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Ups & downs

Email|Link|Comments (8) Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff August 23, 2008 12:05 AM

FOXBOROUGH -- A look at who's up and who's down from the Patriots' 27-17 preseason loss to the Eagles:

Matt Gutierrez -- Quarterback makes a move for the No. 2 job, finishing 14 of 20 for 217 yards and two touchdowns.

C.J. Jones/Chad Jackson -- Both receivers made big plays in the passing game -- Jones had three catches for 70 yards and a touchdown, while Jackson's 1-yard touchdown grab was a beauty.

Nickel defense against the run -- Experimenting with a 5-defensive back package -- with both Rodney Harrison and John Lynch playing closer to the line of scrimmage for one series each -- the defense was sturdy against the run while playing in that grouping. The nickel often invites teams to run and the Eagles ran at Lynch seven straight times, and the grouping held up well -- allowing runs of 6, 3, 2, 3, 5, 4 and 1 yard.

Down

Matt Cassel -- With another chance to stake claim to the No. 2 quarterback job, he finishes 8 of 14 for 60 yards.

First-unit defense -- For the third straight game, the opponent drives down the field on the opening drive to score points. Third down continued to be a problem for the second game in a row, with the Eagles converting 50 percent of the time.

Kickoff/punt coverage units -- Allowing a touchdown on both kickoff and punt returns was inexcusable. Bill Belichick took the blame for not punting out of bounds at the end of the first half, a poor situational play.

Offensive line -- Pass protection breakdowns coupled with holding penalties against left tackle Wesley Britt, left guard Logan Mankins and a false start against right tackle Nick Kaczur.

NOTE: After watching the game again tomorrow, we'll revise the ups and downs.

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8 comments so far...

I've seen better offensive lines in Division One high school. Hold on to your hats...and keep the Pepto Bismal at hand...it's gonna be a frustrating and forgetable year for the Patsies.

Posted by Melman August 23, 08 06:26 AM

that catch by jackson was sick! if he plays like that this season we will basically have two randy mosses out there on the field.

Posted by Peter August 23, 08 09:03 AM

The Matt Cassel era is over. He hasn't played a complete game of football since high school. Not ready for the NFL, probably never. When the Pats cut him, nobody will pick him up.

Posted by DaveS August 23, 08 10:08 AM

Is it too much to hope for Mangini picking up Cassel to pick his brain to help the Jets understand the Patriot O? Cassel could explain to him both things he knows. Please football gods - make Mangini think he's pulling a fast one...

Posted by Lance August 23, 08 11:04 AM

I totally agree with Dave. Matt Cassel has gotta go. Matt G played him off the team last night. If he doesn't get cut I expect a whole article saying why the Pats could possibly be sane to keep Cassel

Posted by Sanjeev August 23, 08 11:33 AM

The Pats need to cut Cassal yesterday! Be done with it already. At least the other two have found the end zone! The fans can see that Cassel lacks the necessary confidence. A play that clearly illustrates this was the blowout in Miami when Brady handed off the QB towel to Cassel and Cassel threw an interception to Taylor, who of course ran it back for a TD. Cassel back to the bench and Brady took back his QB towel. Cassel needs to be cut!

Posted by Sick of Cassel August 23, 08 01:29 PM

Hey Mike,
Any other injuries to worry about other than Wes Welker? And yea, Cassel era is pretty much over, they will cut him. Either keep Guitteriez or find a veteran backup as O'Connel is going to bet the 3rd.

Posted by ProvMan August 23, 08 02:52 PM

Mentally I have already moved on from Cassel. Frankly, nobody is discussing it, Gutierrez actually looks pretty good. He didn't play against Tampa and he has looked solid in both appearences this season.

I guess we should have traded Cassel after that first preseason when he looked so promising.

Posted by Sonny_Corlione August 23, 08 03:41 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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