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Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 5 vs Detroit

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Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

Wow, those throwback red jerseys are something, right? The Patriots brushed aside the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium in a convincing 29-0 victory, improving their record to 2-3 on the season. Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s win!

Ups ⬆️

Rhamondre Stevenson

A career day for Stevenson, who had to carry the load after Damien Harris was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

He finished with 25 touches for 165 yards on the ground, a stunning, wrecking ball game from the second year player, who I think is really beginning to grow into a star on this team.

Jakobi Meyers

Extend this man, please! Jakobi Meyers once again played the star role of safety blanket for the Patriots QB, hauling in countless must have it conversions on his way to 7 catches for 111 YDS and 1 TD.

The touchdown was particularly pleasing, as it was his first of the season, and only third of his entire career. I really hope the team priorities a new contract for Meyers, as boy, he’s earned it.

Bailey Zappe

The kid done good! Zappe did what he was asked, his stats were nothing of note, but, he took care of the ball, barring the interception that was totally on Nelson Agholor.

With another week of uncertainty regarding Mac Jones’ injury, I’m a bit more comfortable with what I’ve seen out of the rookie, I’d much prefer the starter out there, but only when he’s healthy. A good first start in the NFL for ZAP ATTACK!

Matthew Judon

Judon’s storming start to the season just rolls on as he had another exceptional game yesterday. Mr red sleeves (who punked us all with blue sleeves pre-game, before changing into his traditionals) almost single-handidly dismantled Jarrod Goff.

Judon recorded 2 sacks, one of which was a strip, which led to Kyle Dugger returning it to the house. Another excellent solo game, he’s been the best defensive player so far.

Jack Jones

Another promising game for the rookie, topped with a great interception to double his tally for the season. Jones has shown ballhawk similarities early on to a certain Mr INT (J.C. Jackson), and boy am I excited to see how the rest of his season pans out. A big up!

Nick Folk

Big kick Nick, back again with a 100% game – 2/2 XP and 5/5 FGs.

As if I expected any less, he’s as steady as they come, and scored 17 points himself. Legend.

Kyle Dugger

Aside from his huge 59-yard scoop and score touchdown, I thought Dugger had a solid game in coverage, particularly on Hockenson, who wasn’t able to do anything. Dugger is a key player for the Pats on defense these days, and it’s certainly felt when he’s not on the field.

Downs ⬇️

No downs today, sure I could probably scrape a few together, but I was really impressed by the entire team yesterday. For this week, we’ll be ups alone.

PatsProp Preview – Throwback Game In Foxborough

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

It’s the first of the Throwback games tomorrow as the Pats will don their classic red jerseys and white helmets against the Detroit Lions, who like the Patriots, sit 1-3 on the season, desperate to find their second victory.

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Bailey Zappe

The rookie is set to start tomorrow for the Patriots as Mac Jones continues to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered against Baltimore.

Zappe did well in his first game last week when he replaced Hoyer, but, now it looks like he’ll have a complete game for himself to lead the offense. The team will need him to protect the ball, and take some shots downfield to try and get some points on the board against this potent Lions offense.

Tyquan Thornton

Some good news today came as Thornton was activated from IR to the main 53-man roster, to much joy from fans who have been itching to see their new speedster in competitive action for the first time.

Thornton’s 21-day clock to return began on Wednesday, but, he’s been activated already which is hopefully a nod to how well he’s been doing since suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason.

Even if he isn’t fully fit in the sense of being out and starting as one of the leading receivers, he should offer pace as a deep-threat option to keep the Lions’ secondary honest. One to watch for sure.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

With a backup QB expected to start tomorrow, production from the backs will be key to victory. Both ran well last week in Green Bay under similar circumstances and I think they can do the same tomorrow, especially against a Lions defense that allows 165.5 yards per game on the ground so far this season.

Hunter Henry

With Jonnu Smith unlikely to play through the injury, the onus on Hunter Henry is even greater. The big Tight End has had fewer receptions (5) this season than he did touchdowns for the entire of last season (9) through 4 weeks.

A very disappointing stretch for Henry, who I’m sure will riggle into some form, especially in the RedZone where he was so key for Mac Jones last year. Will tomorrow be the day we see some more production from Henry? We’ll see.

Matthew Judon

The entire defensive front will need to bring a little extra juice tomorrow in the absence of Lawrence Guy, who’s been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

I think Judon will make life uncomfortable for Jared Goff, especially if he can get to him early and often, causing mistakes.

