Patriots Game 4 Expectations: Final Tune Up
BOSTON (CBS) -The New England Patriots close out their preseason Thursday night at Gillette against the New York Giants. Although not a lot is expected out of the starters, it will be the last time for some of the bubble players to shine before the final cuts on Saturday.
Here are what the WBZ/CBS Boston sports minds see playing out as the preseason comes to an end.
Walt Perkins, WBZ NewsRadio 1030
Oh what a week it must have been for the Patriots offensive linemen. The team's 34-10 pounding at the hands of the young Lions in Detroit in pre-season game Number 3 was not a good showing by the O-line as QB Tom Brady was under pressure virtually every time he stepped back to pass.
To his credit, Brady claimed he was as much at fault as the behemoths in front of him in that he must make quicker reads and throws. That lack of recognition more than likely is the result of the time lost to the lockout. No mini-camps, no passing camps, etc. No doubt that has a lot to do with where the Patriots are instead of where they should be.
However, it is well-documented that even if Brady is at his absolute best (as he was leading an undefeated New England team against the New York Giants in the Super Bow) it doesn't amount to a hill of beans if he has 1,200 pounds of defensive lineman laying waste to the Patriots up front (see final score of said Super Bowl).
Read/Watch: Game On Despite Foxboro Power Issues
NFL games are won in the trenches. That's no secret. Just how much blame that Detroit loss is put on the O-Line by Bill Belichick and Offensive Line Coach Dante Scarnecchia will be determined by how long the starters play in the Pre-Season finale' against the Giants. Historically, head coaches let their starters walk on the field for pre-game stretching and then tell them to hit the showers and don't get hurt doing it. But Belichick is no ordinary head coach. If he feels the starters aren't ready for the season then they will see action against the Giants.
It should be noted that the Giants just played the New York Jets on Monday. How much time their starters see in Foxboro is questionable.
Steve Burton, WBZ-TV
After last week's debacle the Patriots should bounce back and be themselves.
Brady and the offense need to click again, and I expect the line to protect him this time out. I don't expect the starters to play all that much, but I'd like to see the Brady-Ochocinco connection get going.
Listen: Jeff Howe with Hardy & Trup: Will We See Welker or Haynesworth?
It would also be nice to see this defense establish themselves among the best in the league, even if it is only preseason. There are guys fighting for spots on the team, so the defense should play a much crisper game. Or else....
The Patriots should shine, especially against a Giants team that has already played once this week.
Levan Reid, WBZ-TV
I really don't expect to see much. I would like to see the timing between Chad and Tom come together, but I don't think that's going to be the case. Both will likely find their spot on the bench when game-time rolls around.
Read: Levan Reid's Patriots Blog
Brandon Spikes, Mike Wright, Albert Haynesworth and Shaun Ellis have seen zero game time this preseason. It would be nice to get those guys some snaps.
Let's finish this game injury free and I will be happy.
Dan Roche, WBZ-TV
As bad as things looked in Detroit Saturday night, it would be nice to see the starters right the ship. But that won't happen, because the main thing will be to keep everyone healthy. If Bill Belichick does send his starters out there, it will likely be for a drive or two. Anything more tells you he is really unhappy with their poor showing in Detroit.
Game 4 of the preseason is more for the guys trying to make the team, and rookies to get their final tune-up before the regular season. It will be nice if corner Ras-I Dowling can get some game action under his belt, and the duo of rookie running backs (Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen) to get their carries. It would also be a good thing if someone steps up to claim the final safety spot, be it Josh Barrett or James Ihedigbo.
New England fans will also get a look at former BC Eagle Mark Herzlich, now on the Giants, who turns 24 today. It would be a great story if he can make the team.
But most important, everyone STAY HEALTHY for September 12 in Miami!
Tune in to the Patriots-Giants preseason game on 98.5 The Sports Hub and WBZ-TV Thursday night at 7:30pm. The Hub's pregame coverage begins at 4pm, with the postgame show immediatly following the game. Tune in to WBZ-TV at 7pm for the Patriots Pregame show and immediately following the game for all the postgame reaction and analysis on Patriots 5th Quarter.
