PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Tom Shaw-Mellors

PatsProp Preview – Saturday Night Fever

by

AP Photo/Steven Senne

Welcome back! The bye week was eventful, but it wasn’t the same without the Pats playing. With a week until Christmas, the Patriots head on the road for a tricky test in Indianapolis, hoping to further solidify their place in the AFC standings.

Here’s your preview for week 15!

One’s To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

With no Damien Harris, Stevenson will lead the rushing attack tonight, similar to the game against Cleveland in week 10 when Harris missed out last. Stevenson has really come on as a complimentary piece of the offense in the second half of the season, he’ll be due a heavy workload this evening.

Brandon Bolden

Again, in the absence of Harris, Bolden will be worth keeping an eye on, he’s been very useful this year, filling in for James White in that swiss army knife role out of the backfield.

Mac Jones

I was a little concerned to see Mac show up on the injury report this week for a thumb injury to his non-throwing hand, but, he quickly reassured me with his comical thumb wiggling routine in a presser midweek. Jones has had a week to study ahead of this game and I’m hoping he’ll get back into the thick of it following all the talk after the Buffalo game when he only passed three times.

Christian Barmore

Stopping Taylor tonight will be crucial, and I think Barmore will have a massive part of the defensive gameplan, he’s been electric so far in his rookie season, definitely one to watch tonight.

Dangerous Colts

Who for the Colts could cause problems for the Patriots?

Robert Scheer/IndyStar/USA TODAY Network

Jonathan Taylor

Probably one of the biggest threats the Pats will face this season is Jonathan Taylor. He was floating around the MVP conversation somewhat in recent weeks, which may be just hyperbole, but, it’s a high compliment for a running back. Taylor leads the NFL in rushing yards and touchdowns and the Patriots will have to limit his play tonight, otherwise, he could run over them all game.

Michael Pittman Jr

The second-year WR has risen to be Carson Wentz’s top target for the Colts. At 6’3 he’s really lanky and can make athletic plays all over the field. TY Hilton commented this week that he’s never faced the Pats without being double covered, I think I can say that won’t be an issue in this game, Pittman will get most of the attention.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Colts 21

I see this being a close game with some up and down play, but in the end, I have the Pats coming out on top with a field goal win late on. Patriots 24 Colts 21

@clazzyclare – Patriots 27 – Colts 14

This match up should have me concerned, the Colts are a sneaky good team and have been doing very well. But I have a strange confidence that the Patriots have got this! Patriots 27 Colts 14.

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 13

by

Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

By hook or by crook the Patriots are 9-4, top of the AFC East, and top of the AFC with the number one seed heading into their bye-week. A massive win in treacherous conditions last night, here are your Ups & Downs from Week 13!

Ups ⬆️

Damien Harris

Without his huge 64-yard touchdown run, the Patriots would have struggled to get the win last night, but Damien Harris came through for the team once again, with the support of his running mate, Rhamondre Stevenson.

Harris was dealing with a hamstring injury throughout the game, he returned a couple of times before being declared out, not before amassing 111 yards on the ground, along with the Pats’ only touchdown. Here’s hoping the bye week will allow him to recover and that the injury he suffered isn’t all that serious.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Boy can this kid run. One thing that sticks out to me when watching Stevenson every week is his ability to force through tackles and find yards out of absolutely nowhere. Another solid game for him last night as he helped the team rush for over 200 yards. Stevenson has shown the ability to have that rotational back role behind Harris, but also the skills to lead the running offense, something which he may need to do down the line as Harris battles injuries.

Nick Folk

I didn’t expect Folk to even attempt a kick last night, but he did, in fact, they were both field goals which he went 2/2 on, once again helping the Pats towards a close victory, this time in really testing conditions. He’s been brilliant all season, at minimum he’s the special team’s MVP.

Jakob Johnson

The German Warhammer was brilliant last night and really stood out for me in the almost all-run offensive game. Johnson has had a steady emergence as a useful piece in this offense since taking over from James Develin as the team’s lead fullback.

