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Patriots Ups & Downs Week 17

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Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

The Patriots kicked off 2022 with a dominating 50-10 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. They also secured a playoff position with the win after Miami fell to Tenessee, but we won’t know the final seedings until after next week’s regular-season finale. Here are your Ups & Downs from Week 17.

Ups ⬆️

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

Each back played a big part in yesterday’s win, both combining for 125 yards on the ground, with 2 touchdowns each. Harris led the work in the first half, quickly helping improve the score to 28 by the end of the second quarter, but, he did appear to tweak his hamstring, which has been an issue for the past couple of weeks. It may be minor, but the team decided to sit him for the second half to be safe, the job was already done.

Stevenson picked up the slack for the rest of the game and continued to show his rough-running skills and poured more misery on the helpless jags. A top day for the backs.

Mac Jones

Mac was back yesterday, looking comfortable and accurate on his way to finishing with 22/30 227 yards – 3 TDs, a welcome return for him following back-to-back down weeks for the rookie quarterback.

Sure the Jags didn’t pressure Mac a whole lot, or, offer much difficulty in pass coverage, but, I think Mac needed this game ahead of the now pending postseason and should fill himself with confidence ahead of Miami in the regular-season finale.

Jakobi Meyers

Meyers improved his season receiving total to a career high 796 yards yesterday, after hauling in 8 catches for 73 yards and a touchdown (his second career score). He’s been a key figure in Mac’s progression this season, another brilliant day for him.

J.C. Jackson

J.C. had a solid game yesterday, he was involved in good redzone coverage and managed to snag his 25th career pick (8th of the season). With the news this week coming that the team extended Adrian Phillips, a decision will be made soon on what to do about Jackson’s future with the franchise. I personally would extend him, sure he isn’t the best CB in the league, but he’s proved over his rookie contract that he’s a ballhawk and manages to find plenty turnovers.

Kristian Wilkerson

What a game for this man, finally getting a chance to perform on the main roster and he catches his first and second career touchdowns! Now, Wilkerson was pretty open on both plays due to poor coverage by the Jags, but, take nothing away from him, it was a special moment and potentially could earn himself a place on the 53-man roster.

Downs ⬇️

Special Teams

This will be the only entry on the down list this week, but, it’s needed. The Patriots for years have prided themselves on their special team capability, but this season something has been off on the entire unit.

The unit missed two extra points, which didn’t have an impact on the game, but regardless, this is the type of thing that can cost you in the postseason, especially in a different scenario where the game is close at the end. A note to this, Nick Folk was not at fault for either of the misses, all hail Big Kick Nick.

BREAKING – Patriots clinch playoff spot with win over Jaguars

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Adam Glanzman/Getty Images

A dominating 50-10 win over Jacksonville, with help from a Miami defeat to the Titans, confirms that the Patriots will be playing playoff football this season.

The Pats missed out last year, in the first season without Tom Brady, but this year they’ve managed to overachieve many pre-season expectations, led by Mac Jones and some impressive defensive performances. There is still a chance at the divisional crown, but, the Bills would need to lose against the Jets next week, as well as the Pats winning at Miami in the regular-season finale.

Look out for our Ups & Downs and game recap from an impressive victory today!

BREAKING – Patriots agree 3-year extension with safety Adrian Phillips

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Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots have re-signed safety Adrian Phillips to a 3-year extension worth a maximum of $14.25m, per Adam Schefter.

I think this is an excellent move by the team. The defense is going to lose a bunch of veterans this off-season, some may retire, but many will leave in free agency. Phillips has been one of the best players on defense since he arrived in 2020, and at 29, he should still be at his best for the length of his new deal.

Mike Reiss also chimed in with a quote he recalled Bill making not so long ago about how Phillips always does the right thing, likening him to Patrick Chung:

PatsProp Preview – New Year, New Team?

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Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

We made it! Another year is in the books and before I go into my preview for tomorrow’s game, I just wanted to express my thanks to all of you that have followed our coverage of the Patriots this year. We aren’t the biggest blog out there, but we enjoy what we do, and your support is so appreciated.

With that being said the Patriots host the Jacksonville Jaguars for their penultimate game of the regular season. Here’s your preview for Week 17!

One’s To Watch

Damien Harris

Whilst Rhamondre Stevenson is back from the COVID list to lend some support in the run game, you can still expect Damien Harris to lead the backfield against the Jags. Harris is questionable with the hamstring issue that’s been ailing him since the first Buffalo game, but he should be good to go and continue on from his big-scoring game last week against the Bills.

Offensive Line

With the Jags stricken by a COVID outbreak, especially across their front line, the Pats offensive line will be key tomorrow as I think establishing the run will be a top priority. The Jags haven’t been the best at preventing rushing play, that will be a huge key to victory for the Pats tomorrow.

Kendrick Bourne + Jakobi Meyers

With Nelson Agholor out with a concussion for the second-straight game, the passing attack shifts focus to Bourne and Meyers to produce the goods. Bourne was active against the Bills last week following a stint on the COVID list, but he didn’t really make much impact, finishing 2/4 catches for 33 yards, I think he’s due a bounce-back game tomorrow. Meyers on the other hand is on course for a career-high year in receiving yards, he needs just 6 receiving yards to equal his career-best of 729. Both will be key tomorrow.

Struggling Jags

David Rosenblum/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Who for the Struggling Jags could cause problems for the Patriots?

