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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!

PatsProp Preview – Throwback Game In Foxborough

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

It’s the first of the Throwback games tomorrow as the Pats will don their classic red jerseys and white helmets against the Detroit Lions, who like the Patriots, sit 1-3 on the season, desperate to find their second victory.

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Bailey Zappe

The rookie is set to start tomorrow for the Patriots as Mac Jones continues to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered against Baltimore.

Zappe did well in his first game last week when he replaced Hoyer, but, now it looks like he’ll have a complete game for himself to lead the offense. The team will need him to protect the ball, and take some shots downfield to try and get some points on the board against this potent Lions offense.

Tyquan Thornton

Some good news today came as Thornton was activated from IR to the main 53-man roster, to much joy from fans who have been itching to see their new speedster in competitive action for the first time.

Thornton’s 21-day clock to return began on Wednesday, but, he’s been activated already which is hopefully a nod to how well he’s been doing since suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason.

Even if he isn’t fully fit in the sense of being out and starting as one of the leading receivers, he should offer pace as a deep-threat option to keep the Lions’ secondary honest. One to watch for sure.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

With a backup QB expected to start tomorrow, production from the backs will be key to victory. Both ran well last week in Green Bay under similar circumstances and I think they can do the same tomorrow, especially against a Lions defense that allows 165.5 yards per game on the ground so far this season.

Hunter Henry

With Jonnu Smith unlikely to play through the injury, the onus on Hunter Henry is even greater. The big Tight End has had fewer receptions (5) this season than he did touchdowns for the entire of last season (9) through 4 weeks.

A very disappointing stretch for Henry, who I’m sure will riggle into some form, especially in the RedZone where he was so key for Mac Jones last year. Will tomorrow be the day we see some more production from Henry? We’ll see.

Matthew Judon

The entire defensive front will need to bring a little extra juice tomorrow in the absence of Lawrence Guy, who’s been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

I think Judon will make life uncomfortable for Jared Goff, especially if he can get to him early and often, causing mistakes.

Jake Bailey

Bailey has been disappointing thus far and after securing himself a new contract, he has to be a lot better than what he’s been offering. Against a Lions offense that has been putting up points for fun, giving the defense favorable field position will be a huge boost, let’s see if he can bring that tomorrow.

Lions Den

Jamaal Williams

With no Deandre Swift, Jamaal Williams will lead the Lions’ ground attack once more, having already amassed 276 yards and 6 TDs rushing this season.

Williams is particularly one to watch as worryingly, the Patriots have resembled swiss cheese when it comes to stopping the run so far in 2022.

TJ Hockenson

Hockenson heads into town on the back of a career game last Sunday where he caught 8 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. This is a big worry for me as the Pats have struggled already this season against Tight Ends and Hockenson could really bring the hurt tomorrow.

I imagine Kyle Dugger will get the nod to provide coverage on the big playmaker, but we shall see.

Aiden Hutchinson

The blue-chip rookie has shown some sparks of why he was so highly touted out of Michigan in this year’s draft. Be on the lookout for #97 on the edge, he’s a real game-changer, Marcus Cannon will need to be on top form against him, or will it be Isaiah Wynn?

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 4 vs Green Bay

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AP Photo/Mike Roemer

The Patriots came out of Green Bay 1-3 on the season following another defeat, but they sure didn’t go down without a fight. Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Packers.

Ups ⬆️

Jack Jones

The player of the game, without a doubt. What a debut start for Jones, he forced and recovered a fumble, then shocked Aaron Rodgers with a pick-6!

Not without allowing a few plays, but a fantastic performance by the rookie, showing that he certainly has a nose for the ball. I can’t wait to see how he progresses from here.

Bailey Zappe

What a debut game for the young kid, a week ago he was preparing to be the backup following the injury to Mac Jones, then, late in the first quarter Brian Hoyer leaves the game with a concussion, and in came the rookie.

Zappe looked calm in the pocket and finished his first-ever game 10/15, 99 YDS -1 TD.

The rookie didn’t play like a future Hall Of Famer, but he also didn’t get in the way of the Patriots winning, he did everything he could to try and get a result and earned a lot of well-deserved props for doing so.

He might get his first career start next week.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

The tandem backs had another solid outing, combing for 152 yards and a touchdown on the ground (Harris 86 YDS – 1 TD / Stevenson 66 YDS).

You could make an argument that Stevenson was the stronger runner on the day, but both were key to the success on the ground which really supplemented the team’s lack of experience at QB.

Matthew Judon

Another strong game for Mr Red Sleeves, Matt Judon. He was a troubling presence for Elgton Jenkins at RT for the Packers and picked up his 4th sack of the season as the defense really helped stall the Green Bay passing attack for large portions of the game.

A well-deserved place on the up list.

Marcus Jones

FINALLY, MARCUS JONES IS RETURNING KICKS. Our prayers were answered and you can see the rewards already with how Jones carries the ball and the threat he poses on return duty.

On his 4 kickoff returns, he averaged 27.2 yards per return with a long of 37, and 24.5 yards on the 2 punts he brought back, with a long of 29.

Downs ⬇️

Isaiah Wynn

This may well be it for Isaiah Wynn, he was benched for Marcus Cannon following missed blocks and more inexcusable penalties. One of the missed blocks was the hit that forced Hoyer out of the game with a concussion.

I hate to pile on a guy, but it’s been a slow decline of disappointment and this may be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back for his future in New England.

Jonathan Jones

I felt it was a rough day in coverage for Jones yesterday on the few plays the Packers made in the passing game. Jones is the Pats’ starting corner, but against Allen Lazard, who is not an NFL star player, he gave up 6/116 YDS. He has to be better.

