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Game Report

Can we get some love for the kickers!?

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Fluffs, field goals and frenzy! The divisional round weekend of playoffs in the NFL 2021 season.

In case you didn’t know, three of the four divisional match-ups last weekend came down to a field goal. Not only that, the fourth game was moved into overtime by a field goal… C-R-A-Z-Y for K-I-C-K-E-R-S! 

And the nuttiness doesn’t cease there!

T’was the second quarter in Tennessee, Derek Henry took the direct snap and powered through for a touchdown. The Bengals had too many men on the field and Vrabel changed his play, and the Titans went for two. Henry rushed to the right and was taken down, conversion failed. The craziness is, had they gone back to the original play, and just took the extra point the Bengals couldn’t have won in the final moments with a field goal. Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda. 

Obviously, that’s easy to say, and you could about many, many games… Cowboys fans look away now…

But this is the playoffs baby!

Next up were the 49ers at Green Bay, McDreamy verses McMVP? Well, that’s popular opinion (but if you have listened to the latest episode of A Clare Perspective the podcast, you’ll know we aren’t ALL under that Jimmy G handsome spell). 

So, the 49ers were going to regret they didn’t draft the greatness that is Aaron Rodgers? (Oh, I so wish you guys could hear my sarcasm right now.)

But, in all seriousness the 10 and 7 Niners were the 6th seed, and the Packers were number 1. Not only that, it was looking shaky for Jimmy G with a couple of injuries, including his thumb! Don’t forget AR’s poorly pinky toe… Sorry, sorry I will can it. 

So, my personal feelings aside, Aaron Rodgers and his Green Bay Packers had a super successful season going 13 to 4, and people thought this Packers team were going to be different. January hasn’t been a great month for Green Bay in the past. 

There was snow, there was a blocked field goal, but you could argue that the Packers lost this game more than the 49ers won it, however, the blocked punt for a game tying touchdown in the fourth quarter by the Niners – pretty good. Either way, we witnessed some more franticness for the playoffs and the 49ers continued their journey to the Super Bowl with a 13 to 10 win at Lambeau Field. 

A headline in itself for the third game, “The Rams caused Tom Brady to draw his own blood!” The controversial penalty call on TB12, when the guy who hit him late didn’t even get slapped on the wrist, isn’t the only crazy thing that was seen in Tampa Bay. 

The Bucs kicker hit out of bounds twice, (not great Bob), Brady was under pressure far too often, and the Buccaneers were depleted by injury, unfortunately it showed. 

Tom Brady flung and slung, but sometimes he didn’t look like the GOAT we know, particularly when he threw too low for Gronkowski (anyone else think he was having a flashback and was actually looking for a certain cute squirrel? JE11, could just be me?). 

The Rams didn’t play a perfect game, so the Bucs left Cooper Kupp open too often, but he lost the ball at one point causing a turnover. And, I don’t know if Rams fans have arranged for that very early 4th quarter wild snap to Matt Stafford to be erased from history, but it was the craziest snap I may have ever seen, Stafford’s face was actually comical, I’m pretty sure he won’t see the funny side though.

And there at the end, as the game clock ticked down and it’s 27 to 27 did we witness another playoff winning field goal, and the Rams are one step closer to playing a Super Bowl in their own house.

The final game of the weekend was a doozy. It wasn’t quite as nut-job crazy as the others (well until the very end) but it was a battle of the elite. As much as it pains me to say it (you guys all know how much I dislike the Bills) this match up was one of some gifted players, and it came down to the toss of a coin, or did it? Don’t worry I am not here to start a fight, I’m moving along from that controversy.

So whether you think the ruling on the field should stand, that it is on a defense to get the ball back, or that each team should get a touch of the ball, at the end of the day Patrick Mahomes took less time to get a field goal, 13 seconds (yep, that’s right another important field goal) than it did for Dak Prescott to run… you know what, let’s not go there…

And so there you have it folks, another wild weekend of football, as we get one step closer to the almighty Super Bowl let’s take a moment to thank the kickers, ‘cos without them where ever would we be?

Go Pats!

The not so grand finale to the Patriots season

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Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots repeat visit to Buffalo resulted in another blow out, of the touchdown kind, as the Bills won 47 to 17. 

I gotta say, I like that the Pats denied the Bills of the fifty burger, but I shall put my visceral Bills hatred aside for the moment. 

I won’t sum up the game this time as frankly, I don’t think any Patriots fan wants to relive it, and if you haven’t seen it I’d rather not be responsible for traumatising you. Needless to say, the Patriots weaknesses were made rather obvious under the late night lights, and they just couldn’t get it done.  

