PatsPropaganda

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Game Preview

PatsProp Preview – Bengals In New England

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Chris Unger/Getty Images

It doesn’t feel very Christmassy at the minute, especially after the shambles of last week in Las Vegas. But, hopefully, the team can rally to finish 2022 strong. Tomorrow, the 7-7 Patriots welcome the 10-4 Bengals. Here’s your snapshot preview for Week 16!

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Marcus Jones

Marcus Jones has moved to the top of the watch list for me now each week, he always seems to make an impact on games over this recent stretch, regardless of what side of the ball he’s playing on. A bright spark in what’s been a dark period for the team.

Rhamondre Stevenson

While Damien Harris is questionable and expected to be available for the team tomorrow, I expect Stevenson will still be the lead backfield weapon once more for the Patriots. Stevenson’s career-high game last week ended in disaster with that bonkers play, he’ll want to forget everything about that and hopefully put in another huge game on the ground. One to watch, as always.

Josh Uche + Matt Judon

This tandem pass-rushing attack is so important for the Patriots, especially with how Uche has come along in the last couple of months. They were both not quite as effective last week against the Raiders, but for me, they hold the keys to any chance of a win tomorrow, they have to get after Burrow.

Wild Bengals

Ja’Marr Chase

Now Chase is back and healthy, he resumes his role as WR1 and one of the league’s best pass-catchers. The Pats did a great job of shutting down DeVante Adams last week, but I do fear that they won’t be able to subdue Chase tomorrow, he’s the main threat.

Joe Mixon + Samaje Perine

Unlike last week where the Pats needed to only stop one threat out of the backfield, tomorrow they’ll have to deal with a tandem pairing that has found the endzone 14 times this season. Mixon for sure hasn’t had the same sort of production we saw this time last year, but, the offense has shown that they can get either player into the endzone either carrying or catching the ball.

Trey Hendrickson

Even with a broken wrist, Hendrickson is expected to play which is a huge boost for the Bengals. Obviously, it’s not an ideal situation and he’ll likely have a giant club on the affected limb, but, with the issues the team has had on the offensive line, Hendrickson still poses a big threat to Mac Jones.

PatsProp Preview – West Coast Trip Pt 2

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

At 7-6, the Patriots are still in the picture for the final wildcard playoff slot in the AFC. Tomorrow brings the second and final game of their West Coast tour, facing off against a former friend, Josh McDaniels and the 5-8 Vegas Raiders. Here’s your snapshot preview for Week 15!

Injuries

Update-

Damien Harris – OUT
Isaiah Wynn – OUT/Placed on IR ending his season
Christian Barmore – Activated from IR

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

My focus remains on Mac again this week, and I just hope he can help the team to a win to keep the playoff hopes alive. I don’t need ridiculous numbers from him, just please have a clean game and don’t make any mistakes. Also, try and get along a bit more with Matty P if possible, or at least don’t tell him to shove it during the game.

Jakobi Meyers

The Pats have really missed Meyers since he left the Bills game with a concussion, he’s expected to be back tomorrow (questionable) and with that it also brings back Mac’s safety blanket. The Patriots offense has looked pretty shoddy all season, but at least with Meyers in the mix you feel good about a drive not always stalling in the Pats’ own territory.

Rhamondre Stevenson

Stevenson should be good to go tomorrow evening (questionable) after he left the Cardinals game early on Monday night with an ankle injury. With no Damien Harris again, expect the rookie duo of Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong to be Stevenson’s backup unit in what could be a shared three-pronged attack. Stevenson will be a key outlet for Mac once again.

Christian Barmore

This is good news for the Pats who at one point may have been worried about Barmore returning at all this season. He does, and will slot straight back in tomorrow to provide a big upgrade on the interior of the defensive line. He’ll be a fun watch.

Lucky Raiders?

DeVante Adams

Amidst all of the Raiders’ struggles, Adams has been as good as ever, currently sat on 82 receptions, 1,247 receiving yards, 12 touchdowns. He’s nothing less than a game-changer, and the Pats secondary is going to have their work cut out trying to shut him down.

Josh Jacobs

With the Patriots getting reinforcements back on the defensive front, neutralising Jacobs should be achievable. Jacobs continues his solid campaign as their star rusher and he can’t be allowed to get comfortable tomorrow, especially with Adams on the outside offering that deadly pass-catching threat.

Darren Waller

The Raiders get Waller back after missing him since Week 5 with a hamstring injury. Waller has been on decline over the last few seasons, dealing with ailments as he tries to find the sort of form the league saw from him in 2020. Even with some rustiness to shake off, the Pats will need to be very aware of the threat the big, athletic tight end brings.