Downs ⬇️

N’Keal Harry

Without this mistake, the Patriots could have had a much easier route to victory last night, but it did happen and I still can’t quite figure out how the coaches put themselves in that position. Firstly, what is Harry doing out there, he doesn’t go to field the ball or call a fair catch. Instead, he lets it bounce, bends over towards the ball, and stumbles into the area the ball is moving, allowing it to graze his facemask before being recovered by the Bills.

The mistake is entirely on Harry, but I have no idea why he was back there, let alone sent back out for additional return plays after the turnover. I didn’t buy Bill’s explanation in the press conference either, I think he probably just wants to move on from what was a completely nonsensical decision, I mean, they have an all-pro punt returner on the roster, right?

Shipping back from Foxboro

by

@ShawMellors

I’m back from an amazing trip to Boston where I saw our New England Patriots win their sixth-straight game as they beat the Titans 36-13, improving my own record at Gillette Stadium to 2-0 (The first win was against Dallas in November 2019).

I’d already been in Massachusetts for a week when game day came around, so jet lag wasn’t an issue. As it was a solo trip, I decided to use a coach company to get me to and from the game as Gillette Stadium isn’t the easiest place to get to from downtown Boston without a car! The trip was good and filled with mostly Pats fans, with a couple of Titans contingent braving forty-minute journey.

The coach arrived three hours before kickoff, so there was plenty of time to wander around the parking lots and experience the tailgating fun. The weather was crisp but pleasant as the crowds began to make their way to Patriot Place. One thing I should mention for those of you reading who don’t go to home games often or are planning to go for the first time in the future, what the Kraft family has done there is fantastic. Shopping, restaurants, bars, and movie theaters are all within walking distance of the stadium. This really adds to the experience, so it’s worth getting down early to see it all.

@ShawMellors
[Read more…] about Shipping back from Foxboro

PatsProp Preview – Thursday Night In Atlanta

by

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots head into Atanta on the short week at 6-4 on the season, having won four straight games. It’s a different story for the Falcons as they sit at 4-5 in the midst of a roster rebuild, with many questions about their future still unanswered. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

On the back of his best performance to date, Mac Jones has no time to rest on his laurels as he prepares for the first short week of his young NFL career. Jones should be brimming with confidence heading into this one, the Falcons have been dreadful all season on defense, especially in the secondary, and their front has left a lot to be desired in the form of any sort of pass-rush.

Mac should be fun to watch tomorrow night.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Damien Harris was not on the Pats official injury report today, paving the way for him to be active tomorrow. Stevenson could very well lead the backfield once again even if Harris is able to go, as I wouldn’t expect him to have a full workload, especially so soon after a concussion.

Trent Brown

Brown was man-handling players on Sunday, and it was FREAKY to watch. The sheer size and strength of this human is unfathomable, and the run game behind him certainly looked a lot better. Whilst he’s healthy and out there playing, keep one eye on the right side of the offensive line.

Hunter Henry

Henry has established himself as the top scoring threat on the roster over the last couple of months, keep an eye on him tomorrow, especially in the red area.

Jakob Johnson

The German freight train’s performances have gone under the radar for many, but he really stood out to me on Sunday. He’s been a key part in getting the ball moving on the ground, he’s really making the position his own and will be important again tomorrow.

Matt Judon

Mr Sleeves is going for the Patriots’ single-season sack record, and I think he’ll get it with time to spare. I’m feeling a couple more for him tomorrow night whilst trying to force Matt Ryan into making silly mistakes and turning the ball over.

Soaring Falcons

Who for the Falcons could cause problems for the Patriots? Well, I only really thing there can be two.

Kyle Pitts

The rookie tight end is an absolute PHENOM, I got to see him live at one of the London games last month and he is ridiculous. His catch radius because of his tall, lanky physique gives him a big advantage over corners. With no Calvin Ridley, Pitts has been towing the Falcons offense on his back, the Patriots need to plan for him.

