Patriots Preseason Week 2 Takeaways
Storylines emerge from Lambeau Field
The New England Patriots went to Lambeau Field for Week 2 of the NFL preseason and took on the Green Bay Packers.
The Patriots won 21-17. Here are the biggest takeaways from the game:
Isaiah Bolden injury- The rookie cornerback left the game on a stretcher in the fourth quarter with a head injury.
Fortunately, he has now since been released from the hospital after overnight observation.
The scary moment prompted the referees, Bill Belichick, and Matt LaFleur to communicate with league about suspending the game. The NFL agreed to suspend the game and one has to wonder if this is the new normal.
Unfortunately, head injuries happen all the time in the NFL, and after the incident with Damar Hamlin last season the players and coaches now have a voice and precedent to stop play.
OL struggles- The offensive line has been a big talking point in training camp as they have struggled. The Patriots are currently without lineman Cole Strange and Michael Onwenu to injury. Quarterbacks Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe was constantly under pressure, including one strip sack in the first quarter.
The night started left tackle Trent brown getting a false start on the very first offensive snap. The Packers finished with six QB hits and two sacks. This group looks like they need a lot of work and improvement will have to be a point of emphasis as the regular season draws closer.
Bourne shines- The disappearance of Kendrick Bourne last season was perhaps the biggest failure of Matt Patricia. In 2021, Jones and Bourne had chemistry that resulted in 800 yards and five touchdowns. However in 2022, Bourne only had 434 yards as he took a backseat.
Bourne came out strong in this game leading the team with three catches and 34 yards just in the first quarter. His most impressive catch was a 28 yard contested grab on 3rd & 8 as Jones threw it up to him as he was under pressure. He also made his presence felt in the run game by getting a key block that allowed Rhomondre Stevenson to run for 28 yards.
Douglas and Boutte- Rookie wide receivers Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte each had two catches, Douglas with 17 yards and Boutte with 49. With Tyquan Thornton unable to play due to a shoulder injury, the rookies took advantage of the elevated opportunities.
Boutte scored on a 42 yard slant pass from Zappe that showed off his explosive speed he displayed at LSU. Thornton was hurt and inconsistent last season and has not emerged this preseason either. It is doubtful the Patriots give up on their 2022 second round pick, but his opportunities are shrinking by the game it seems.
Folk is the starter- When the Patriots drafted kicker Chad Ryland in this years draft, it seemed the end for Nick Folk. However, Folk took the first extra point when the starters got on the board in the first quarter. At this point it looks that Folk will remain the starter and Ryland will be the backup kicker on the 53 man roster.
No Joint Practices- Due to the Bolden injury, the Patriots announced they have canceled join practices with Tennessee Titans this upcoming week and will train in Foxborough instead. The final preseason game will be on Friday in Nashville. After that, it is decision making time for every team. By the 29th of August each roster has to be trimmed down from 90 to the 53 man roster.
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