But, that’s all the doom and gloom you’re getting from me folks. Sure, the Patriots only just made it to the playoffs, yes there are plenty of holes to be worried about, players and possibly personnel, but this is the rebuild of a dynasty baby! 

It is not about the destination, it is about the journey, and all this is still pathway!

The Patriots picked a new quarterback and he’s good, and who knows his potential?! Okay, he isn’t a playoff game winning QB, this year, and we may have seen some of his limitations, but he’s the only rookie to make the play offs. A smart kid with determination and dedication, leadership and heart. Let’s shoot for the moon Pats fans, and whilst we are there, we don’t want to miss the stars. 

Now, I know I’ll be criticised for glass more than half full attitude, but that just how I try to be. I am also realistic, I say when things aren’t great, and that was the offensive line earlier in the year, then the secondary, special teams, oh and about that so called dominant defence… 

So yeah, the QB is a rookie who’s potential could be limited, there’s issues on both sides of the ball and less cap space to play with next season, and the Patriots only got as far as the play offs. But we got through it, together. Patriots Nation had a team to root for, a team to be disappointed in as well as proud. And, we had each other. 

It’s been a rough couple of years and we’ve sought solace in sports, and hopefully in each other. 

This isn’t the end Patriots Nation, it’s another new beginning!! With Mac Jones, David Andrews, Kendrick Bourne, Jakobi Meyers, Hunter Henry,  Rhamondre Stevenson, Adrian Phillips, Christian Barmore, (hopefully) Big Kick Nick Folk and many others, we can see the team build up once again. Remember it is not just the one, but the sum of the parts. 

Sport is a cruel mistress sometimes, and that is how it goes.  However, try to be thankful for all that you do have, be the light in someone’s day, and just thank goodness you aren’t a Jets fan… 

As some of you know, I have lost loved ones during the last 18 months, as I am certain many of you have too, it’s been tough. And so, I dedicate this article to all those loved and lost.❤️

The Patriots fizzle out in Miami

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Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

If the game against the Jaguars was a burger (get it, fifty burger) then the game against the Dolphins was those few limp, soggy, skinny fries at the bottom of the brown paper bag. Ew.

The Patriots are renowned for heading to Miami and not doing great, and well, Sunday was no different.

This season has been an inconsistent one for many teams as well as the Patriots. I mentioned earlier in the week that I was concerned the Dolphins were generally out for vengeance following the spanking they took by Mike Vrabel’s Titans. And i’m not too sure if what we watched was vengeance, but it felt to me simply that the Patriots lost the game rather than the Dolphins won it, but that’s all semantics for this 24 to 33 result.

Now, the Patriots didn’t need to win, and the Dolphins future is the same if they did or didn’t, but still, as a Patriots fan you can’t watch that match up and not worry about the length of time the Patriots will be in the playoffs.

The Patriots run defense did not do its job, the defense itself did not look like the line we have been used to watching lately. There are many questions and few answers, but the loss of Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Dugger, as well as Myles Bryant did not help matters. 

To compound the issue, the bright spark of Matt Judon we had at the beginning of the year seems to have really dimmed lately. 

And not to kick ya whilst you’re down, but the awesomeness that is Christian Barmore suffered an injury and is uncertain for any further games in the near future.

I love me a good take away, food and football, but Devin McCourty needed to make that interception catch and in hindsight it could have really turned the game around, there’s no guarantee of course but still…

But you know what folks? It isn’t all doom and gloom. Brandon Bolden, Damien Harris, Jakob Johnson and Hunter Henry came to play. These guys have shown up and owned up this season and have been the light in some of our darker days, and I know I’m a tight end enthusiast but you know I’m only speaking the truth about that Los Angeles pick-up.

The second quarter gave us some fab blocking by Kendrick Bourne for the Bolden touchdown. Unfortunately, the next offensive play the Patriots undertook had a great block by Hunter with Mac airing it out to… Bourne and Meyers having a chat. Okay so I am exaggerating, and we have no idea who was at fault but that play, not great Bob.

Kendrick Bourne still flashed his infamous smile, and proved he was definitely worthy of his free agency signing as he gave Dolphins linebacker Phillips a piggy back down the field! 

And so Patriots fans, that is the regular season fizzling out there, but, BUT, the Patriots are in the playoffs with their rookie quarterback, in a year that covid is still on the horizon. 

I don’t know about you, but I’m not certain about how sure I was that they would get this far in the first real rebuilding season, so it all feels quite positive when you look at the bigger picture. 

Either way, we are on to Buffalo! Go Pats!

Another fifty burger in foggy Foxborough!