Cordarrelle Patterson

The former Patriot has enjoyed a rejuvinated career in Atlanta, becoming one of their most dynamic weapons on an offense which has struggled this year. Patterson has been battling an ankle injury this week and is officially questionable to play, but if he does, he’ll be heavily involved.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

Patriots Defense

For the third-straight week I’m picking the Patriots D as your fantasty PPR start! This unit has really become something over the last month, currently averaging 9.30 points per game and is ranked #2 in the PPR league defensive charts.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Falcons 10

I haven’t said this yet, but the Patriots have the superior team and in greater form than Atlanta, I think they’ll head into an extended break with another win. Patriots 24 Falcons 10

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Falcons 10

With the cream of the crop of Atlanta possibly depleted and the Patriots playing so well against the Browns this feels like a should be win. Patriots 30 Falcons 10

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 10

by

Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

BOOM! The Pats move to 6-4 on the season following a 45-7 demolition job of the Cleveland Browns. Coming into this one, I don’t think I was in the minority by thinking it was going to be close, but boy, I was wrong! Here are your Ups & Downs from Week 10.

Ups ⬆️

Mac Jones

This was Mac’s best game for the Patriots, he finished up 19/23 – 198 YDS – 3 TDs, finding Hunter Henry twice along with a superb pass to Kenrick Bourne. Mac has been quieter in the last couple of games and not had the same sort of production we saw in the first few weeks, but today he made his throws, didn’t make errors, and got the ball into the endzone. Really positive stuff, Mac was great.

Rhamondre Stevenson

No Damien Harris proved to be no problem for the Patriots as rookie running back Rhamondre Stevenson had a fruitful afternoon at Gillette Stadium, rushing for 100 YDS and 2 TDs! A real viewing of what the kid can do, an excellent runner who time and again found ways forward for extra yards.

His work when the Pats were backed up to their own one-yard line sticks out to me, he really got the offense out of an awkward spot, at the end leading to a 90-yard touchdown drive.

Kyle Dugger + Defensive Backs

Another positive week for Dugger who has really stepped things up in recent weeks. He earned his third interception of the year as he stole from Mayfield early in the game, leading to a touchdown. He’s really giving me confidence for the future at the safety position, I think he could be a long-term Patriot.

The rest of the secondary unit was great all game, with no flags, and no real mistakes. J.C. Jackson deserves a special mention as he was everywhere on the field today and should have probably had himself another pick. This defense is really starting to shape into a formidable unit.

Hunter Henry

The touchdown machine, Hunter Henry. Another stellar performance by big 85 as he cemented himself as Mac’s go-to redzone target, 4/4 – 37 YDS – 2 TDS. Henry now has seven touchdowns on the year, all of which came in the last eight games I might add, he’s been brilliant this year, and he was brilliant again yesterday.

Matt Judon

A big congratulations to Mr and Mrs Sleeves this week as they welcomed a new addition to the family! Judon was back with the team on Sunday and was busy when rushing the Cleveland QBs (which was most of the day). After being credited with half a sack, Judon equalled his career high sack tally of 9.5, and we still got seven games to go! He’s been the best FA additon by a mile this year.

Jakobi Meyers

It finally happened, we got to see Jakobi Meyers score his first career NFL touchdown! Unreal scenes followed as the entire team ran to celebrate with him in the endzone, Meyers also confirmed later than his number one fan, his dad, was in attendance to see the big moment. I can’t think of a more hard-working and selfless player on this current Pats roster than Jakobi, I’m so pleased for him, I hope he’s a Patriot for many years to come.

No downs from me this week, nobody deserves it a win like that. Short week, on to Atlanta, LFG!

