PatsPropaganda

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Opinion

The Patriots stop over in New Jersey and beat the Jets, again!

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AP Photo/John Minchillo

So, a much needed win was had on Sunday as the Patriots attempted to play some better football against the 5 – 2 (now 5 – 3) New York Jets.

Mac Jones started, which in itself as a fan felt like a bit of an accomplishment, but it wasn’t the best performance, it wasn’t the easiest game to watch, especially if you were a Jets fan! But, saying that it, wasn’t the smoothest of games for a Patriots fan either.

The game started promisingly with the Patriots forcing the Jets to a bad punt, but then the Jets defense shut anything the Pats had going, down. 

Unfortunately, the absence of centre David Andrews was as glaring as a lit jack-o-lantern at Halloween, with Cole Strange having a particularly tricky game, and finally getting benched.

Whilst Mac Jones suffered under some pocket pressure, Zach Wilson suffered some more! He seemed to fold under the pressure significantly, and threw the ball to Devin McCourty and Ja’Whaun Bentley. 

Speaking of pressure, Matthew Judon maybe the number one thing of quarterback nightmares as the lurking Mr Red Sleeves, but Deatrich Wise has to be the number two!

More pressure… Jack Jones put some out there on the Jets mid third quarter field goal attempt, which resulted in it being unsuccessful.

The end of the second quarter showed us that Rhamondre Stevenson may not only be a “Steamerson”, but has fabulous hands with his one handed catch, bringing the ball into his body. And whilst this was going on Jakobi Meyers secured his spot in our hearts, and maybe the roster more so, with some great blocking!

Speaking of guys doing a great job, Adrian Phillips really threw himself into the game to help fill the void left by an injured Kyle Dugger, as well as Mr Veteren himself Devin McCourty and his two interceptions. 

Oh, and did I mentioned Rhamondre Stevenson? I did? Yeah, but did I talk about his early third quarter charge where he broke three tackles, and pretty much ran through a safety?! 

To me the word for the game was pressure. The Patriots suffered under some, they gave a lot, and Zach Wilson possibly collapsed under it. The Patriots may have made Sam Darnold see ghosts, they also managed to fluster Zach Wilson and the Jets into beating themselves. 

The offensive line has issues, the defense has injury absences and Mac Jones looks a little uncomfortable out there still, BUT the Patriots are at 4 – 4 with still plenty of opportunity to rise!

If you celebrate, Happy Halloween you lovely lot! But until next time, Go Pats!

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!

T’was a foggy night in Foxborough as the Bears defeated the Patriots

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Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Unfortunately it’s not victory Monday, and that’s got nothing to do with the fact that it’s Tuesday!

Okay, there may not be much to recap on the game that you lovely lot will want to read, but I shall buckle up and give it a go buttercup!

Although a defeat to the, 31st in the league for most things Chicago Bears, it wasn’t all bad I promise.

Whilst the offensive line seemed to crumble a little, and Cole Strange had his first penalty, Isaiah Wynn didn’t have any… okay, okay you caught me, he wasn’t playing, and unfortunately Trent Brown seemed to take up the reigns to ensure that the sheet didn’t go clean when it came to offensive line holding penalties. 

The defense wasn’t great against the run, and they left too many receivers open on a Chicago offense that has been known to suck. 

A lot of the coaching left plenty to be desired, and the decision to play in-and-out with the quarterbacks didn’t quite pan out how it was probably hoped. 

The one point I would like to make that may come across as a little whiney, and I’m not an advocate for whinging and blaming the officiating, however… If the officials would have stopped casting a blind eye to all the Matthew Judon holds, he may have gotten to the quarterback even more, and shut down some of those air out plays that gave the Bears points. 

Okay, I can throw some sunshine on this, as I promised I would. 

If you tuned into the game moments into the second quarter (after the unfortunate Mac pick) and watched all the way through to the end of the second quarter, so yes okay about 13 minutes of clock time, you would have seen a fabulous Patriots team. 

Bailey Zappe came into the game, succeeded in a short completion to Jonnu Smith – tight endage people! – then he made a great read to Rhamondre AND, AND a beautiful deeeeeeep ball to a completely open Jakobi Meyers for a touchdown!

Next, Justin Fields threw out a floater, tipped by Matthew Judon, into the arms of Myles Bryant.

We move along to a spin and catch of Devante Parker as Zappe aired out a 43 yarder!

Rhamondre Stevenson continues his reign as Steamerson walking it in for a touchdown, with some great support blocking by Hunter Henry.

Zappe just seemed to look way more comfortable in the pocket than Mac this game and I for one enjoyed watching it, but also hope that Mac can get his mojo back too.

Well, there you have it you lovely lot, a game recap as best I could. I hope it wasn’t too painful!

Until next time…Go Pats!

The Patriots slam down on the Cleveland Browns!

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Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Within the first 30 seconds of the game Kyle Dugger with an interception. Yeah baby!

Good morning, afternoon, or evening to you on this Victory Monday as I write this, or whichever day you read this!