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Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

Happy New Year Patriots Nation!

Apologies, I know I am a little belated, last week was my personal ‘bye’ week but I managed to catch that beautiful fifty burger that the Patriots served up! So, if you fancy a recap, missed the game, or just want something to read with that hot beverage you have there, sit back, relax and let’s enjoy it together, shall we?

The Patriots won the coin toss and chose to defer, and the first play the Jaguars made was a short left pass to a tight end! Number 89 Luke Farrell, to be exact. Now, I know this is mostly insignificant for Patriots fans, however, I am a tight endage enthusiast so I gotta get a little bit extra in where I can. 

Okay, I shall move on.

Needless to say, the Jaguars first drive did not result in much, and they punted after only 2 minutes, but not before Dont’a Hightower registered his first sack in two years whilst Ja’Whaun Bentley took out two players! All the twos anyone?

Kristian Wilkerson had his first NFL reception with a nice floating ball across from Mac Jones. Wilkerson did attempt to get that oh so desired YAC, but with three guys on him, there’s only so much a 6 foot 1, 214 pound wide receiver can do! 

The Patriots continued with Jakobi Meyers in great motion for the first down and Hunter Henry bringing the blocking. Tight endage baby!

And all that was in the first five minutes of the game in foggy Foxborough.

Trent Brown is a force to be reckoned with, as we know, but there was a play, with about 7 minutes remaining on the clock where Brown blocked for the beast that is Rhamondre Stevenson, and the Jags number 27, cornerback Chris Claybrooks spots Brown hunting him down and makes a bit of a push to run off to the side, almost away from Brown. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not like you see me blaming him!

The Jags defense were committed to stopping the run, they had a loaded defensive line but Damien Harris was having none of it, and his cut back and forth was like a beautiful dance, and the next play he cha cha’ed a touchdown!

The end of the first quarter almost saw some controversy, depending upon which side you were rooting for. Bentley almost had his fingers on a Trevor Lawrence throw that was followed by a 40 yard catch for the Jags that Jalen Mills seemed to have his hands upon, but the Jags made their next play very quickly, and the matter was dropped. A touch hinkey if you ask me, but hey, no one did. Go figure…

The Jags ended the play with the field goal, and the Patriots had the ball again. 

The second quarter saw Stevenson fighting through for the run, Harris power running, with an epic block by Kendrick Bourne, and Hunter Henry with a 17 yard pick up. A li’l shake and a li’l wiggle too, nice tight endage!

Myles Bryant celebrated his birthday with an interception, his second of his career, another two, but the 13th for Trevor Lawrence… oof. 

Brandon Bolden continued to play strong and smart football, and the connections between Mac, Harris, and Bourne simply strengthened with a lovely little trick play. Mac followed that with a beautiful throw to Wilkerson, soft with just enough air, and Wilkerson scored his first career touchdown. 

Matt Judon had been a little quietly lately, and only just returning from the covid list it’s understandable, but they released the Judon! Only for him to be held and it not called as a penalty, ah this feeling of annoyance is so familiar this season…

JC Jackson solidified his “Mr Interception” status further for his 8th interception of the year, and the 25th of his career. Christian Barmore registered his first career solo sack, and it was just like Christmas all over again.

Myles Bryant’s birthday luck did not continue as he got a penalty call, I know I can be biased but it seemed a little weak. Both players put their helmets down and that rewarded the Jaguars a first down, however they were unable to produce, and the Patriots stormed on. 

Brandon Bolden made a glorious block that prevented a sack on Mac, only for the next play to result in Mac getting pressure from the left. But Mac rolled outside and got the ball to Hunter Henry on the move. Don’t you just love a bit of Mac to Hunter? 

Kyle Van Noy made a beeline for Lawrence and found his mark! Only for the next play to result in an interception by Kyle Dugger that he almost made into a touchdown. But the kid was smart, and he chose ball security over the glory and did his job. 

Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith continued to maintain their blocking prowess whilst the fly in the Patriot’s ointment had to be Chris Claybrooks. That Jags player was definitely an annoyance for the Patriots on Sunday. 

So there you have it folks, the Patriots look to be in the playoffs and are on to Miami… 

Go Pats!

The Patriots unable to reign in the Colts on the road at Indy

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Well hi there Patriots fans, I hope I find you well on this Sunday!

The winning streak, and the on-road winning streak, are all over for the Patriots in a crushing loss to the Colts.

It was said, going forward, this would be a difficult match up. These two teams were playing relatively even lately, and if the Patriots perhaps didn’t have such a slow start, this game would have been more of what I expected.