Maxx Crosby

Crosby is a very dangerous customer on the Vegas defensive line, he’s currently sat at 11.5 sacks on the year (career high) and can really disrupt a promising drive all by himself. With the Pats’ O-Line struggles still lingering, Crosby could be in for a busy afternoon getting after Mac Jones.

PatsProp Preview – West Coast Trip Pt 1

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Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

The 6-6 Patriots leave New England for their first of a two-game trip on the West Coast, taking on the 4-8 Arizona Cardinals. Here’s your snapshot preview for Week 14!

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

Questions still remain unanswered about what the future will be for Mac Jones and the Patriots, but, tomorrow he’ll be a key one to watch as we see if he can lift himself up from a disappointing loss against Buffalo and keep the hopes alive for a Wild Card playoff spot!

Rhamondre Stevenson

Rhamondre Stevenson has grown to be my favorite player on the team, he has given everything for this franchise over the last couple of months, including carrying the entire offense on his back for large portions. With Damien Harris doubtful, expect another busy game for Stevenson.

Jack Jones

With no Jalen Mills tomorrow, Jack Jones could be in for a busy night to support Jon Jones against the Arizona offense. Jones has tapered off from his hot start, maybe sometimes playing a little too aggressively, but, he’s certainly worth keeping an eye on tomorrow.

Hunter Henry

With no Jakobi Meyers tomorrow, Mac Jones will need to find another safety blanket outlet, and I want it to be Hunter Henry. The Pats’ RedZone activity has been almost non-existent for the longest time, I’m hoping that Henry can add a little change to that tomorrow.

Marcus Jones

Marcus Jones continues to be the bright ember of light, in a dull, eerie season for the Patriots. He scored his first offensive touchdown against the Bills last week, which I think says more about how unproductive that side of the ball actually is, regardless, take nothing away from Jones who has had a really solid rookie season.

Whatever side of the ball he contributes toward tomorrow, It’ll be fun to watch.

Arizona Threats

Kyler Murray

Kyler Murray has been very lackluster this year, and highly inconsistent. But, with that being said he is still a very dangerous player and is the main threat for the Cardinals against the Pats If he plays well, it could be a long night for Bill and company.

DeAndre Hopkins

Dhop has been Arizona’s best pass-catcher since he returned from suspension in Week 7, hauling in 49 receptions, with Rondale Moore out for this game, and Zach Ertz out for the season, Hopkins’ star billing shoots even higher and he will be vital for them tomorrow night.

J.J. Watt

Watt is on the back nine of his career, but still offers a critical pass-rushing threat for the Cards, he also leads the team for sacks with 6.5 on the year. With the pass protection for Mac Jones being poor recently, Watt could cause issues.

Pats Prop Preview Week 13: The Buffalo Bills part 1

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Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images

With Tom Shaw-Mellors out on tour, you lovely lot have me yet again for your Pats Prop preview!

Injuries

Patriots Thursday schedule!

It’s another Thursday night match up for the Patriots, where they face the 8 – 3 Bills and maybe some high winds, at Gillette Stadium in those hot hot throwback red jerseys. Here’s your quick fire preview from Clazzy Clare for week 13!

Patriots to watch

Mac Jones

Mac has had good ball security of late, with no interceptions in his last three games and a 100-passer rating or higher in his last two. 

His comfort level in the pocket has increased, and it’s slightly surprising given what we are seeing what it comes to the offensive line and its inconsistency. 

Whilst Mac is a smart quarterback, the basic plays haven’t been executed successfully much so far this season, if the Patriots aren’t going to get cute they at least need to do the fundamentals well if they have any chance of beating this Bills team. 

Jonnu Smith

Whilst Damien Harris being out with injury and not suiting up may not initially make you think about the impact on Jonnu Smith, but I am of the opinion that the versatile tight end may see a resurgence in his duties being split all over the field in regards to carrying as well as catching the ball. 

Rhamondre Stevenson is without a shadow of a doubt the strength of the offense, but with the absence of Damien Harris, the Patriots should not simply shift all the plays over into Stevenson’s inbox increasing the risk of burning him out. This is where I think the versatility of Jonnu will come in handy, and whilst he had no numbers on the board in the Vikings game, it may be time to scheme things up and have Smith’s athletic ability help out against these pesky Bills, even if it is only as a fullback. 

