Analysis

Now, it may not be all sunshine and rainbows yet for the New England Patriots, but with a win against the Arizona Cardinals they move back into a wild card spot for the playoffs. 

It’s no secret, even if you didn’t watch the game, that the defense is the strength of the Patriots at present, and the game against the Cardinals was definitely an example of that. 

Arizona may have really hurt themselves with the amount of penalties they pulled, particularly the offense, but the Patriots didn’t have their card unmarked either.

Whilst Cole Strange had a better game with David Andrews playing, it was still a little shaky on the offensive line overall. But, I do want to add, Mac looked a little better in the pocket, and I think the protection was better than it has been, but it wouldn’t hurt if it were to improve more… and more. 

For a ‘leaning on the run’ offense, the ankle injury to Rhamondre Stevenson was extremely concerning, but Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong did suddenly take hold of their moments to shine, with each of the rookies putting a touchdown on the board. 

Nelson Agholor persists on making it difficult to root for him as his ball security continues to be not great. Mid second quarter Mac threw a good ball to Agholor, and he caught it, but then the next play was another good throw and he dropped it. The end of the third quarter saw Agholor fumble for a return by the Cardinals for a touchdown, fortunately it turned out to be an incomplete pass, no touchdown given, and was followed by a great diving catch by Kendrick Bourne. 

There was a Hunter Henry catch. Not just one… three! And yes, whilst that is really slim pickings, the one at the end of the second quarter can only be described as… SEXY!

Unfortunately, that was followed by a bad hand off to Kevin Harris, and the Patriots went into half time 3 points down. 

Credit to the offense, there were some explosive plays but it just still looks like a defensive guy is running the offense… 

But the night really did go to the defense, and particularly Marcus Jones playing all areas, offense, defense and special teams. 

Jahlani Tavai continued to prove some of the nay sayers wrong, with good eyes on runners for the take down, as well as a tipped ball. Matthew Judon notched up another sack (technically one and a half) for his stat sheet, although he did spend a lot of the game double teamed. But how can we be surprised!? 

Josh Uche is growing into a very dynamic player for this Patriots defense, and his stat sheet recorded 4 tackles, 1 assist and 3 sacks, whilst Daniel Ekuale racked up several tackles, as well as a sack!

And so there you have it you lovely lot, week 14 is in the bag and whilst things aren’t exactly smelling like roses for the Patriots offense, there is still hope!

Well folks, as the season progresses and winter is upon us now that December has begun, it would seem that the winds of change have not made their way over to Foxborough and this Patriots team. 

The question going into this specific game was, are the Patriots strong enough right now to be serious contenders and successful against a dynamic team. Unfortunately, we now have the answer with this 24 – 10 home loss, and the answer be, nope. 

Maybe it says a lot when your leading receiver is the one strong piece of the offence who, is in fact the running back Rhamondre Stevenson, and the third leading receiver behind Jakobi Meyers?… A defense guy. Major credit to Andy Hart of WEEI for his comments during the bye week on A Clare Perspective podcast advising to put Marcus Jones on offense, and they did, with him scoring the Patriots only touchdown of the game. 

As good as this Patriots defense is they did have issues, Jon Jones whilst he has been a strong player this season in general, did not factor well in his match up against Stefon Diggs. But Josh Uche had himself a game! Matt Judon’s Mr Red Sleeves may be the thing of many quarterback nightmares, but it was Uche’s breath that the Mighty Josh Allen will have felt on the back of his neck over and over again in this game. 

Big kick Nick actually missed a field goal, which was so surprising that I missed it the first time as I was updating my notes because it looked like it had gone over! 

Whilst the offense has a patchwork line, a quarterback surprisingly struggling in his second season, it would appear that the coaching just can’t string it together. The Patriots seem to be having egregious disjointedness when it comes to the offense, and I don’t believe, personally, that you can blame a lack of weapons. Whilst it’s a big debate that the Patriots don’t have a WR1, at this point it really doesn’t matter. With the offensive line unable to give Mac time to breathe and air the ball out to the speedy receivers they did pick up, it would appear that the experiment being made with the offensive coaching is just not working. 

However! I shall attempt to give you a bit of a positive recap to the best of my abilities!

Within the first minute of the first quarter, Patriots number 49 took the Bills punt returner DOWN! The best thing is, I had to double check the number because that folks, is Joe Cardona the long snapper! A long snapper take down is actually a rather beautiful thing.

As aforementioned, Matthew Judon and Joshua Uche combined some great pressures, and although they didn’t push Allen into too much impatience, they did out sack the Bills defence with Uche notching up 2 sacks, verses the Bills AJ Epenesa with only 1. 