Josh Allen

Not to be confused with his namesake in Buffalo, Allen has been a bright light in an otherwise dark season for the Jags. He leads the team in sacks (5.5) and also has an interception to his name so far. He’s just made it off the COVID list in time for tomorrow’s game, so there is no telling if that will play an impact in his performance, but he’s a solid player who could get after Mac tomorrow and force errors.

Dare Ogunbowal

That’s right, Dare Ogunbowal could cause problems for the Patriots. And you’re probably thinking to yourself, WHO? Well, with their starting back James Robinson out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, Ogunbowal will get his first career start tomorrow.

The reason I think there’s a chance he could have a game is down to the fact that the Pats haven’t been able to comfortably stop the run all year. Against the Titans earlier this season, they allowed 270 yards rushing to two relatively unknown running backs as the Titans were still without their franchise star, Derrick Henry.

Now, I’m not going to be putting money on Ogunbowal having a big game, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that he could run for at least 100 yards tomorrow.

Patriots Playoff Clinch Scenarios

New England clinches a playoff berth with:

  1. NE win + MIA loss or tie OR
  2. NE win + LV loss or tie OR
  3. NE tie + MIA loss + LV loss + LAC loss or tie OR
  4. NE tie + MIA loss + BAL loss or tie OR
  5. NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss + BAL loss + PIT loss or tie OR
  6. NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + MIA win + BUF win

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 28 – Jags 6

I don’t see this being a banana peel for the Pats, the Jags are banged up and struggling with COVID cases in their camp at the minute. They’ve managed to get some bodies back for the game, but it won’t matter as the Patriots will condemn them to another loss. Pats 28 Jags 6.

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 16

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Omar Rawlings/Getty Images

A bad loss yesterday is not what I asked for this Christmas. The Bills came into town and Josh Allen showed us all why he’s one of the best QBs in the league as they beat comfortably beat the Patriots 33-21. Here are your Ups & Downs from Week 16.

Ups ⬆️

Damien Harris

Really the only bright spot for the Pats was Harris, he roared back from injury with a hat-trick of rushing touchdowns, whilst amassing over a ton on the ground. Harris looked really really good, and I can’t help wondering that he probably wasn’t 100% fit either.

Daniel Ekuale

I wanted to give Ekuale a mention on the ups list as he had a good game yesterday, continuing a pattern for this season as a regular elevation player from the practice squad. He’s not been a game-changer, but every game he’s been active for he’s done something to stand out.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

Mac look flustered and very rookie-like yesterday and it was probably his worst game as a Patriot so far. Jones was never able to find the consistency like Allen did and stuttered throughout the game, tossing a pick early on and being unable to extend drives contributed to his poor performance.

Myles Bryant

I’ve been rooting for Bryant all season, but he has struggled, and boy did he struggle yesterday. He was put through his paces by Isaiah McKenzie, who chalked up 11 catches for 125 yards and a touchdown. I do think Bryant has a role to play on defense, but it wasn’t a good look watching him get blitzed by a relatively unknown receiver.

Matthew Judon

I wouldn’t say Judon was bad, but he was ineffective yesterday, as I do feel some more pressure on Allen could have really helped the Patriots. Now, I’m probably being a little harsh on Judon as he’s been the best free-agent signing from the offseason, but he wasn’t at his best yesterday.

Jake Bailey

Bailey had a few weird punts again yesterday, which just continues a disappointing year for him, again, didn’t factor in the loss, but contributed towards the overall poor play by the team. Overall, special teams as a unit has been sub-par this season.

PatsProp Preview – Christmas In Foxboro

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Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald

Happy holidays! The Patriots are back home this weekend as they take on the Buffalo Bills on Sunday, with a chance to tie up the AFC East if they can secure a win, and Miami loses/ties. Here’s your preview for Week 16!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac had his most rookie-like performance last week against the Colts, but, he had an encouraging finish, but in reality, he wasn’t very good. It’s a good chance for him to bounce back against the Bills when just a few weeks ago he only threw the ball 3 times. In this game, with the running back group not in its best shape, I think it’s a safe bet Mac will be throwing, probably more than normal.

Damien Harris

With Rhamondre Stevenson in some doubt for Sunday with a non-COVID illness, Damien Harris will be vital for the team following his recovery from a hamstring problem caused in the first Buffalo game.

With the Bills inability to stop the run in the first meeting, the Pats should be focused on establishing a similar game plan from the off, and Harris will need to be full go to do that.

Offensive Line

The line need to be better, especially on the left side that Isaiah Wynn covers. I don’t think we’ll see any shuffling of the lineup, but I expect to see a much better game out of the group as they really didn’t support Mac well last Sunday.

Kyle Dugger

Losing Dugger last Sunday to a stupid ejection was big, and you could feel his presence missing for the remainder of the game. Dugger wasn’t suspended and will be back tomorrow, I think he’ll have a big role across the defense, especially tracking Allen when he gets on the move.

Angry Bills

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. Whilst he has a lot of upside, he is prone to costly errors and is always good for an interception.

Stefon Diggs

With Cole Beasley out on the COVID list, Diggs will be even more important for the Bills this Sunday. Diggs still managed to make some catches in the first meeting this season, but expect him to be heavily targeted this time around, I think he could be the difference-maker if the Bills were to get the win.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 20 – Bills 17

The Patriots manager to overcome the COVID adversity and defeat the Bills with a late Nick Folk field goal. Pats 20 Bills 17. Merry Christmas!

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Bills 10

It’s no secret the Bills are a decent team and the loss against the Colts was far from ideal. However, the Pats beat the Bills at home, in their own house, so a Gillette success is achievable. Pats 30 Bills 10. Merry Christmas!

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

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Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Go Pats!