Bills to watch

Josh Allen

A dominant and elite quarterback in the league, although yes folks, it very much pains me to type this, you all know how much I hate the Bills! There is no denying Josh Allen’s prowess. He’s a great improvisor, makes quick decisions and can move. The downside for Bills fans this week at least, he’s nursing an elbow injury. 

This may see the Bills rely heavily on the run game, but if not, one key to the weakness of the Mighty Allen may be impatience. If the Patriots can fan the flames of impatience in Allen, turnovers may be easily pushed, and we all know how you can win games if you win the turnover battle.

Matt Milano

With the star strength of the defense, Von Miller, out of the line up the Patriots can’t rest on their laurels too much with the likes of Matt Milano at linebacker for the Bills. 

Now, Milano is less of an edge guy than Miller but Milano has been sighted as a great playmaker on the Bills defense this year with two interceptions, one being returned for a touchdown. Racking up 49 solo tackles and 16 assists, Milano has great speed and is a strength the Patriots offense need to take very seriously. 

Well there you have it you lovely lot! Please stay tuned on Pats Propaganda for my game recap on Friday and do not worry, Tom shall return to do the previews as usual next week!

PatsProp Preview – The J-E-T-S II

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Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images

After resting up from the rigors of modern NFL football, the Patriots return from their bye tomorrow sat at 5-4 on the year, and welcome the 6-3 Jets to Foxborough! Here’s your quickfire preview for Week 11!

Injuries

The Patriots look to have a new Punter for tomorrow’s game with Jake Bailey doubtful to play. An update on Christian Barmore is that after this report was released, he was placed on IR and will miss the next 4 games with the knee issue that has been plaguing him.

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

Expect Mac to be on the watch list every week until the end of the season. I’m hoping that with a week to reset, he’ll come back to Gillette Stadium with a refreshed feel and be able to play his best game of the season, leading to a fourteenth-straight win over the Jets.

David Andrews

The return of David Andrews is massive for the Pats offensive line, they’ve had clear issues since he suffered a concussion in Week 7’s loss to Chicago. Having their captain and stalwart center back is big for Cole Strange also, he’s been in the wilderness without Andrews, clearly showing how important he’s been to the rookies development. So glad to have him back.

Nick Folk

I can see this game calling on Folk to kick a bunch of field goals tomorrow and he’s been up to the task for so long now as a Patriot. Unless the team finds some rare form in the red area, look for big kick Nick again to help with points.

Matthew Judon

The league-leader for sacks with 11.5, Judon should be a difference maker again tomorrow, last time against Zach Wilson he recorded 0.0 sacks for only the second game this season, I think that’ll change tomorrow and he’ll cause the Jets QB to have nightmares.

Flying Jets

Zach Wilson

Last time out against the Jets, Wilson practically handed the win to the Patriots by throwing three interceptions and completely capitulating in front of his home fans. A one to watch for sure, he’ll either be the reason they don’t lose, or the reason they do.

Sauce Gardner

Sauce is turning out to be a brilliant player for New York and he’s for sure in the running to be league DROTY. The Jets’ defense is certainly one of their strengths, and Gardner will be their main threat for takeaways against Mac Jones.

Tyler Conklin

The TE had a really productive game against the Pats a few weeks back, scoring two touchdowns and showing some good productivity against a Patriots defense that is usually pretty good defending tight ends. I think Bill will have made it clear that Conklin can’t have the same game against them tomorrow.

Garrett Wilson

Wilson heads into Week 11 as the Jets’ leading receiver on the year with 41 receptions for 521 yards. Whilst his QB might end of throwing the game away, he does still tend to throw it around and make plays, and a Wilson to Wilson hookup could be on the cards a few times tomorrow. He’s one to watch.

Pats Prop Preview Week 8: The J-E-T-S

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Photo by Maddie MeyerGetty Images

It’s a short week for the Patriots as they head to New Jersey at 3-4 to face the 5-2 Jets. Here’s your quick fire preview from Clazzy Clare for week 8!

Injury reporting:

Patriots to watch

Mac Jones

Finally, pretty much, Mac has been confirmed as the starter. This brings plenty of pressure on the young guys shoulders to really perform, particularly following the bad fan reaction at Gillette last week. 

With just 6 attempts for 3 completions and 13 yards passing, 3 attempts for 24 yards rushing, Mac’s first quarter against the Bears didn’t show much to give us watchers an air of confidence.

So, you don’t really need me to tell you, that all eyes will be on the number 10 jersey for this match up against the Jets.

