Thrown into the fray as the unexpected starter during the Patriots’ opening game last Sunday, Bromont guard Sidy Sow did well and did whatever it took to fall into the good graces of coach Bill Belichick, according to an assigned reporter with the team of 24 years to be looked after for a long time.
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True to their culture, the Patriots did not make Sow available for an interview after his first NFL stint in the regular season. In the organization, recruits like him are often required to say as little as possible.
Sow played in all 80 of the Patriots’ offensive plays, which was a huge burden given the Eagles’ excellent defensive front. Going back to last season, the offense only had so many plays once.
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To assess the Quebecer’s first performance, Le Journal turned to Mike Reiss, a reporter at ESPN who covers the Patriots’ activities daily.
“Sidy persevered. He had a very difficult game against one of the best defenses in the league. He wasn’t embarrassed, he was competitive. He made a few mistakes, which is to be expected from a player with his experience.
“Overall, he should be happy with the job he did in this first game, although like every other rookie in the NFL, there is room for improvement,” the veteran noted to Sports Information.
Good adaptability
If Sow was pushed onto the field so soon after being selected in the fourth round of the last draft, it was because starting guards Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu were injured.
After playing left guard for most of his college career at Eastern Michigan, he spent most of his college career preparing for the right tackle position with the Patriots.
“The fact that they used him as a guard says a lot about his intelligence and versatility. In college he played guard, but on the left side. “For me, this adaptability is the basis on which the team bases its evaluation,” emphasized Reiss.
Difficult order
The test was certainly not easy against the Eagles. The interior of the Patriots’ offensive line especially got to know impressive rookie tackle Jalen Carter, who led the way this week with eight pressures on the quarterback.
Obviously, Sow is not to blame for all of the line’s failures in this regard.
“I watched the game again and it depends on every move. The key play where Sidy looked less good was on fourth down with three yards left, which the Patriots failed to convert with 9:39 left. Play in the fourth quarter.” Bill Belichick went for it and it was a crucial play as the Patriots trailed 22-14.
“I would say that in a one-on-one situation against Fletcher Cox, an experienced tackler and excellent player, Sidy didn’t hold his block as long as he would have liked. Sidy’s inexperience showed, but he made important blocks on other plays,” said Reiss, who ultimately believes Sow has made a good impression since joining the team.
“I saw great consistency from him throughout training camp. In my experience with Belichick, this is the best way to put yourself in a position to become a good contributor. His improvement is remarkable to me. »
Good words from the position coach
Sidy Sow impressed with his athletic ability during the NFL evaluation camp last March. Getty Images via AFP
While Bill Belichick is often reluctant to comment on his players’ individual performances, offensive coach Adrian Klemm praised the work of the recruits on the offensive line, including Sidy Sow.
The one with The Incredibles by J.-H. played. Leclerc and the Champlain Lennoxville Cougars weren’t the only rookie offensive lineman to get his baptism.
On the left side, Atonio Mafi, a fifth-round pick last spring, accompanied Sow.
“What makes me feel good is that they were very competitive. They never broke,” Klemm said Tuesday in comments distributed by the Patriots.
“We often worry about a young person playing their first game as a rookie. When certain things go less well, things sometimes snowball. These guys kept fighting. They struggled at times, but overall they were ready,” he continued.
On the right way
Even if everything didn’t go perfectly, there is reason for optimism, according to the coach.
“There are some very encouraging things and they also know that there are a number of things that need to be worked on to improve. “We have laid the foundation and are on the right track,” said Klemm.
At this point, it is unclear how long Sow will remain in his position. It is clear that the Quebecer will return to training as soon as Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu are ready to play again.
“They will come back eventually. “We’ll see when that happens and we’ll take things day by day,” Belichick said simply in his medical evaluation update.