The Colts defense dominated the game, although in all fairness the Patriots defense didn’t completely lay down and roll over, but, the Pats offensive line didn’t have the best night, particularly Isaiah Wynn.

Mac Jones did not play the way he has been, airs of his rookie-ness were evident, possibly as a result of the offensive line issues, or maybe just as well as. Although, Carson Wentz didn’t exactly have a stellar game either.

This game recap is a difficult one to write, and not just because I need plenty of coffee, the “first three quarter Patriots” did not come to play this game. It took until the fourth quarter, but by then it was too late. 

We are back to a list of penalties, 8 for 50 yards, and 2 turn overs, not great Bob.

Sure, Rhamondre Stevenson had a couple of powerful runs, Ted Karras with a great block, and N’Keal Harry had an epic high jumping catch, but it just wasn’t enough against the Colts who played ahead for so much of the game. Even if Jamie Collins and Devin McCourty did have themselves a beautiful interception. 

Hunter Henry, always my favourite player, but he may have been Saturday’s best Patriot. Some great blocking, good catches, refusal to go down and oh, two touchdowns! 

But seriously, this wasn’t a pretty game if you’re a Patriots fan, a punt block for a return touchdown by the Colts can do that to ya, and I don’t know about you, but I am ready for a nap and a cup of “we are on to the Bills”.

Go Pats!

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 13

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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?

Spoiler Alert: The Patriots win at Buffalo!

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The Patriots roll on the road with their seventh straight win!

(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

So far this season the Patriots have had an on-the-road win streak for all six games. Mac Jones in a white jersey is plain and simple, hot.

Okay, so realistically, the win wasn’t all that. The game itself was a bit of a much for a nothingness. 14 – 10 isn’t a game full of sparkle, but as a Patriots fan, who has now finished watching the game, I’m mildly of caring, the Patriots win at Buffalo baby!

Whilst neither team blew, the wind seriously did at like 50 mph, and although the neither Patriots nor the Bills are un-used to poor weather, the ball went a little hinky here and there. And due to this, there was little to no air game for the Patriots, just 3 attempts. Josh Allen’s strength shined a little as he managed a few successful throws, 30 attempts, but this game should be known as The Run Game.

A few penalties for the Patriots again, 6 for 47 yards if you want the numbers. Looking at it IN the game though, Jonnu Smith erased a great run by Rhamondre Stevenson early in the third quarter. And that is how this game went really, there were no real bad players, just a few bad plays. Dont’a Hightower had an unnecessary horse collar tackle and a penalty called. But he redeemed himself with some great coverage afterwards. 

The Patriots did give Josh Allen a little bit too much time on the odd occasion and you can’t do that, the guy likes to get out to his right, and defenses just can’t let him unless they want to lose of course. 

Overall, it was a tricky game, but the Patriots did well! The Bills are a very good, strong team, as had been said over and over in all the discussions pre-match up. But the Patriots had plenty of pieces to look at in the positive light.

The brand new name of Daniel Ekuale chalked up the first sack of the game, boom, welcome to the Patriots!

Davon Godchaux played really well, 6 solo tackles and 4 assists. 10 tackles is a fab number for a single game, another notch on the belt of great signings by Coach Bill in the off-season! 

Christian Barmore pops up on my good list again, he was simply too much for center Mitch Morse and it was glorious to watch. 

Tight End Dawson Knox was pegged as an offensive weapon to keep a sharp eye on, and Adrian Phillips took this literally and watched that guy up close and personal. Phillips’ coverage of Knox was real good and he broke up most of those few plays that Allen managed to air out.

Speaking of tight ends (as I often do) there was a lack of a Patriots passing game which meant there was a severe reduction of tight endage action for li’l Clazzy Clare over here, however, Smith had that epic one handed pull the ball down for an awesome catch, and both tight ends were great with their blocking. Hunter in particular, sealed the edge and with Mike Onwenu in, Damien Harris made the touchdown.

And whilst on the subject of tight ends, I would just like to wish Hunter Henry a very happy birthday!

Rhamondre Stevenson, AKA ‘Mondre, is, plain and simple, a beast. There is no more “beast mode” it is now dubbed “‘Mondre mode”, which as you have probably guessed, is sheer power through the defense. It is, my friends, a beautiful thing to see. 

Ted Karras and Jakob Johnson are two names I have championed this season, and they owned up and showed up Monday night to help block and barricade for the run game. 

So there you have it Patriots Nation, a win at Buffalo, plain, nothing fancy, but delicious! A little like that first cup of coffee in the morning. Oh, speaking of coffee, time for another!

Go Pats!