James Ferentz

With David Andrews ruled out after being listed as a non participant in practice for two straight days due to concussion, it’s not a stretch to expect James Ferentz will be in at centre against the Jets in New Jersey.

Starting his fifth season with the Patriots, Ferentz has statistically been a solid player. But so far this season he has only suited up for two games, week one and last week against the Bears, 16 total offensive snaps. The role of centre is a big one (no pun intended). With the Jets defense working on a four man rush frequently, creating good vertical pressure in the pocket, Ferentz is going to really have to bring his ‘A’ game to keep the Patriots offensive line in any sort of stability. And the situation may be compounded with Isaiah Wynn and Mike Onwenu suffering with injuries at the moment, perhaps keep an eye out for the rookie Chasen Hines!

Damien Harris

With the speculation of scrubbing his social media of much Patriots content, there is a little unrest with rumours about the running back. In the last year of his deal, and the obvious success of his probably successor Rhamondre Stevenson, add that to a severe reduction of playing time against the Bears with only 3 rushing attempts for 8 yards and 2 passing targets, the volume of usage Damien gets in the Jets game could be telling. Or not, you know how it is in this sport!

Those J E T S Jets!

James Robinson

New to the fold, Robinson was picked up to help the huge void that was created by the loss of an injured Breece Hall. The 2022 round 2 draft selection Hall, has quickly become a strength within the Jets offense. 

Robinson is fresh off the transfer from Jacksonville and it will be interesting to see if he can keep the Jets successful running game going. 

Elijah Moore

With the trade deadline approaching (Nov 1st) there has been plenty speculated about the Jets moving on from the wide receiver, even if they have been publicly affirming they have no desire to trade Moore.

The number one receiver in college at Mississippi, Moore has plenty of confidence in his abilities, but since the return of Zach Wilson he has received only 18 targets and 10 of those were in one game, and no surprise, this has caused the receiver to publicly acknowledge his frustrations. 

A dynamic player, it will be interesting to see if the Jets utilise Moore, and this could be manipulated if the Patriots defense can find their feet and be solid against the run game, forcing Wilson to air the ball out. 

Sauce Gardner

Possibly the one Jets player on many peoples minds is the cornerback Sauce Gardner, not only because he was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, but the rookie has just been named the defensive player of the week. 

Making a major impact through the first games of his career with 27 solo tackles, Gardner has 10 forced I ncompletions (which, according to PFF is the most in the NFL through seven weeks). A concerning match up for the Patriots receivers!

Well, that’s it for the week 8 preview you lovely lot, tune in next time and Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Monday Night Bears

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Photo by Chris Unger: Getty Images

The Patriots look ahead to their first Monday night game tomorrow, hoping to improve to 4-3 on the year against the Chicago Bears. Here’s your quickfire preview for Week 7!

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

Per reports, Mac is gearing up to start tomorrow night for his first game back since Week 3. There is a lot of pressure on him right now and he will have to put in a good performance against a weak Chicago team. Barring any setbacks, QB1 is back this week, and he will be the main one to watch.

Rhamondre Stevenson & Damien Harris

Damien Harris returns following a hamstring injury that caused him to miss the last two games, while Rhamondre Stevenson has been doing just fine as the leader of the rushing attack.

I suspect they will return to the committee style and share touches with one another, but Stevenson has certainly shown some flair and I would like to see more of him, especially as he’s the only one out of the two who’s currently under contract after this season.

Matthew Judon

With the Bears not really allowing Justin Fields to throw for some reason, limiting his productivity on the ground is key and I think Judon can play a big part in that.

Judon will need to ensure the edge is set well, not allowing Fields to break out to earn some easy yards rushing the ball. Along with limiting the run, I think Judon’s pressure will lure Fields into mistakes on the rare occasion he is in the pocket to pass.

Marcus Jones

The rookie has been electric as a returner so far this season and I have a gut feeling that tomorrow we could see a huge play by him, either on defense or a return. Don’t ask me why, but keep an eye on Jones.

Grizzly Bears

Justin Fields

I don’t really know what the deal is with Fields, it seems like he joins a list of young QBs that are being completely wasted by their franchises. Fields has attempted just 115 passes this season, for comparison, Mac Jones has attempted 95 passes, and Fields has played 3 more games.

The young QB is one to watch purely for his athletic ability alone, but if Chicago continues to shy away from letting him throw, he won’t develop.

David Montgomery

The Bears’ ground game has actually been decent so far this season, averaging 170.7 yards per game, the second-highest in the NFL. Montgomery will lead the attack with support from Khalil Herbert, this will be the only way I can see the Bears keeping this one close.