facing a second-and-7 from the Giants' 16-yard line, he noticed pre-snap that safety Sammy Knight and linebacker Geris Wilkinson were showing blitz. O'Connell checked off the original play -- the correct call -- and delivered a beautiful strike in the back left-hand corner of the end zone to Chad Jackson for a 16-yard touchdown. Jackson beat 1-on-1 coverage. It's plays like that which make O'Connell a promising possible No. 2 option.

UPS AND DOWNS FOLLOW-UP: After watching the game again, a few alterations would be made to the "ups and downs". Koppen would be a down, as would Tedy Bruschi and Jerod Mayo for struggling to fill gaps in the running game. John Lynch also missed a few tackles, but made up for it with strong play on the goal-line. Rookie free agent linebacker Gary Guyton would be added to the "up" category for making the most of his opportunity (10 tackles, although a few came down the field), as would rookie free agent Vince Redd (draws a holding penalty, 5 tackles) and third-round draft choice Shawn Crable (5 tackles, 1 deflected pass). Rookie quarterback Kevin O'Connell should also be an "up".

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5 comments so far...

Cornerback scares me. I don't see even one legitimate NFL quality starter.

Posted by Mike Allen August 29, 08 11:22 PM

Has Cassell "ever" made such a sucessful audible -- even in practice? Time to send him packing

Posted by J.P. August 30, 08 12:08 AM

Wow,Victor hobson has been Monty Beisel bad..time to cut ties with Cassel there is a reason he has never started.I really hope they clean up the tackling it has been brutal..

Posted by paul August 30, 08 09:10 AM

I think your roster choices are excellent. The fact that Wesley Britt might make the team is scary, can we get John Hannah out of retirement - even at 76 years old he would be better than what we have now. Our defensive backfield is one of the worst in the NFL right now. We will make the playoffs on the easiest schedule in the NFL.

Posted by John Panzer August 30, 08 10:44 AM

This is great Stuff Mike. I love it.
The only change I might make is Mike Richardson on PUP, which would open another roster spot. Has Mike R. played yet this preseason?

Posted by Eric J August 30, 08 02:49 PM

DO NOT HIT THE SUBMIT BUTTON MORE THAN ONCE!

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Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.

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