Game Report

And so the Patriots preseason has concluded with a loss at Tennessee of 7 to 23, and that sound you heard, Pats Nation, was a collective sigh of relief with a hint of concern. 

It was a tough game to watch, and that’s got nothing to do with the fact that it was on at crazy’o’clock in the morning for us not on eastern time!

On reflection the most difficult thing for me now, is the fact that whilst we are worrying, and looking over it saying how bad the game was, there were guys out there fighting for their livelihoods. It may be a game but it’s also a business, a job, and so for that reason I want to give respect for the players that did well but probably aren’t going to be on that 53 list that gets cut down just a bit later on, and champion those in my final preseason game recap wrap of 2023. 

Now, don’t misunderstand me you lovely lot, I’m not here to gloss over the bad, there was plenty. I will call out how the offensive line still looked weak, how Bailey Zappe played possibly one of his worst games so far, and how Jack Jones may be feeling the effects of the distraction his legal case could be. I know there are still so many questions we want answering, so much of the offense we (thank goodness) didn’t see and may just be so much better than we expect, and how well will that first round draft pick really end up being. 

But, as I mentioned, this preseason recap wrap is to remind you of those guys who really tried to kick butt and take names on Friday night. 

The first note I made this game was defense are stopping the run, something that wasn’t happening earlier in the preseason and something that is a key to success in this ever evolving sport we love. 

Calvin Munson first hit my notes in the middle of the first quarter with a great play stopping the run, and then i’m guessing he shows up in everyone’s note book with his end of the first quarter interception! 

Diego Fagot has been released as I write this, however I would still like to champion his efforts in Tennessee as his was one name that appeared in my notes multiple times and perhaps we see him back on the practice squad. To close out the second quarter Fagot took out the runner Chestnut with a thump that had the guy somersaulting and fumbling. Mid third quarter Fagot had multiple instances of good coverage on the receiver, and unfortunately sustained a shoulder injury. However, he was back in the game and mixed in to take down the runner. Definitely a name I would like to see on game day sheet in the near future. 

Sam Roberts chased down Malik Willis rather quickly for a big guy on multiple occasions, and again as I write this Carl Davis was released perhaps Roberts did enough to secure himself a one of the 53. 

Thyrick Pitts opened the second quarter with a great catch and a powerful run through people! I do love it when a received runs through people. Unfortunately, with the current depth at receiver Pitts may have been playing more as an interview for another team at this point. 

Anfernee Jennings may not exactly be fighting for his roster spot, but with the NFL you never truly know and he had a strong game. He stepped it up whilst stopping the run early in the first quarter. A big, physical guy from Alabama who really fits in with the Patriots way at defense.

One side note, the broadcast I was privy to was some sort of Titans network and they moved away from the game plenty when it was time for Patriots offensive plays, perhaps they were saving us from ourselves! I jest, mostly. But, they did mention, in regard to the pending cut downs, how the Titans may keep five but more certainly four, tight ends. FOUR?!? FOUR tight ends?! I won’t lie, I got a little flush! 

But back to the Patriots, we have survived the preseason and next the real football is back and we all wait with bated breath to see who makes the 53. My main hopes at this moment are a third tight end… but right now my heart goes out to the guys who don’t make the team, particularly those that don’t make any team and wish them lots of luck in their future endeavours!

Go Pats.

Firstly, at the time that I write this we have heard good things following Isaiah Bolden’s on-field injury. He was taken to the hospital, had feeling in all of his extremities and was conscious. He returned to Foxborough with the team. This week’s joint practice has been cancelled, and the team will travel to Tennessee on Thursday. The last report I saw on social media was that Isaiah was in good spirits, pretty much the best we can hope for. 

So here we are on Monday with a Patriots preseason win* of 21 -17 over those pesky Green Bay Packers! (*possibly more accurately an incomplete game that was 21-17 Patriots when called). 

I don’t know about you, but I left this game with more questions than answers, but right now that’s okay, it is preseason after all. 

With the roster cut down looming just over a week away, there are many names that we are noting down in the game book with statistics that may be on the practice squad or even an opposing team come the regular season, so we really shouldn’t get too attached, but easier said than done, right?

For the third year running I know that I for one am not the only Patriots fan to succumb to the delights of JJ Taylor and his preseason performance. He was the second name on the stat chart for both passing and rushing, with 4 attempts for 29 yards and 4 targets for 3 receptions for 27 yards. Perhaps third time’s the charm for the jitter bug?

It feels like all we talk about is the offense, and whilst I have a huge soft spot for tight ends, and a bit of one for offensive linemen too, my respect for the defense runs deep. It’s just at the moment it seems like we know what the defense can be, the first round draft pick Christian Gonzales is growing momentum, Jalen Mills is stepping well in to the shoes of the veteran leader, but the offense, still a bit offensive. 

