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The Patriots “beat” the Packers 21-17 in abbreviated game. The game was suspended with 10:29 left in the fourth quarter after rookie cornerback Isaiah Bolden was hurt when he collided with linebacker Calvin Munson. Bolden was on the ground for a long period of time. Bill Belichick and Packers Coach Matt LaFleur met while Bolden was being tended to and decided that the game should end. The NFL concurred and the game was suspended.
Despite that, there were still some positives and negatives that can be taken away from the game.
Here are my seven points from the game.
1. Isiah Bolden update: Bolden spent the night in a Green Bay hospital and released this morning. He was diagnosed with a concussion and was flying back with the team. We are glad to hear he is doing well and that he is back home with the team.
2. First offense plays well: The first offense had a good showing. Mac Jones started and completed 6/8 passes for 52 yards. He had two really good throws where he took a shot after releasing the ball. The Patriots ran the ball effectively rushing for 96 yards and a touchdown. The first offense did get a break when the Packers turned the ball over on their first position. They were able to capitalize on a one yard touchdown run by Rhamondre Stevenson.
3. Offensive line struggles: The offensive line continued to struggle in pass protection. Both rookie Sidy Sow and Andrew Stueber gave up costly sacks to Packers defensive end Kingsley Enagbare. They looked overmatched on the plays. Both Jones and Bailey Zappe stood tough in the pocket despite the pressure. If there was a silver lining, the offensive line did a good job in the run game. They fired off the ball, came off double teams and were physical.
4. Defense was up and down: The starting defense was good early but as soon as the second and third group started rotating in, the Packers scored and moved the ball. There is no question that the starting defense has elite potential. We saw. The veteran in particular played well, specifically Jalen Mills. Sam Roberts and some of the younger players had a tough night however and need to be better.
5. Young receivers ball out: Both Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas played well and made the most of their touches. Boutte scored a 42 yard touchdown and continued his strong play the past three weeks. Douglas also looked good on his two catches. He looks like the playmaker this offense has been lacking. Belichick and the offensive staff will have a real difficult time figuring out who will make the final 53. At this rate, there is no way Boutte and Douglas make it to the practice squad or last the season.
6. Corners struggle: I thought the cornerbacks struggled at times. Green Bay’s receiving corp is good and will present a challenges for any defense in the NFL. Christian Gonzalez gave up a big catch to Romeo Doubs that was originally deemed out of bounds and later overturned. Bolden and Shaun Wade struggled in man coverage especially on crossing routes. We all know there will be growing pains with the young guys in the secondary but last night was tough.
7. Run defense was ugly: The run defense was an issue all night. The Patriots struggled to get off blocks, the run fits were poor and the back seven took bad angles at times. The run defense has been issue the past three years. It is too early to panic but Saturday night was not good. The last thing this unit wants to do is revert to poor technical habits against the run. If you cannot stop the run, you cannot stop an offense.