Jake Bailey

Bailey has been disappointing thus far and after securing himself a new contract, he has to be a lot better than what he’s been offering. Against a Lions offense that has been putting up points for fun, giving the defense favorable field position will be a huge boost, let’s see if he can bring that tomorrow.

Lions Den

Jamaal Williams

With no Deandre Swift, Jamaal Williams will lead the Lions’ ground attack once more, having already amassed 276 yards and 6 TDs rushing this season.

Williams is particularly one to watch as worryingly, the Patriots have resembled swiss cheese when it comes to stopping the run so far in 2022.

TJ Hockenson

Hockenson heads into town on the back of a career game last Sunday where he caught 8 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. This is a big worry for me as the Pats have struggled already this season against Tight Ends and Hockenson could really bring the hurt tomorrow.

I imagine Kyle Dugger will get the nod to provide coverage on the big playmaker, but we shall see.

Aiden Hutchinson

The blue-chip rookie has shown some sparks of why he was so highly touted out of Michigan in this year’s draft. Be on the lookout for #97 on the edge, he’s a real game-changer, Marcus Cannon will need to be on top form against him, or will it be Isaiah Wynn?

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.

PatsProp Preview – Starting October In Green Bay

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Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots travel to Green Bay tomorrow lacking various key players as Mac Jones, Lawrence Guy, and Jakobi Meyers are all out through injury. The focus shifts to Brian Hoyer, who will lead the offense for the first time since Week 4 in 2020.

Patriots To Watch

Brian Hoyer

With Mac Jones confirmed out for tomorrow’s game, Brian Hoyer will get the start at quarterback. Hoyer is a seasoned veteran of the league and gives the team the best chance to win over Bailey Zappe purely on his experience in the offense alone.

Hoyer has lost his last 11-straight regular season games, and he’ll need to be mistake-free in Green Bay if the team has any chance of coming away with a win. The main one to watch.

Christian Barmore

Barmore hasn’t been the wrecking ball that I’d hoped he would so far this year, he hasn’t been bad by any stretch, but I’m hoping he can still advance to be a serious threat for the defensive line.

If he can be disruptive and collapse the pocket to cause Rodgers pressure, it can be a key part in keeping the game close for the Pats.

Nick Folk

I have a feeling that the team will be relying on Folk a bunch tomorrow in what could be a close affair. He must make every kick tomorrow.

DeVante Parker

In the absence of Jakobi Meyers, expect Hoyer to target Parker tomorrow a bunch, who himself is coming off a storming game last time out against Baltimore.

Kendrick Bourne

Could this be the game Bourne re-establishes himself into the offensive attack? We’ll see, I’m not holding my breath, but with Meyers missing again this week, I’d expect Bourne to be more involved, alongside Parker and Agholor.

Green Bay Threats

Aaron Rodgers

The future HOF’er hasn’t got the same offense that we’ve seen dominate the NFC North over the last few years, but, I can’t help thinking that this could be the game where their attack explodes into life. With his younger weapons of Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson, Rodgers, like it or not, still has some decent receivers to target.

If Rodgers is allowed to control the game through the air, it could get out of hand and out of reach for the Patriots real fast.

Aaron Jones

With Davante Parker now in Las Vegas, the main threat in my eyes for the Packers is Aaron Jones, a highly versatile back, Jones has the ability to score on either the ground or through the air. Limiting Jones’ production on the ground I think will be particularly important in the Pats’ defensive plan.

Romeo Doubs

The young rookie is the leading receiver for Green Bay, notching up 137 yards and a touchdown through 3 games. Whilst his numbers aren’t staggering, for a young rookie to be outshining the rest on what has been a very average Packers offensive attack is noteworthy. Keep an eye out for him tomorrow.

Jaire Alexander – Eric Stokes – Rasul Douglas

Alexander was limited in practice this week, but it looks like he will play tomorrow, leading out a formidable Packers secondary, alongside Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes.

With Hoyer The Destroyer in at QB for the Patriots, Alexander and co will be licking their chops at some potential takeaways and could really be the difference tomorrow if the Pats can’t take care of the ball.

Mac Jones ruled OUT of Sunday’s trip to Green Bay

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After an entire week of not knowing if Mac would have surgery, go on IR, play, or, not play, we finally have a definitive answer on his status for Sunday, he’s out.

Per the team’s official injury report, Jones is officially ruled out of contention, along with Lawrence Guy and Yodny Cajuste.

