PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

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.

Shenanigans in Sin City as the Patriots fall to 7-7

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Photo credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie USA TODAY Sports

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!

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.

The weather may have been cold in Foxborough, but the Patriots warmed things up a little with a win in Arizona

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Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

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!

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.

The cold hard truth as the Patriots lose to the Bills in Foxborough

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Photo credit: Tom Shaw-Mellors

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!

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!