Prepping for the Preseason Game That Actually Matters
A look out wide
This is an across-the-board topic heading into the Patriots’ third preseason contest. Wes Welker, who didn’t play in the preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles, has been limited in practice again this week, and his status remains uncertain against the Redskins. Welker caught a screen pass for 32 yards against the Cincinnati Bengals, but that was his only production as he played just two series. As someone who has caught an NFL-high 223 passes over the last two seasons, Welker doesn’t need extended reps in the preseason, but his absence has had a trickle-down effect on the depth chart.
Because of that, we’re still waiting to see some contributions from the Patriots’ third wideout spot. Joey Galloway and Greg Lewis have caught a total of three passes for 28 yards in two games, largely unimpressive numbers. Of course, statistics can be fairly meaningless in the preseason — Julian Edelman, Terrence Nunn and Ray Ventrone are the Patriots’ three leading receivers, and Randy Moss only has three catches for 54 yards this preseason — but Galloway and Lewis haven’t done a ton to separate themselves yet. With that, though, their reps have been limited, and their regular-season success will largely depend upon defenses focusing their coverage toward Moss and Welker.
Down the line, this could be an important game for Edelman (providing he overcomes the injury that limited him in practice this week, and he can indeed play against the Redskins), whom some wanted to enshrine in Canton after the Eagles game. Edelman didn’t do a ton against the Bengals — although, who did? — so it’ll be important for him to have a bounce-back game against the Redskins. Rookie receivers are prone to inconsistency, especially those who were quarterbacks just a few months earlier. Edelman’s spot on the roster still remains secure, but it would help if he could provide a spark if given the chance to line up with the first-teamers.
More eyes on defense
The Patriots’ defense lined up in a 4-3 base against the Eagles, but they split between a 4-3 and 3-4 against the Bengals. It’s likely Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is still trying to figure out which look he prefers in certain situations. Both have helped the Patriots’ pass rush, which appears to have improved since last season. Because Friday’s game is as close to a regular-season affair as you’ll see in August, keep an eye on which group Belichick employs and if it changes during run and pass situations. The Redskins also have a pretty good running attack, so it’ll be a nice test in that regard for the Patriots.
On an individual note, keep an eye on Tedy Bruschi, who missed the preseason opener and played with the second unit last week against Cincinnati. Bruschi missed a large chunk of training camp, so Belichick might have preferred to ease his linebacker into game action. The days of playing all three downs have passed for Bruschi, but we don’t yet know where he stands on the depth chart. If his role remains limited against the Redskins, Gary Guyton may have emerged as the Patriots’ second middle linebacker.
Playing time
It’s been a little backwards for the Patriots’ first unit this preseason. They played nearly the entire first half of the first game, but they only played one quarter in the second game. Every first-teamer in the Patriots’ locker room has said they’re anticipating extending playing time Friday night, so we’ll see what that equates to. Because this will likely be the last time the Patriots’ key guys will play before the regular season, expect to see Tom Brady and the rest of the starters suit up for at least three quarters.
Still questions at backup quarterback
Friday will provide a good indicator as to who will be Brady’s primary backup. Andrew Walter was the first off the bench against the Eagles, but an undisclosed injury kept him out against the Eagles, which allowed Kevin O’Connell to resume his second-string duties. Because Brady figures to play three full quarters — give or take a few minutes — it’s unlikely that both Walter and O’Connell can earn significant reps. If a strong majority of those reps goes to one or the other, well, you’ve got your backup quarterback.