So, in case you missed it, the Patriots beat out the Browns at First Energy Stadium 38 to 15. 

There’s plenty for me to gush over to you today, but whilst a chunk of points win was something I sort of envisioned, my score prediction was a 30 – 10 Pats win, it wasn’t all perfection from the Patriots. 

Firstly, we have the same sentence to write/read in regard to Isaiah Wynn and those darn penalties. Wynn had his usual false start penalty. It’s as weekly as my game recap is folks. Wynn also allowed a sack on Zappe, and when you’re on your third string quarterback, that’s risky business!

The Patriots had 12 penalties against them in this game and predominately they were against Matty P’s offense.

We saw a monumental event, in a field goal miss by Nick Folk. Personally, I think that’s less on Nick and more on the commentator and his curse of “Nick Folk hasn’t missed…”

And to be honest you lovely lot, that’s about it. Sure, Bailey Zappe still has those little rookie trademarks, but again he showed poise. Throwing 24/34 completions, for 309 yards, two tuddies and no interceptions!

Can we just take a moment, to savour the utter deliciousness that was the tight endage in this game. Finally, we saw some movement down there!

Hunter Henry was in for 97% of the game, blocking like a crazy person, having some lovely catches, good ball security when he was taken to the ground, oh yeah and did I mention… A TIGHT END TOUCHDOWN!

Okay, maybe I hit the coffee too hard this morning, probably not, you lot know how much I love me some tight endage. 

And whilst I make no secret Hunter is my favourite, Jonnu Smith had himself a great game! We finally got to see his skills baby! The early third quarter catch and run may have been one of my favourites of the game. Follow that with a catch from Hunter, and a touchdown by Tyquan Thornton… hot, hot, hot!

The good stuff doesn’t end there folks. 

Rhamondre Stevenson continued his bulldozing ways, Cole Strange is always ready to step in to floor someone if need be, and DeVante Parker took flight on his early first quarter leap and catch, for a 29 yard pick up and a first down, oh! And then there was that hot and high grab in the second quarter!

But wait! I haven’t even mentioned the defense yet! Do I even need to?

Of course I do! 

They may have been the stars of the show for the Patriots lately, but they grinded it out on Sunday, and it paid off. 

Matthew Judon continues to be a thing of quarterback nightmares, only just beating out Deatrich Wise for the top scary spot of Sackman. 

Meanwhile, it’s proving difficult to keep up with the Jones as Jack and Marcus are hungry for interceptions!

Speaking of hungry, Carl Davis had himself a fumble recovery, although he didn’t exactly run that far for the return, it was delicious! Check the tape, the guy couldn’t stop rubbing his tummy.

And finally, I need to mention Brandon Schooler, schooling again with the end over punt recovery!

So there you have it you lovely lot, Patriots victory Monday never tasted so sweet! Until next time… Go Pats!

Throwbacks and shutout! The Patriots defeat the Lions in week 5

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photo credit: Matthew J Lee Boston Globe

In the throwback red uniforms Bailey Zappe may have handed the ball off to the beast that is Rhamondre Stevenson plenty of times, but he also attempted 21 throws, with 17 completions for 188 yards, and… one touchdown. 

Right now there is plenty to still nibble at that lower lip in concern for over the Patriots, but it’s victory Monday! And yes, whilst many will say “but the Lions defense sucks”, and they are not incorrect, may I please remind you… going into week 5 whilst the Lions were bottom, last, the worst, at points scored against them in the league with 141, they were also the very top at points scored in the whole league too, with 140.

So, to look at it another way, whilst the yes, third string rookie quarterback led, New England Patriots offense scored 29 points with only one touchdown against the bottom of the league Detroit Lions defense… they also held those top of the league in points scoring Lions to a big fat zero. Nada. Zilch. Zip. 

Whilst there are still areas to be worked upon, I can feel confident saying there are areas to celebrate!

Let’s get down to business shall we?

The word that I wish I had a nice, shiny British pound (or a nice, crisp, one dollar bill) for, was poise. Bailey Zappe showed significant poise. AKA the kid performed really well under the fair amount of pressure he was under, and that’s definitely a point the commentators, and many since, have hammered home. 

It would have been really easy for the guy to totally lose it, fumble and bumble, and he would actually have a decent excuse for doing so. He is a fourth round pick, rookie quarterback, in what was once known as one of the most difficult schemes in the NFL, with a still getting their stuffs together coaching staff. 

Yeah it would have been naff having to use the excuse, but I’m not exactly wrong, am I?

However, we saw a team pull the whole thing together. Like a huge, glorious parcel, all the corners (figuratively, not literally… well maybe a bit literally) pulled way in, and made a nice tight, tidy bundle of a team. 

Yeah, there were still the expected issues. I’m not a gambling girl per se but am curious to what the odds may be on an Isaiah Wynn false start/holding penalty call for, well, every game, and Nelson Agholor could probably do with some much stickier gloves!

