PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

Patriots Ups & Downs Wildcard Weekend

by

Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

What a crushing way to end the season, just crushing. The Patriots fell 47-17 in Buffalo last night, being completely overpowered by the divisional champions. For the final time this season, here are your Ups & Downs.

Ups ⬆️

Mac Jones

I came away from the game feeling better about Mac Jones. Sure, he didn’t play great, but for me he was an up overall on the night. He was one of the few players who was fighting until the very end, which is frankly embarrassing that your rookie quarterback is setting the tone.

On the field he did make some really good plays, and found the endzone a couple of times when the game was finished, again, it felt like only him and Kendrick Bourne were still trying. I think the team needs to get him a real WR1 threat, Agholor just isn’t that.

Not dismissing his mistakes, but, I think he will take a lot away from this game and will fuel a fire under him into the off-season.

Kendrick Bourne

I think we’ve come to find that Kenrick Bourne can be a real complimentary piece to the offense moving forward. Bourne caught two touchdown passes, albeit once the game was effectively over, but, it’s carried on a trend from the season of his good productivity. Bourne is an up.

Downs ⬇️

The Secondary

The defense was terrible all game, and I’m really concerned about how the team will rebuild a secondary unit that gave up five touchdown passes in a complete mis-match with the Bills.

I can honestly say that I never felt like the unit was going to find a turnover or force a punt with coverage.

The off-season will be intriguing to see where Bill goes with this unit and the defense overall, but last night they were just bad.

Matthew Judon

Judon has been a shell of himself since the bye, I can’t recall him forcing any pressure on the opposing QB which as harsh as it may sound, is not good enough.

He came out of the blocks with blistering pace, potentially on course to break the Patriots season sack record, but something changed with him during the week off, and it’s played a part, like last night in not making it hard enough for the enemy signal caller.

A Final Note

I’m just going to leave the downs there, I could go on about all of the mistakes, bad play calls, but we know what happened out there.

There is going to be lots of movement in the next few months that will re-shape this roster, especially on defense. But just from a personal note, I wanted to say thanks to everyone for tuning in to mine and Clare’s content this season. We’ll be back with plenty during the off-season to keep you up-to-date on all things Patriots.

The not so grand finale to the Patriots season

by

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.❤️

PatsProp Preview – Buffalo Wildcard

by

Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images

Playoff football is back on the schedule for the Patriots as they travel to Buffalo for the second time this season, hoping to keep their Super Bowl hopes alive. Here’s your preview for Saturday night’s Wildcard game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac hasn’t had the best run of games down the final stretch coming into his first pro playoff game, but, it’s now his time to shine. The rookie has shown glimpses of brilliance and flashes of annoyance during his first year, he now heads into Buffalo for the second time, but it will be a different game, with more at stake.

It’s win or go home, and we’ve yet to see Mac win a game for the Patriots himself, and he may well need to tomorrow by throwing the ball, more than the three times he did when during his first time in Buffalo last December. Anyways, let’s think positively, after all, things worked out well the last time a Pats QB wore a scuba suit in the playoffs away from home.

Damien Harris

Harris played a huge roll when the Pats won earlier in the season at Buffalo and I think it’ll be a similar story tomorrow if the Pats manage to pull it out of the bag. Harris has had a great year, and whilst he’s been well supported by Rhamondre Stevenson, Harris will be lead back tomorrow and is key.

Matthew Judon

Judon has been super quiet of late, and he needs to be visible tomorrow if the Patriots have a chance of winning. I know it’s a lot to pin the result on one player, but, I really think him being able to pressure Allen into making mistakes is huge. He’s been cold of late, a big game is needed by him.

J.C. Jackson

In what could be one of his final games in a Patriots uniform, J.C. will be tasked with covering Stefon Diggs again, something which he will no doubt be relishing. We saw in their second meeting at Gillette Stadium that Diggs wasn’t the receiver the Pats should have been worried about, but nonetheless, he’s always a danger threat and his matchup with Jackson tomorrow is one to watch for sure.

Offensive Line

Isaiah Wynn was confirmed out of the game as he failed to recover from an ankle issue that has kept him out of training all week. Either Trent Brown or Justin Herron are replacements to fill the left tackle position, but either way it’s not ideal heading into a game where the Patriots need to have solid blocking in both their run and pass attacks.

Kenrick Bourne

Bourne has shown the ability this year to be the chunk playmaker for the Pats at times. He’s come up big in key moments and I have a feeling he will have a good game tomorrow. Jet sweeps and maybe a trick play could be on the cards.

Bills Mafia

Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Who for the Bills could cause problems for the Patriots?

Josh Allen

We know what Josh Allen can do, his rise as one of the best QBs in the league has been a fun watch, he’s now an accurate passer with the ability to kill you with his running. Pressure on him will be key, if the Pats defense can limit his running and cause him to force and error or two, it could be a massive turning point.

Stefon Diggs

Diggs is one of the best receivers in the league and will garner much of the defensive back attention tomorrow, as he should. J.C. Jackson will be matched up with him, but even when game planned against, Diggs has the ability to still deliver soul-crushing catches.

Cole Beasley

The Bills get one of their most trusted pass-catchers back in Cole Beasley, who missed the last game as he was on the COVID list. Beasley should be targeted a bunch by Allen, he’ll be another problem for the coaches to scheme against.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 20 – Bills 17

As much of a homer I am, I have to be realistic at the Pats chances. I think it’ll be a competitive game, but, the Bills will edge it as the superior team on the night. Pats 21 Bills 24

@clazzyclare – Patriots 17 – Bills 14

Let’s see the return of the Mac! The Patriots can win this game, they need to win this game, and somehow, they will win this game. Pats 17 Bills 14

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 18

by

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots finished their 2021 regular-season in a slump, falling 33-24 in Miami to the Dolphins. The curse of playing in Miami continues, but it wasn’t just bad news for the Pats, Dolphins HC and former Patriots DC Brian Flores was fired this morning in a fairly shocking move.