Rhamondre Stevenson continued to be utilised as much as possible, but a few cracks became visible with some ball security issues from catches. However, a running Stevenson is a darn machine, wrecking tackles for the first down, and mid third quarter with some great YAC, and in this case the C stands for carry!

I have to have a quick shout out to the veteran with extra, Devin McCourty who took some Josh Allen groin to the face to end the first quarter. That really gives new meaning to that festive “if’s and buts, candy and nuts…” Oof.

The two tight ends were out there, but it was unfortunate that they were having to be used for blocking again. They did have seven targets combined, but again with the unfortunately, Mac didn’t get the ball out great and they had a combined of 4 receptions for 19 yards. Not the production we are hoping for. On the flip side as a tight end enthusiast, Hunter Henry got a catch (yay!) AND how hot did these guys look in those red throw back unis?!?

We pretty much knew going into this game it was going to be difficult. The Bills are presently a better team than the Patriots, but coming off that Vikings loss it looked like the Patriots MAY have something they could draw on to pull out a win, at worst a close loss. Right now, perhaps not. 

Well that is it for another week you lovely lot. Week 13 is in the bag and the Patriots sit at 6 – 6. The good news is Tom Shaw-Mellors will return to bring you his Pats Prop Preview for the Arizona Cardinals game!

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!

One and a half minutes into the game, a Myles Bryant bounce and bumble, following a 69 yard Steelers punt… oof!

However! The Patriots didn’t exactly start as they meant to go on.

Don’t misunderstand me here folks, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows just yet. The offensive line, whilst much, much better, still has room for improvement, and Mac Jones still seems a little off. 

Isaiah Wynn continued to be an eager beaver, and the Patriots were handed a couple of false start penalties, as well as a couple of holding ones too, not exactly great. 

But let’s just sugar coat it a little shall we?

So, okay, DeVante Parker seems to be struggling a little getting going, but double coverage will do that to a guy!

Rhamondre Stevenson showed off his strength with some great blocking, Cole Strange stepped up and received credit for playing well, and we saw a few different wide receivers names on the board!

Jakobi Meyers chiselled out his place in peoples hearts a little more, as he became airborne for a terrific catch/snatch from a great throw by Mac, and Nelson Agholor had one of his more statistically productive games, as well as a glorious stiff arm with five guys attempting to pull him down, and you all know how I love those kind of plays!

Mack Wilson proves that he was worth the switch with Chase Winovich, following the interception late in the first quarter. He rolled head over heels, and was back on his feet lightening fast… exactly what you want to see!

Lawrence Guy may be a veteran, but he knows how to show up to the party, with his nu-uh immediate catch of the Steelers running back early in the second quarter. 

So people cried for speed on this team, and it may be being found in all sorts-a places!

Adrian Phillips covered Pat Freiermuth like a blanket (Phillips is so lucky!), and Kyle Dugger showed solid technique, using his hands to obscure vision of the ball, even if he didn’t get his hands actually on it, this forced the Steelers to punt. 

The third quarter saw some Jabrill Peppers time, boy can that guy sniff out a play! He made a beeline for Johnson and followed that by a to-the-floor-dump of the guy! 

And as usual, Matthew Judon was… Matthew Judon, with his deliciousness in coverage.

Oh, and by the way! How beautiful was it when Brandon Schooler “schooled” Gunner Olszewski?! Okay to be fair, it was just a muffed punt but I don’t know about you, that’s the exact thing I had been worried about for years! 

But like I said, it isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, the Patriots have plenty to work on, it wasn’t an easy win. But a win is a win, and many are saying how big a difference there is with 1-3 to 0-4. But hey, it’s still early! Right now the Patriots are 1-1 just with some stuff to work on. 

Catch you next time you lovely lot! Go Pats. 

A bit of bad luck, a few good drives, but a lot of concerns, as the Patriots lose 7 to 20 to the Miami Dolphins.

There is plenty to take away from Sunday’s game, and there wasn’t a tonne of positives, but I promise you I will get to those later.

It would appear that the Patriots have not yet ironed out those offensive line kinks, that we have spent all off-season worrying over, (well since Shaq Mason left maybe) and Cole Strange may have had his first stint on the naughty chair, after there was a sack on Mac. He did however, re-enter the game later on, so maybe that dog house Bill used last year for all those running backs has been dismantled. 

But the two sacks on Mac can’t only be put on the shoulders of the carousel-ing offensive line, Jones’s pocket awareness needs to up it’s a game a little too. 

The Patriots have good players on the offense, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne, Ramondre Stevenson, Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith to just name some… and these are names of really good NFL players, but it just isn’t getting pieced together. Many want to blame the coaching, possibly the actual playbook, and as much as I am really loath to, this morning I’m not feeling greatly confident on how it’s going in that department. 