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 3 vs Baltimore

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Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

A fun game to watch yesterday, unfortunately, ended in crushing fashion. Concerns now turn to Mac Jones following his serious injury late in the game. Until we know more, here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Ravens.

Ups ⬆️

DeVante Parker

With Jakobi Meyers missing through injury, this game was a chance for Parker to break out and show off what many were excited about during Training Camp. And boy did he do just that.

Mac targeted #1 a game-high 10 times, with Parker bringing in 5 of them for a rousing 156 yards, certainly an inspiring performance, especially the play below where he showed off some superior skill.

Deatrich Wise Jr.

This was a storming game for Wise, he recorded 3 sacks and 4 TFL, almost single-handily keeping the Patriots in the game. Alongside Matt Judon, who’s been playing really well in his own right, Wise has really transformed into a big playmaker so far this season.

The newly-elected captain led from the front. A big UP!

Jonathan Jones

A solid game for Jones as he continues his tenure as CB1, a pick and a forced fumble place him firmly on the UP list.

Running Backs

I thought both Harris and Stevenson played really well yesterday, both bagged touchdowns and were productive on the ground throughout. We really need to see this partnership blossom even more, especially if the passing game lessens even further.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

Any time your QB throws 3 picks and 0 TDs, they’re going to be on the down list. Mac looked improved in some areas, and worse in others, namely, his decision-making. On all of the interceptions, it seemed he was forcing the ball to Parker every time.

Then came his injury at the end of the game which is really troublesome, reports confirm it’s likely a severe high ankle sprain, with all options of recovery still on the table.

Nelson Agholor

The cardinal sin as a Patriots player, committing a turnover. Agholor fumbled for the second time this season and it completely deflated what was left in the offensive attack.

Myles Bryant

Another close miss for Bryant in punt duty, I just don’t get why the rookie Marcus Jones isn’t getting a go back there. Although it didn’t cost them, the error and Bryant’s below-par day in coverage lands him on my down list.

PatsProp Preview – Ravens Flock To New England

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

Week 3 is here and the Patriots are back at Gillette Stadium for the first time since January 2. Here’s a look at some players we should be keeping an eye on tomorrow against the Ravens!

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

This could be a game for the offense to kick into gear and find some rythym. The Ravens could well be still reeling from their late defeat in a points fest last week against the Dolphins and the Pats have to try and take advantage.

Mac has been poor so far this season, but a strong performance at home could well be the ticket to pull his second year as starter back on the right path.

Hunter Henry

Henry has been missing so far this season and that desperately needs to change. Aside from Jakobi Meyers, Mac really doesn’t a second player to find consistently, whereas Henry was that player last season. One to watch tomorrow, especially in the red area.

Kyle Dugger

At the minute Dugger in questionable to play tomorrow with a knee injury. From my recollection, Dugger played a big role against Mark Andrews in 2020, the last time these franchises met, so it would be a big loss for the secondary if he can’t play.

If he does miss out, look for Jabrill Peppers to step up in his absence.

DeVante Parker

It’s been a less than inspiring start to Parker’s Patriots career so far, on the 4 targets he’s had through 2 games, Parker has caught only 1 of them for 9 yards.

I think he does have a skillset which will be of use for the Pats, but will we see it tomorrow?

Ravens Flock

Lamar Jackson

Jackson has hit the ground running this season in a quest for his second league MVP award, whilst also in a contract year no less. We all know what threat he poses on the ground, but he’s been particularly impressive throwing the ball this season.

The Patriots will need to stifle him on the ground and force him into making poor decisions throwing the ball, I just don’t think they have the defensive talent to compete with their offensive weapons 1on1.

Mark Andrews

The Ravens’ top threat was in fine form last time out, securing 9 catches for 103 yards and a TD. If the Patriots are going to win, limiting Andrews’ production will be key. He’s for sure one to watch on the Ravens side.

Rashod Bateman

Electric burner is how I would describe Bateman. He had pretty much the same statline as Andrews last week, with the exception of his TD catch being a big 75-yard play. The Patriots did a good job of limiting Tyreek Hill from making any big plays in Week 1, can they stop Bateman from doing the same tomorrow?

Marcus Williams

Williams has had an electric start to his time in Baltimore, securing 3 picks in the opening weeks of the season. With Mac making questionable decisions last week throwing the ball, Williams will be on patrol to add to his tally of interceptions. Expect him to cover Agholor on the outside.