For one last time before the playoffs here are your Ups & Downs from Week 18.

Ups ⬆️

Brandon Bolden

There isn’t much good stuff to talk about from yesterday’s game, but Bolden certainly is. He finished with two touchdowns and continued to show how important he’s been for the offense this season, filling the void left by James White. A top day for BB.

Jakobi Meyers

Meyers had another solid game to finish off his third regular-season on the roster. He hauled in four catches for 70 yards, including this absolute gem of a diving catch. Another up game to cap of a big up year for Meyers.

Jakob Johnson

Johnson stuck out on one key play for me yesterday, he made a great block to open up Bolden’s route towards the endzone. Sure, it’s a standard for the role of his position, but he flies under the radar a lot and I think he’s really improved this season.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

A bad start for Mac yesterday that he never really recover from in a game where he looked flustered and not entirely focused. He made some good throws, flashing his ability, but his two turnovers were a big factor in yesterday’s loss.

The positives I take out of the game is that it was another learning experience for the rookie, he’ll get his first taste of professional playoff football on Saturday with his second trip to Buffalo. I think it’s safe to say he’ll throw more than three times, right?

Special Teams

Albeit a cliche, the Patriots have prided themselves on their special teams efficiency over the years, but this year has been a polar opposite of the work done in previous seasons, especially under Joe Judge more recently.

We’ve seen missed kicks, blocked punts, fumbles and penalties all year, and they had to go out on a high for the regular-season didn’t they. Lawrence Guy flagged on a crucial fourth-down for lining up over the Dolphin long-snapper which is an illegal formation and gave Miami a first down, effectively icing the game.

Whilst the book stops with Bill for all performances from the team, the fault really lies with Cam Achord, the second-year ST coordinator, and don’t be surprised if he’s demoted or banished completely from the staff in the off-season. Something needs to change.

Run Defense

Not being able to stop the run is an issue that has plagued the Patriots all year, it continued yesterday as the Dolphins racked up 195 rushing yards, courtesy of Duke Johnson and Phillip Lindsay. We thought this weakness would be fixed this year, but it certainly needs more focus ahead of the next campaign.

The Patriots fizzle out in Miami

by

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!

PatsProp Preview – Regular Season Finale

by

Maddie Meyer/Getty Images

Here we are, the final game of the regular-season heads to Miami as the Patriots look to finish strong and avenge their week 1 defeat to a Dolphins side who will be once again without playoff football this season.

Hard Rock Stadium presents the season finale for the Patriots, who take on the Miami Dolphins, here’s your preview for Week 18!

One’s To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

Given that Damien Harris is still dealing with a slight hamstring issue, I can imagine them keeping his carry load low tomorrow, allowing him to be fresh for the wildcard game. If so, it could be a big day for Stevenson, who fumbled in week 1 against the Dolphins but has come on a long way since then, proving himself able to carry the backfield in Harris’ absence.

Nelson Agholor

Agholor returns to the team after clearing the concussion protocol, which kept him out for the last couple of weeks. The FA addition hasn’t had the first season in New England like we’d have hoped, but, he’ll be out there tomorrow with a chance to find some late season form before the playoffs.

Chase Winovich

Chase has been left out in the cold for most of this season, which is a shame as I feel he is a useful player. Tomorrow he might be back in the fray, though. With the news that Dont’a Hightower will now miss the game, Winovich could be more involved, along with Josh Uche, some wolverine aggression in Miami perhaps?

Myles Bryant

After standing out with an interception last week in the blowout win over the Jags, Bryant should be heavily involved again in the passing defense. He’s been up and down this season, but he’s certainly cutting his teeth in the league the hard way, and I do think he is improving gradually.

Dolphin Danger

Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Who for the Dolphins could cause problems for the Patriots?

Jaylen Waddle

I highlighted the rookie first-rounder before these two last met in the season opener, he had a pretty steady beginning to his time in the league, but he really stepped up into the second half of the season. Mac’s former college teammate is now only 22 yards short of a 1,000 receiving yard campaign. He’ll be Tua’s top target tomorrow.

Xavien Howard

Howard has had a much quieter season than his previous, only amassing 4 interceptions, to his 10 from the 2020 campaign. Still, stats aside he’s been a key part of Miami’s defense and will be looking to ruin Mac’s day tomorrow in coverage.

Emmanuel Ogbah

Ogbah leads the team in sacks on the season with 9.0. He will be the leader of an impressive Dolphins front who can get after the opposing quarterback.

Patriots Playoff Seeding Scenarios

Whilst playoff football is secured, the Pats still have a chance to secure the divisional title, amongst other things, starting tonight when Kansas City plays Denver. So, what could happen?

Patriots clinch no 1 AFC seed with:
NE win + BUF loss or tie + KC loss + TEN loss

Patriots clinch AFC East title with:
NE win + BUF loss or tie OR
NE tie + BUF loss

As things stand, the Patriots would travel to Buffalo to face the Bills for the third time this season in the wildcard game, we’ll know for sure what matchup it’ll be once week 18 finishes.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 24 – Dolphins 21

The Patriots continue with some momentum into the post-season with a close win down in Miami. Patriots 24 Fins 21

@clazzyclare – Patriots 33 – Dolphins 21

The Fins took a beating last week and could be out for some vengeance. The Patriots aren’t the team they were when these two last met and that is hopefully a good thing. The Patriots know what needs to be done and a couple of players (like my favourite, Hunter!) are used to warmer climates (kinda) and I see this one as a Pats win. Patriots 33 Fins 21

Another fifty burger in foggy Foxborough!

by

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!