Myles Bryant did not show his best light this game, and he got the call up over a developing fan favourite, in rookie Marcus Jones. A badly missed tackle that resulted in a first down for the Fins wasn’t good at all, but then interfering with a very possible Devin McCourty interception, sends his name to the top of most peoples bad list. And whilst Jon Jones, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Kyle Dugger played a mostly, good one, that late game coming together of a backfield player sandwich, was not pretty

Okay, you want some positive sparkle dusted all over that possibly *bleep* show? 

I got ya covered you lovely lot!

The Patriots did manage a better job of closing up the run game this time. And whilst he was frustrated at not being put in much, Kendrick Bourne can definitely out run guys, and Mac Jones can in fact air it out!

Now, Duke Riley may have taken credit for a Mac missed throw to Jakobi Meyers, but I’m afraid dear Riley, that’s what it was. Mac threw a not so great, pass to Meyers and it bounced off Riley’s butt. I’m sorry but you can’t take credit for a butt bounce, there really was no technique displayed there.

And whilst we mention the lower posterior, we are all sending good karma to Kyle Dugger for an eye watering… plum hit. 

Speaking of Dugger, whilst he admitted to taking a poor angle on Waddle, he did make some great plays. Especially mid second quarter, where his ball awareness was tightly focused, and he was on the running back almost before the hand off, and taking him down with impressiveness.  

Deatrich Wise showed he is worthy of his captainship with some glorious sack play and pressure on Tua, and Matthew Judon continues to be… well Matthew Judon!

And, as for my favourite topic, tight endage, whilst the Patriots ran plenty of two tight end sets, we didn’t see the full effect just yet, but both Jonnu and Hunter had a flash or two. The third quarter in particular, had Smith on a powerful run from a short pass. And whilst Hunter may have conceded to a false start, he attempted to redeem himself with a great block, giving Nelson Agholor breathing room on a run. At the beginning of the second quarter when Mac threw it his way for the second time, it appeared to take six Dolphins players to finally get Hunter to a stop. 

So, let’s liken it to making pancakes. The first one always comes out a little wonky or overcooked, or both. So in the heat of Miami, maybe the Patriots over cooked it. The batter is good, the pan is solid and has great potential, and with the right temperature beneath, you can make the most perfect and delicious, fluffy goodness… okay maybe I’m just hungry, but I’m staying positive and willing to give the Patriots pancake a chance, and so it’s on to Pittsburg!

Go Pats!

The Patriots scoop up a pre-season win at Gillette against the Carolina Panthers

Isn’t it great when the first drive of the game is a Patriots defensive penalty? 

Obviously I jest, but in some seriousness, the Patriots did notch up 12 penalties during the win against the Panthers. But hey, it’s the pre-season, there is still plenty of time to tighten up… insert grimacing gif of choice!

Not to single guys out, but well, this is a game recap. Scanning a play and not blocking at all as well as some penalties, earned James Ferentz himself a spot on many peoples bad list, even if the late hit for unnecessary roughness at the end of the second quarter, was perhaps a little sweet revenge. 

Whilst there is considerable depth at wide receiver at the moment, and we are watching guys to make that final 53, unfortunately Tre Nixon had a catchable ball that he… didn’t, and Josh Hammond suffered a similar fate. 

But the offense wasn’t all bad, not at all. Damien Harris with great pass protection, and to risk cries of “biased for tight ends” we finally saw something from Devin Asiasi, did we see enough, the jury is still out, but he had a great grab for a 19 yard reception as well as several other good catches. 

As well as wide receiver choices, the running back room has some depth and skill sets, and JJ Taylor may be on the bubble, but not for the sake of trying! Yes, he had a drop on an easy short pass, but he scurries around with some good movement, and threw a great block for quarterback protection considering he isn’t exactly a tall guy. 

Speaking of quarterback, as much as I love me some Mac Jones, I really do, Bailey Zappe ignoring the Panthers player wrapped around his ankle and still making the throw… delicious. 

The defense has reportedly had a good training camp. Watching the last two pre-season games, against the Giants last week and now the Panthers, the defense have been the stronger side of the Patriots. 

Whilst there is a lot still being talked about with coaching and play calling, the defensive mind of Bill Belichick continues to bear fruits!

The good list for the defense is definitely long. Davon Godchaux with some good spin coverage, Ja’Whaun Bentley swallowing up the receiver, Christian Barmore on the edge barging in, Matt Judon pushing his mark back giving Lawrence Guy the opening for some quarterback pressure, Josh Uche with the sack, and that is all just in the first quarter! 

Josh Bledsoe forced a fumble and Myles Bryant was on the collect, but the officials with the premature stop of play, possible cost the Patriots some points, good job its only a pre-season game huh?

The end of the second quarter saw Mack Wilson almost having an interception, reading the quarterback’s eyes well, showing that the Chase Winovich trade-off, could really pay-off!