However! Moving on to the glass, over half way full perspective! 

Rhamondre Stevenson ploughed all over this game, and there’s not much that I can write that would really do this beast mode guy justice. 

Tight man coverage on TJ Hockenson caused a huge headache for the Lions offense and Jack Jones, the ball hawk, displayed his lovely speed and athletic ability, with the late first quarter interception.

Following the mid-second quarter unfortunate interception from Nelson Agholor’s bobble, Jahlani Tavai attempted to grab hold of a runner whilst wrestling with TJ Hockenson, Adrian Phillips had a glorious take down, and Matthew Judon took on the mighty Penei Sewell and totally won. 

If you are a defense aficionado then this game was all sorts of delightful treats for you. 

Oh yes, and how ever can I forget, the beautiful sack by, who else, but Matthew Judon that was recovered by Kyle Dugger for the defensive touchdown!

The Patriots may have caused Sam Darnold to see ghosts, but I think that Jared Goff may be seeing a certain Mr Red Sleeves in his nightmares for a little while.

Cole Strange continued his positive progression with some more great work, and I spotted the elevated from practice squad tight end, Matt Sokol, throw up some nice, tidy blocks. Can I get a TIGHT ENDAGE anyone?

Speaking of tight endage (okay when am I not!?) but seriously, I can’t be the only one happy to see Hunter Henry out there catching a few balls, surely? He had a nice gain of 17 yards after the catch early in the third quarter, and then a late in the third quarter diving catch that was delightful!

Now, I know that’s not much, and plenty of you may be rolling your eyes, but hey it’s victory Monday, and we saw SOMETHING from the tight ends. I’ll take what I can get at this point. 

Until next time, you lovely lot! Go Pats!

The Patriots stomp in an “almost win” at Lambeau Field

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Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

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!

The Ravens swoop in with a win against the Patriots at Gillette

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Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots go 1 – 2 with an at home loss to the Ravens. 

Let’s just tear the band aid off quickly here shall we? So it wasn’t the greatest of games, it wasn’t the worst of games either… so that’s something!

When I say that, I know many will disagree, but the Patriots did manage to put up 26 points, but as I mentioned, we are pulling the band aid off, so let’s be brutal first. 

Whilst the defence had positives, and I shall get to those in a moment, they performed well in the first two games, but there were small cracks in the system this week. Namely, once Lawrence Guy was out with possible shoulder injury. 

Myles Bryant seems to be in a twilight zone at the moment. He started the pre season quite strong with that great punt return against the Giants, but since then, fumbles and bumbles… oof. He’s had all sorts of mistakes, and this game was no different with his early first quarter muff, ball security is job security sweetie. 

And to that end, what the frick were they doing putting Bryant on the possible 2022 punt return God, Devin Duvernay?!!?

Isaiah Wynn continues to be an eager beaver, which normally I would applaud. However, it is costing the Patriots expensive penalties, game after game now. He isn’t a rookie player, this is definitely something he should have buttoned up by game three.

Another guy who’s ball security is in question is Nelson Agholor. I was so ready to put him on my good list with his great, great fourth quarter deep pass from Mac Jones that became… a punched out fumble. Insert face palm emoji of your choice. Again, ball security is job security dude!

Whilst there was even more to be concerned about in this game than I have mentioned, turnovers, please no one talk about four turnovers…There were some positives and that’s what they keep me around here for at Pats Propaganda! (Just ask Tom Shaw-Mellors!)

But in all seriousness, it’s a Monday after a bad loss. I get that. And Mac Jones has a left leg injury, that’s enough to make any Patriots fan sob into their morning coffee. So I am here to try and lift your spirits a little you lovely lot!

Deatrich Wise continues to own up and show up, making darn sure he is worthy of his captainship, with some glorious sack play and QB pressure. Did anyone else see fear in the eyes of Lamar Jackson early in the second quarter as he witnessed Wise barrelling towards him?

The amount of times I’ve used Matthew Judon’s name in my positive game takes is really mounting up this season, and whilst he perhaps ran out of a little steam towards the end of the game he was the one guy who could match Jackson’s movement and really get to him. 

We continue to see positivity from the likes of Marcus Jones and Jack Jones, proving they were worthy of their draft picks, Damien Harris and his fabulousness at blocking, not to mention Rhamondre Stevenson with his beastliness!

DeVante Parker may still have a little bit of a spotty record in a Patriots jersey, but Mac Jones targeted him 10 times, for 5 receptions and 156 yards. He had a glorious third quarter catch against Stephens of the Ravens, even when he had the guy hanging on his aforementioned Patriots jersey!

Nick Folk continues his reign as MVP of kickers (in my humble opinion) and he now holds the NFL record for 57 consecutive field goals made from under 50 yards. 

So, there you have it, week three is in the bag. And yeah, the bag doesn’t fill us all with a huge amount of optimism at the moment, the Patriots have plenty of bad and ugly. However! They still have a few good lumps too! 

Until next time you lovely lot! Go Pats!