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Archives for October 3, 2022

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 4 vs Green Bay

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AP Photo/Mike Roemer

The Patriots came out of Green Bay 1-3 on the season following another defeat, but they sure didn’t go down without a fight. Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Packers.

Ups ⬆️

Jack Jones

The player of the game, without a doubt. What a debut start for Jones, he forced and recovered a fumble, then shocked Aaron Rodgers with a pick-6!

Not without allowing a few plays, but a fantastic performance by the rookie, showing that he certainly has a nose for the ball. I can’t wait to see how he progresses from here.

Bailey Zappe

What a debut game for the young kid, a week ago he was preparing to be the backup following the injury to Mac Jones, then, late in the first quarter Brian Hoyer leaves the game with a concussion, and in came the rookie.

Zappe looked calm in the pocket and finished his first-ever game 10/15, 99 YDS -1 TD.

The rookie didn’t play like a future Hall Of Famer, but he also didn’t get in the way of the Patriots winning, he did everything he could to try and get a result and earned a lot of well-deserved props for doing so.

He might get his first career start next week.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

The tandem backs had another solid outing, combing for 152 yards and a touchdown on the ground (Harris 86 YDS – 1 TD / Stevenson 66 YDS).

You could make an argument that Stevenson was the stronger runner on the day, but both were key to the success on the ground which really supplemented the team’s lack of experience at QB.

Matthew Judon

Another strong game for Mr Red Sleeves, Matt Judon. He was a troubling presence for Elgton Jenkins at RT for the Packers and picked up his 4th sack of the season as the defense really helped stall the Green Bay passing attack for large portions of the game.

A well-deserved place on the up list.

Marcus Jones

FINALLY, MARCUS JONES IS RETURNING KICKS. Our prayers were answered and you can see the rewards already with how Jones carries the ball and the threat he poses on return duty.

On his 4 kickoff returns, he averaged 27.2 yards per return with a long of 37, and 24.5 yards on the 2 punts he brought back, with a long of 29.

Downs ⬇️

Isaiah Wynn

This may well be it for Isaiah Wynn, he was benched for Marcus Cannon following missed blocks and more inexcusable penalties. One of the missed blocks was the hit that forced Hoyer out of the game with a concussion.

I hate to pile on a guy, but it’s been a slow decline of disappointment and this may be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back for his future in New England.

Jonathan Jones

I felt it was a rough day in coverage for Jones yesterday on the few plays the Packers made in the passing game. Jones is the Pats’ starting corner, but against Allen Lazard, who is not an NFL star player, he gave up 6/116 YDS. He has to be better.

Run Defense

The defensive front let the Packers rush for just shy of 200 yards alone on the ground yesterday. Aaron Jones rushed for 110 yards himself at a little over 7 yards a carry.

The success on the run game really allowed a Packers team to keep within winning distance in a game they quite frankly deserved to lose. The defense as a whole wasn’t bad, but as a unit, these were.

The Patriots stomp in an “almost win” at Lambeau Field

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Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

After a mildly crazy weekend from the NFL, Monday dawns with the cool, crisp feeling of Autumn (or Fall if that’s more your thing) and it’s well and truly football season baby!

The Patriots almost sneak a win at Lambeau Field with their third string quarterback!

Okay, so there is plenty there in regards to “almost”, and you can’t credit the “only just loss” all to the Patriots, but, if you gave that game the eye ball test as a Patriots fan, I don’t think you would be THAT unhappy. 

Now, sure I understand that the Patriots are now 3-1 with a stretch of powerful teams ahead, and yes there are still issues within camp that don’t start and end with the QB. But, the Patriots stomped down Lambeau Fields with the likes of Deatrich Wise, Matthew Judon, multiple Joneses, Kendrick Bourne, Rhamondre Stevenson and, well, Bailey freakin’ Zappe, for a rather close defeat. 

As usual this season, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, we know this. So let’s get those green veggies off our plates quick smart so we can get to dessert, shall we? (Personal note, I have nothing against vegetables!)

First and foremost, Brian Hoyer leaving the game due to a head injury is nothing to gloss over, and I won’t. As much as I may have been one of the fans vocal about seeing what Zappe can do, I can imagine I’m not out of order in saying none of us would want it to be at the risk of Hoyer’s health. Especially, a head injury. At the time that I write this, there have been no updates in regard to the injury, although he did leave the game and walk to the blue medical tent on his own two feet. 

As you know by now, I’m not much for naming and shaming. I have done it occasionally and unfortunately, I have to do it again because Isaiah Wynn is really causing issues with the eager beaver penalties now. Every single game there have been multiple penalties on the Patriots and Wynn’s name features heavily on the list on the offensive side of the ball. 

Myles Bryant is another repeat offender, and whilst his whole game wasn’t completely poor, he lost his mark too many times, and gave away first downs. Especially in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter! The Packers were on a 4th and 6, just past the half way mark, and Bryant was guilty of a pass interference call that gave the enemy a valuable first down. 

Whilst Jack Jones did make my good list with a couple of the other Joneses, his explosive playing has it’s minuses and pluses. Whilst he is speedy and dynamic, hungry for the ball strip, this can result in his hands slipping from an opposing player and Jack getting left behind. 

Lil’Jordan wrestled his way downfield nicely, and Bourne showed his true Bourne-racer skills on a play that Zappe even stepped in to assist with the block. Fab to see in a way, but Zappe, sweetie, you need to grow out of that, especially as you are currently the remaining quarterback on the Patriots roster!

Matthew Judon’s name appears on my game recap in a good way each and every week, and this one is no different! Anyone else think Mr Red Sleeves may appear in a nightmare or two for Aaron Rodgers? Okay probably a little wishful thinking but you lot know how much I don’t like AR!

Whilst Matthew Judon is possibly the top defensive player on the Patriots right now, Deatrich Wise may be the second. He is certainly one of my favourites! The way he charges is be-au-ti-ful!

Talking of charging, I may have termed Damien Harris affectionately as steamroller in week two, on John Rooke’s Playbook, but I think Rhamondre Stevenson may have caught wind and been a little upset. Okay, I jest of course, but he has been an utter beast, so perhaps he should be crowned Steamerson?

The beloved David Andrews rarely gets a mention but that’s ‘cos he generally always good, but he made a gorgeous gap for Damien Harris’ mid third quarter run, with a nice, tidy block from a certain tight end enthusiast’s favourite Patriot tight end, Hunter Henry. 

And speaking of offensive line, Cole Strange has been getting a few mixed reviews but he took on Green Bay’s ultimate D-guy in Kenny Clark, and kinda won, I reckon this kid is alright!

So, whilst not everyone is happy with a moral victory, I have to say this one doesn’t feel so bad, but that’s just me. 

Until next time you lovely lot! Go Pats!