And just when you thought the pace of the game was ebbing away, Terrance Mitchell with the safety! Well, actually it turned out to be a fumble recovery and a touchdown. And finally, Brandon Schooler made sure his name was noted down in your game book, by sealing the Panthers fate with an interception within the final moments, and so the Patriots notched up their first pre-season win of 2022, Pats 20 – Panthers 10. 

Until next time, you lovely lot! Go Pats!

The Patriots host the NY Giants in the first game for pre-season

So football is back… kinda.

Sure, it’s only the first game of the pre-season, and spoiler alert the Patriots didn’t win, but there was plenty to be positive about, even if there is some to still have those concerns over.

You all know by now, it’s my second full season writing these, I like to keep it as positive as possible whilst still letting you know what went on, and I’ll be honest folks I’m feeling rather rusty! Saying that, it wasn’t a tight pre-season game, but the Giants did put out a lot of their first team against, what the Patriots would probably specify, as the second, maybe third string guys.

An early in the game call, of too many men on the field for the Patriots defence, was a sloppiness that’s avoidable, not the greatest of starts.

Henry Anderson was a sight we didn’t see much of last season, although I know some of us were looking forward to, and he blocked his guy well moving him towards the Giants quarterback Daniel Jones. This gave way a little for Anfernee Jennings to charge through for the QB pressure, causing the Giants to settle for a field goal, putting the first points on the board. 

Tre Nixon had himself a great kick return, followed not long after by a false start from Justin Herron, the penalties had really begun. 

Currently the running back room has significant depth, but we did see JJ Taylor out there ‘scuttle bugging’ his way around, I’m just not certain it was always successful enough. 

The defense continued to show some of the good stuff we saw in training camp, as Daniel Ekuale took on two guys, and Anfernee Jennings brought the heat taking down the Giants running back. Raekwon McMillian and Joshua Uche delivered some quarterback pressure, and there was good coverage by Terrance Mitchell on the runner. 

The first quarter displayed good complimentary defense by the Patriots, and Myles Bryant had himself his first NFL punt return for a gain of 30 yards. 

Hoyer continued the game with some great throws, I quote the fabulous Scott Zolak here with; “Hoyer dropping dimes!”.

The later part of the first quarter saw a catch by 87, the tight end Matt Sokol. It didn’t result in much, granted, however, on a personal note, a ball to a tight end always has me excited. 

The second quarter showed Tristan Vizcaino kicking off, and Terrance Mitchell once against working hard and fighting through the block to help with the take down. 

Another name some were hopeful to see, LaBryan Ray, the undrafted rookie out of Alabama, was out there earning his reps, with good stance keeping his guy contained. 

A second false start by Justin Herron continued to rack up the penalties, and whilst he aired out some good balls, Bailey Zappe was under pressure.

Physicality on defense, whilst good by Mack Wilson, and then Jennings losing his containment to get after the quarterback, it saw Shaun Wade break up a play that resulted in a pass interference call. 

Guys like Uche, Jennings, and Bledsoe were catching my eye quite positively, but Joejuan Williams a little less so, especially when he was beaten by Richie James for the Giants touchdown. 

Shifting focus to the offence, Matt Sokol has undertaken his blocking tight end role rather well, and the third quarter saw Tre Nixon breaking free of some major coverage to make several great catches from a few lovely balls by Bailey Zappe.

Unfortunately, as much as the defence had some great flashes, including new comer to the team, Jalen Elliott, the Giants were still a little too successful against the run. Although, I must admit it seemed that Cameron McGrone could sniff out a ball whilst it was still in the air, and the third half saw his second almost interception. 

But, the penalties kept on coming, as rookie Nate Weiland, with initially a lovely power charge, got a bit too heavy with Daniel Jones and used his weight to drive him into the ground. Penalty number 12 for the Patriots. 

Jalen Elliott continued to show up all over the place, and Jack Jones gave us glimmers of his skills knocking the ball away beautifully with two almost pick-offs.

With the wide receiver core having some depth, we saw plenty from Tre Nixon and Kristian Wilkerson to prove that the 53 man cut down is going to be tricky, and Lil’Jordan Humphrey had a great vertical with some good engineering by Bailey Zappe, to throw another name into the wide receiver melting pot of choices. 

Unfortunately, there were some injuries on the offensive line for Cajuste, Herron and Murray, and although they all walked off the field, it’s still a worry when that many O line guys, even if second tier, are nursing issues. 

All in all, the defense and the offense had good flashes, and so I feel there is plenty of good to focus on. It’s still only pre-season game one, and whilst there is much to work on, I believe there are building blocks there stable enough to utilise, that’s just my two cents folks.

Until next time, you lovely lot. Go Pats!