For me the woes are the o-line. The trouble is it doesn’t appear at this stage to be scheme, but talent. And you lot know me, I hate to say stuff like that, but right now I’m as grumpy as heck because I just want some good o-line-age!

Trent Brown took to the field, yay, and then just over two minutes into the game, false started. Now, you can’t slate a guy for one penalty, these things happen. But in that case of this particular left tackle, they need not to. 

The carousel of offensive linemen continued, and to highlight that the Patriots utilised the talents of one Matt Sokol, tight end blocker. 

I am all for them having plenty of tight ends out there. You know this. Give me four, but it’s not a good thing when they do because the line is weak. 

On the topic of receivers, in what feels like it might be a more positive topic is the depth. With Kayshon Boutte and Demario “Pop” Douglas out proving they are worth consideration, the musical chairs of wide receivers may see a guy you weren’t expecting to be chairless come the regular season. 

Kendrick Bourne is back doing Kendrick Bourne stuff, showing us why he shouldn’t have been in the Rocket Scientist dog house (if he was, of course) and whilst neither of the veterans DeVante Parker and JuJu Smith-Schuster have put up much in the way of statistics, second year Tyquan Thornton really, really hasn’t either!

So, as I mentioned still many questions but now isn’t the time for answers, yet, the Titans are the next mountain to climb, and then the real football begins!

Go Pats!

As the Patriots 2022 season comes to a close, it is difficult not to reflect on what might have been. The craziness of the game in Las Vegas, the almost win against the Bengals, those poor officiating calls that pulled the legs out from under the Patriots, I could go on, but I won’t. 

What you lovely lot are here for today, is the game recap against the Bills in Buffalo, and so that is what I shall bring you, and with it, hopefully a little hope!

Or at the very least, a smidge of positivity!

It may have been his last game as a Patriot, (wow, it’s really dusty in here today…) but Devin McCourty proved, even if he is a little older and a little slower, he still knows how to read a field with his end of the first quarter knock away in the end zone, preventing the Bills from a touchdown. Oh, then there’s the end of the second quarter interception, and that early third quarter fumble recovery!

Names I continue to use in these recaps are the likes of Matthew Judon, Joshua Uche and today I add to that Jahlani Tavai, with some great tackles and his great read to tip the ball at the two minute mark of the first quarter. 

Whilst the defense has been the strength of this team this season, a sentence I’m glad I don’t have to pay for as I am sure I have used it a-plenty, this game had the offense show up a lot more than we have witnessed in many weeks. Unfortunately, it was the special teams department that was the weakness this Sunday, allowing the Bills to return two kickoffs for touchdowns.

However, I am attempting to stick with the positive on this ‘Monday after the day before’.

We saw Jakobi Meyers make another great air catch with beautiful control mid first quarter, not to mention a touchdown!

DeVante Parker had a great game with two receiving touchdowns, and we saw Kendrick Bourne in some glorious play action down the middle, mid second quarter, for a first down.

Hunter Henry was being utilised way too much for blocking and you know, when they use that guy properly they win games! He did, however, notch up 6 receptions for 7 targets. 

Okay, as we go into the off season we know the Patriots have a lot to sort out, especially the tackle and punter positions, but Patriots Nation are on tenterhooks with all that is going on at coaching. This season has been strange in many ways, but none more than with the lack of quality and depth at coaching. 

Around we go again with the coaching carousel, free agency, and the draft! So much potential! 

And so, that is it for the 2022 season ‘Clazzy Clare Pats Propaganda game recaps’ you lovely lot. It may be the offseason but Tom and I aren’t going anywhere, so keep your eyes on patspropaganda.com and we shall see you all soon!

Go Pats!

Whilst the NFL world is sending prayers for Damar Hamlin and his family, I fully appreciate that a Patriots game recap is not on everyone’s mind, and I debated even writing this one. However, Damar Hamlin is a football player and so in tribute to him and with hopes of his speedy recovery, I write this. 

With week 17 in the bag, the Patriots are apparently controllers of their own destiny, although it can depend upon a multitude of scenarios so, are they?

Technically yes, because as we like to say “you can only play who is on your schedule” and the Patriots are where they are because they won some games and lost others. 

And to many peoples surprise, not mine, they won against the Dolphins. Now, there may be murmurings of it was third string quarterback, but that doesn’t really show fair for the rest of the Dolphins team which has been rather good, in particular the first half of the season under a new Head Coach. I mean, they do have one of the top wide receiver duos in the league too. 