PatsProp Preview – Welcome Cleveland

by

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots improved their away record to 4-0 for the season last week with another impressive win over the Panthers. This week, they’re looking for their second home win against a Cleveland Browns team who are dealing with a bunch of adversity. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

J.J. Taylor

With both Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson questionable to play tomorrow, we could see the lead-back role handed to J.J. Taylor. We haven’t seen him since week 7, where he scored two touchdowns against the Jets. I’m dubious about it Tayor is a lead-back style of player, but I’d love to find out. If Harris and/or Stevenson are active, I think they’ll lead the rushes, but Taylor is worth watching tomorrow the way things are going.

Matt Judon

With Baker Mayfield playing through multiple injuries, I think one of his priorities will not be taking hits where possible, so enter Matthew Judon. If Judon can break through and cause pressure on Mayfield, I think it could force some throws into danger areas for turnovers. Even if he doesn’t record many hits or sacks, Judon’s presence alone should be enough to cause issues.

Christian Barmore

The big defensive tackle continues to show what a great pick he was from this year’s draft, against a good rushing outfit, he’ll be key once again tomorrow.

J.C. Jackson

Mr INTs form over recent weeks has been unreal, he carries on from a double-pick game against Sam Darnold last week. The Browns will be without their franchise backs, so expect Mayfield to look more downfield, mainly for Donovan Peoples-Jones and Jarvis Landry, who the latter I think will be covered by Jackson.

Cleveland Danger

Who for the Browns could cause problems for the Patriots?

Myles Garrett

What needs to be said about Garrett? He’s one of the two best defensive ends in the league, also being part of an absolute nightmare tandem with his partner Jadeveon Clowney on the opposite edge. Mac has taken some massive hits so far this year, and Garrett is a big threat if he isn’t dealt with by the offensive line.

D’Ernest Johnson

With no Nick Chubb or Kareem Hunt, Johnson gets another opportunity to shine for the Browns. His first real chance came in Week 7 against Denver where he rushed for 146 yards and scored his first career touchdown. Whilst he’s not at the level of Chubb or Hunt, he can certainly run.

Jarvis Landry

With OBJ out of the picture in Cleveland, Landry will lead the wideout group as the veteran and number 1 option. Landry has battled through his share of injuries but is a player who still will garner plenty of respect and can do plenty of damage.

[Read more…] about PatsProp Preview – Welcome Cleveland

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 9

by

Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots win! A stellar defensive showing helped cover up for the lackluster offensive performance yesterday as the Pats came out of Carolina with a win, moving them to 5-4 on the season. Here are your Ups & Downs!

Ups ⬆️

J.C. Jackson

I put J.C. as one of my ones to watch yesterday, I felt he would bring his A-game with Gilmore on the opposition sideline, and boy did he deliver. Jackson missed two practices last week with strep, recovered enough to play, and hauled in two picks, taking one of them to the house for an 88-yard touchdown.

The question that arises now is what the team is going to do about Jackson after this season. Franchise? Extension? Free agency? All are on the table, I personally think they’ll tag him and either trade him or have the one-year rental whilst they try and figure out a replacement.

Jamie Collins

Since he signed as a free agent a few weeks ago, Collins has gone under the radar, but, he has that freaky athleticism to make unreal plays. That’s what happened yesterday, he intercepted a bullet pass from Darnold with ridiculous reactions, one of the plays of the season so far.

Hunter Henry

Another touchdown grab yesterday for Henry, his fifth on the season. He’s becoming the go-to target for Jones in the redzone and has been an impressive addition so far this year. Big up for big #85!

Rhamondre Stevenson

What a day for the rookie RB, he barreled his way through the Panthers defense on a number of occasions, combing for over 100 scrimmage yards (62 rushing, 44 receiving), rightfully earning himself a spot on the UP list! Both he and Damien Harris got banged up yesterday, here’s hoping they can recover this week in time for Cleveland, because man, this running back room has some juice!

Downs ⬇️

Isaiah Wynn

You know why he’s on this list, the muffed block which left Mac open to a blindside hit, causing a fumble and loss of possession. Not to mention, it could have seriously injured Mac, luckily he walked away unscathed. I wonder if Bill is regretting his decision to pick up Wynn’s fifth-year option?