Run Defense

The defensive front let the Packers rush for just shy of 200 yards alone on the ground yesterday. Aaron Jones rushed for 110 yards himself at a little over 7 yards a carry.

The success on the run game really allowed a Packers team to keep within winning distance in a game they quite frankly deserved to lose. The defense as a whole wasn’t bad, but as a unit, these were.

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!

PatsProp Preview – Starting October In Green Bay

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Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots travel to Green Bay tomorrow lacking various key players as Mac Jones, Lawrence Guy, and Jakobi Meyers are all out through injury. The focus shifts to Brian Hoyer, who will lead the offense for the first time since Week 4 in 2020.

Patriots To Watch

Brian Hoyer

With Mac Jones confirmed out for tomorrow’s game, Brian Hoyer will get the start at quarterback. Hoyer is a seasoned veteran of the league and gives the team the best chance to win over Bailey Zappe purely on his experience in the offense alone.

Hoyer has lost his last 11-straight regular season games, and he’ll need to be mistake-free in Green Bay if the team has any chance of coming away with a win. The main one to watch.

Christian Barmore

Barmore hasn’t been the wrecking ball that I’d hoped he would so far this year, he hasn’t been bad by any stretch, but I’m hoping he can still advance to be a serious threat for the defensive line.

If he can be disruptive and collapse the pocket to cause Rodgers pressure, it can be a key part in keeping the game close for the Pats.

Nick Folk

I have a feeling that the team will be relying on Folk a bunch tomorrow in what could be a close affair. He must make every kick tomorrow.

DeVante Parker

In the absence of Jakobi Meyers, expect Hoyer to target Parker tomorrow a bunch, who himself is coming off a storming game last time out against Baltimore.

Kendrick Bourne

Could this be the game Bourne re-establishes himself into the offensive attack? We’ll see, I’m not holding my breath, but with Meyers missing again this week, I’d expect Bourne to be more involved, alongside Parker and Agholor.

Green Bay Threats

Aaron Rodgers

The future HOF’er hasn’t got the same offense that we’ve seen dominate the NFC North over the last few years, but, I can’t help thinking that this could be the game where their attack explodes into life. With his younger weapons of Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson, Rodgers, like it or not, still has some decent receivers to target.

If Rodgers is allowed to control the game through the air, it could get out of hand and out of reach for the Patriots real fast.

Aaron Jones

With Davante Parker now in Las Vegas, the main threat in my eyes for the Packers is Aaron Jones, a highly versatile back, Jones has the ability to score on either the ground or through the air. Limiting Jones’ production on the ground I think will be particularly important in the Pats’ defensive plan.

Romeo Doubs

The young rookie is the leading receiver for Green Bay, notching up 137 yards and a touchdown through 3 games. Whilst his numbers aren’t staggering, for a young rookie to be outshining the rest on what has been a very average Packers offensive attack is noteworthy. Keep an eye out for him tomorrow.

Jaire Alexander – Eric Stokes – Rasul Douglas

Alexander was limited in practice this week, but it looks like he will play tomorrow, leading out a formidable Packers secondary, alongside Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes.

With Hoyer The Destroyer in at QB for the Patriots, Alexander and co will be licking their chops at some potential takeaways and could really be the difference tomorrow if the Pats can’t take care of the ball.

Mac Jones ruled OUT of Sunday’s trip to Green Bay

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After an entire week of not knowing if Mac would have surgery, go on IR, play, or, not play, we finally have a definitive answer on his status for Sunday, he’s out.

Per the team’s official injury report, Jones is officially ruled out of contention, along with Lawrence Guy and Yodny Cajuste.

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 3 vs Baltimore

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Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

A fun game to watch yesterday, unfortunately, ended in crushing fashion. Concerns now turn to Mac Jones following his serious injury late in the game. Until we know more, here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Ravens.

Ups ⬆️

DeVante Parker

With Jakobi Meyers missing through injury, this game was a chance for Parker to break out and show off what many were excited about during Training Camp. And boy did he do just that.

Mac targeted #1 a game-high 10 times, with Parker bringing in 5 of them for a rousing 156 yards, certainly an inspiring performance, especially the play below where he showed off some superior skill.

Deatrich Wise Jr.

This was a storming game for Wise, he recorded 3 sacks and 4 TFL, almost single-handily keeping the Patriots in the game. Alongside Matt Judon, who’s been playing really well in his own right, Wise has really transformed into a big playmaker so far this season.

The newly-elected captain led from the front. A big UP!

Jonathan Jones

A solid game for Jones as he continues his tenure as CB1, a pick and a forced fumble place him firmly on the UP list.

Running Backs

I thought both Harris and Stevenson played really well yesterday, both bagged touchdowns and were productive on the ground throughout. We really need to see this partnership blossom even more, especially if the passing game lessens even further.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

Any time your QB throws 3 picks and 0 TDs, they’re going to be on the down list. Mac looked improved in some areas, and worse in others, namely, his decision-making. On all of the interceptions, it seemed he was forcing the ball to Parker every time.

Then came his injury at the end of the game which is really troublesome, reports confirm it’s likely a severe high ankle sprain, with all options of recovery still on the table.

Nelson Agholor

The cardinal sin as a Patriots player, committing a turnover. Agholor fumbled for the second time this season and it completely deflated what was left in the offensive attack.

Myles Bryant

Another close miss for Bryant in punt duty, I just don’t get why the rookie Marcus Jones isn’t getting a go back there. Although it didn’t cost them, the error and Bryant’s below-par day in coverage lands him on my down list.