It’s safe to say that the Patriots defense has been the strength of the team for this season even when they haven’t played at their best, and it would be easy for me to gloss over the shortcomings of the offense, although I have tried really hard this season to say it like it is, just with a more positive tone to it. 

Following the Bears game, Mac Jones has only thrown two interceptions and five wins under his belt, but it is difficult to celebrate these positives when he seemed much further along in his career, this time last year. 

We all know the coaching and offensive line, and the coaching of the offensive line, are big issues. They have been discussed ad nauseam, so let me run you through a few delights of the game against Miami to warm your cockles this dark and damp Tue-onday (also known as a Tuesday that feels like a Monday).  

I could also name this “things to celebrate on the Patriots team!”

We finally saw a bit of Hunter Henry action, and whilst some of us have been desiring this more than others, it was a welcome show of 5 receptions for 52 yards. The peak might have been the ‘on side kick recovery and secure’ that helped the game conclude in a win. I pose a question to you though… why is it that we really only see success with Hunter Henry when Jonnu Smith isn’t on the field? This is a conspiracy theory for 2023, methinks. 

The secondary was depleted almost to the point of insanity as newbie to the roster Tae Hayes (number 39) played 24 snaps, but they still managed great containment of Jaylen Waddle. Tyreek Hill was a little more challenging especially as Myles Bryant had plenty of responsibility to cover him, and also played 100% of he defensive snaps. 

If the defense without the dynamic duo of Marcus Jones, Jack Jones, and the solid player of Jalen Mills can succeed against two of the great wide receivers in the NFL at then moment, then it can’t be all bad, right?

As usual, the names of those that make the good list are:

Rhamondre Stevenson, particularly with his great cut-cut-cut and run early in the second quarter. 

Damien Harris returned from injury looking strong, and Michael Onwenu made sure his teammate had a bit of extra assistance with a great block to almost close out the second quarter. 

Jakobi Meyers continues to be my number one Patriots wide receiver with a great air catch, or it could be called a flying touchdown. Depends how you feel, but either way it was fabulous. Unfortunately, he left the game not long after with a possible chest injury and as I write this I have no further updates on that. 

And that’s what sparkled on the offense, as aforementioned the defense is the strength! Christian Barmore, Josh Uche, Deatrich Wise and Matthew Judon… the stuff of nightmares! And then, the mighty King Doug, Kyle Dugger, had an interception for a touchdown!

Devin McCourty almost closed out his 2022 season as a New England Patriot at home with an interception.. almost!

So that concludes week 17 for the Patriots! Tune in next time you lovely lot, and go Pats!

A rather crazy play after a bad officiating call lost the Patriots a win, or at least a chance at one in overtime, and the Las Vegas Raiders capitalised with a 30-24 victory at home.

In the game against the Minnesota Vikings, a catch was in question and Hunter Henry was denied a touchdown. This time the officials gave an out of bounds Keelan Cole a touchdown that threw the good work of the Patriots defense into disarray, and eventually a loss on the road.

Dare I mention, the timeout called by the Patriots sideline just as Jakobi Meyers caught a touchdown pass from Mac Jones? No, okay. 

I always try and give you the positives, but that Sunday game in Vegas was plagued by bad coaching for both teams, and a horrible mistake by the officials.

However, what is broken can be fixed, even if it does take time and there were some good numbers that came up out there in Las Vegas!

Number 8, Ja’Whaun Bentley, brought some heat most of the afternoon/evening from the beginning of the game with a nice tackle and continued throughout with plenty of good pressure on Derek Carr, securing himself a sack. 

Defense was the name of the game, and whilst Matthew Judon and Josh Uche didn’t rack up as many numbers in Vegas as usual, they were playing complimentary defense, a nice indication of the strength of the defensive unit. 

It was a shame that the defense, with its 3 sacks and 58 combined tackles, just wasn’t quite enough to carry this team through. 

What did have a good try at carrying… the running back corps! And whilst it’s no surprise Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for the brunt of the running backs 216 yards, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong continue to show a little sparkle. And, I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of confidence in the running back room for 2023. 

Okay, so right now confidences in this team may be few and far between, there is a slither of a chance they make the playoffs in a wild card capacity. And whilst next season is a must for some significant coaching changes, there is plenty in this Patriots locker room that I hope returns!

If you partake in my podcast A Clare Perspective, you still have a few hours to get those mailbag questions in (before the evening of Monday 19th December) for my festive fun show later this week, and don’t forget to catch up on my latest shows with the fantabulous Mark Schofield, Andy Hart, and the 50th episode special edition with Tyler Dunne where we discuss Ty’s interview with Mr Red Sleeves himself, Matthew Judon. 

I wish all who celebrate a truly Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, until next time, and next year you lovely lot! Go Pats!