Game Grades – Patriots at Panthers

Another interesting preseason game.

Keeping in mind it was an exhibition, nothing more, here are the game grades:

Offense:

Jake Delhomme was a bright spot, completely redeeming himself for his lackluster performance a week ago. Jake was able to throw himself to a 109 QB rating. If he can do that on a consistent basis, the QB position will be the least of the Panthers concerns. Jake looks comfortable in the shotgun, something the fans have been wanting to see for a long while.

A quick pass. A great catch. Zoom…zoom..zoom. Is that Steve Smith? No? Drew Carter? No? Who is that outrunning the defense and picking up blocks for a TD? WHO? Keary Colbert?!?! Where has that guy been?  (anyone else have the same reaction?)

Jeff King further solidified his starting role, making up for an early drop with three nice grabs, two for 3rd down conversions.

All in all, although only 7 points were scored, as it is only an exhibition I really can only judge the night on  individual performances, which did yield some good things.

Offensive Grade: B- 

Defense:

I get giddy everyone time I imagine Dan Morgan and Jon Beason playing side by side the entire season. Together they will help to make up one of the best LB core in the league. Lets hope it happens.

There was very little QB pressure applied by the Panthers defense. That is not a bad thing however. The Panthers appeared to be working on their nickel and dime packages most of the evening. Often only 4 linemen and in many cases 3 or even 2 were rushing the QB. Although painful to watch now, it should pay off come an actual game.

The greater concern is when the Panthers did decide to try to apply pressure via CB blitz, Tom Brady was able to pick it up and easily complete passes. This falls squarely on the CB’s and Safeties. That must improve.

Overall I am optimistic about the defense. Although they did allow a good many points, keep in mind it was against a defense that was practicing certain aspects of their game first, playing the Patriots second.

Defensive Grade – C

Special Teams 

Two blocked kicks?

TWO BLOCKED KICKS? 

Special Teams Grade – F-