Bedard's Breakdown: Offensive line, backs stand out in opener

We'll get into our expansive GameChart from this game (broken tackles, big plays and drops are now included) and some thoughts on players by unit. But we'll start with the top takeaways from a game that was pretty rough on the eyes if you wanted to see some efficient passing.

We've talked about how Patriots camp to this point have been, compared to their and other team's camps in previous years, basically Club Med. Light on hitting, competitive drills and even sluggish when it comes to tempo, they entered Thursday night's game a bit ill-prepared to play live football (not that anyone cares about preparing for exhibitions).

And it definitely showed on the field. The offensive positions most affected by the light camp — quarterbacks and the receivers/tight ends — had terrible first halves and didn't start to catch up until the second half, when the Redskins had their scrubs in the game.

But the positions that have practiced closest to the level they will during the season — the offensive line and running backs — were far and away the best units for the Patriots, so that really shouldn't be a surprise.

The offensive line allowed just three quarterback pressures against the Redskins' backups, and only six of the 10 run stuffs allowed (yards of 1 yard or less outside of short yardage) were on the offensive line. The running backs as a group (including fullbacks) had 20 plus plays and only 2.5 negative plays.

I don't think it's a coincidence that the two best and most experienced positional coaches — Dante Scarnecchia and Ivan Fears — direct those units, and they've had the most physical training camps to date.

QUARTERBACKS

Brian Hoyer didn’t even give Phillip Dorsett a chance on the first third-down opportunity. He tends to do that. … Took a coverage sack in 4.19 seconds against a three-man rush. Definitely had an opportunity to make a play with his feet and escape the pocket. ... Hoyer was better in the second half, but his patting of the ball before throwing isn't helping him deliver the ball on time or into tight spots. ... Danny Etling's fumble wasn't his fault — read option? — and he threw one into the sidelines. But his low ball release is going to be a problem. He had one pass batted down, but it's low in general.

RUNNING BACKS

Everyone performed well in this group, even fullback Henry Poggi, whose pad level is often way too high. Had him for five plus-blocks and two minus-blocks. ... Jeremy Hill didn’t get hit for 10 yards on his 11-yard run. That was good work by the run apparatus — David Andrews, Shaq Mason and James Develin. … Hill and Ralph Webb, who has been showing more lately in camp, had some excellent blocking in front of them, and 11 plus-plays between them.

RECEIVERS

The three receivers who are expected to get the most playing time this season — Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan and Phillip Dorsett — combined for two drops and a penalty. ... If last night was any indication, getting separation is going to be an issue for this group. Of course, it helps when Rob Gronkowski is there to draw attention. Hogan has a very tough time getting open on the edge. They need to move him around. ... Poor execution by Allen on first running play on a double team -- he didn’t hold block. … Could have sworn the pass to Dorsett to end the second drive was broken up when I saw it live, but I ruled it a drop on Dorsett — there wasn’t a clear replay. … Before he caught the pass that went through Will Tye, it looked like Hoyer expected Cordarrelle Patterson to break off his route. This is going to be the type of thing that may keep him off the field as a receiver. …. Riley McCarron had a drop where he needs to catch the ball with his hands and not let it get to his body. Not a good sign.

OFFENSIVE LINE

The starting offensive linemen each had only one error, and LG Joe Thuney had a clean sheet. ... Sure looked like Shaq Mason pass blocked to start the second drive on a running play. … Good blitz pickup by Mason on first play of third series. ... James Ferentz was probably the least effective offensive lineman, and he was far from bad in this game (good run blocking). ... Of the backups, the most surprising performance from Matt Tobin at left tackle. He was the best of the group and his run blocking — especially in tandem with LG Ted Karras — was outstanding. They were imploding people.

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THREE UP

RB Jeremy Hill: Did a little bit of everything in this game and was very effective. Mike Gillislee better get going.

LG Joe Thuney: A clean sheet for a player that some ill-formed people (ahem, Mazz) think isn't good.

TE Ryan Izzo: The kid made two nice catches and was largely terrific blocking, including on two of Webb's scores.

THREE DOWN

WR Chris Hogan: A penalty, a drop and couldn't get open. Not a good start.

WR Riley McCarron: If you want to make this team, you better get open and catch the ball with your hands. He didn't do either.

OT Ulrick John: Really wasn't all that bad (two half run stuffs), but he was the next candidate.