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Patriots Ups & Downs Week 7

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Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald

WHAT A WIN! The Patriots absolutely dominated the Jets yesterday 54-13. There were many good performances, so let’s go through them now! Here are your Ups & Downs from Week 7!

Ups ⬆️

Running Backs

Damien Harris was the star of the day, he amassed over 100 yards and scored twice. It was great to see him find some good form over the last couple of weeks. J.J. Taylor also got in on the action, he scored twice after getting the nod over Rhamondre Stevenson, who was a healthy scratch yesterday.

After a few an uneasy beginning to the season on the ground, the Patriots really pulled things together yesterday.

Hunter Henry + Jonnu Smith

Happy National Tight Ends Day, am I right???? We got to see some encouraging plays by Jonnu Smith, before his day was cut short with an injury.

Smith’s teammate Hunter Henry continued his redzone production as he hauled in his fourth touchdown is as many weeks. The throw itself by Mac left Henry with work to do, but he managed to pull off an awesome one handed bobble-catch. The connection continues.

Kyle Dugger + J.C. Jackson

Both of these guys made a couple of insane plays to pick off poor Mike White, who replaced the injured Zach Wilson in the first half. Both had good days in general on defense, so they’re an up for sure.

Mac Jones

Great day for Mac out there yesterday, he passed for over 300 yards for the first time in his NFL career, and led some impressive drives, especially when the team went no-huddle at the end of the second quarter. This was Jones’ best game to date for me, and I can’t wait to see how he plays next week with some confidence under his belt against the Chargers.

Offensive Line

This unit deserves a bunch of credit, they’ve overcome a lot of trouble in the opening six weeks of the season, but, they’ve managed to put together a good performance yesterday, both in protecting the QB and getting the run-game moving.

Gunner Olszewski

Yesterday’s game was the first time Gunner stood out to me on his return duties, including his first return of the game which he got brought back to put the team in a great starting field position. The team needs more of this from Gunner, and hopefully, this will light a fire under him to continue moving forward.

Downs ⬇️

I’m not gonna put any on here today. I could, but after a win like that, I’ll stay glass half full for the rest of the week, no downs! They’re still some ways off being the finished article, but, to put in a performance like that without Trent Brown, who for many was the reason for the positional misfortunes, is a positive thing for sure.

The Patriots with a Jet sweep and a 54 – 13 win at Gillette Stadium!

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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

With a win of more than 40 points over the opponent it is difficult to make any concerns of the negative nature, but I have heard the whole “well the Patriots still have some problems and the Jets really sucked” vibe.

These things are true, I have to admit I had a few not greats on my list, in particular the receiver coverage, or little lack of it, is still of a concern to me. Whilst the penalties appeared to be less, there wasn’t any of those “too many men on the field” issues, but the Patriots did still rack up 6 penalties for 95 yards. 

However, this is Victory Monday! And it was a victory! Yes, the Jets really, well, “jetted” but this is sport; it’s not an exact science, even the best teams have the worst of days, and the Patriots capitalised on the not so great Jets having a rather bad day.

But hold on there folks, I am not saying that is the only reason the Patriots won. I’m just covering what you may be thinking, some of you, possibly, and the things that may still be cause for concern. That is all. 

Me? Well, I thought the Patriots played great. Honestly, I do still have my concerns, one game a season doth not make, however, this win is soft, and warm, and glorious, and I want to grab my coffee and snuggle down with it.

National Tight Ends Day saw the two free agency shopping spree pick ups, Smith and Henry, involved! Jonnu Smith finally had a chance for plenty of passes, and his early first quarter, 28 yarder, was a powerful run, wrestling with a guy proving his athletic prowess hasn’t gone away. Unfortunately, Smith suffered a shoulder injury and left the game during the second quarter, not to return but not before putting up 1 rushing attempt for 5 yards, 5 passing targets for 2 receptions and 52 yards in just 22% of the snaps. 

The other Patriots tight end, and I’ll tell you a little secret here, he’s my favourite Patriots tight end on the team (I know, I know, you are all shocked out of your socks to hear that!) Hunter Henry made National Tight Ends Day his own by catching a short right pass from Mac Jones for his fourth touchdown as a Patriot. Not only that, Hunter’s fourth touchdown was also his fourth straight game with a receiving touchdown, and that my dear friends, is the longest streak by a Patriots tight end since the great Rob Gronkowski in 2013. Boom! (Information courtesy of Patriots .com)

There are many other delicious points to note on Sunday’s performance other than the lovely tight endage we got to witness. 

Damien Harris had himself a game rushing for 106 yards, 2 receptions for 7 yards and 2 touchdowns, not only that, but he ran faster than he ran all game (his words in the press conference) to go celebrate with him, when his teammate and fellow running back JJ Taylor completed his first NFL career touchdown. I just love stuff like that!

Taylor, whilst only racking up 21 yards rushing, had a single reception for 5 yards and totalled 2 touchdowns.

But wait, the feast continues; Jakobi Meyers took a big hit but kept hold of the ball for the gain, proving he is really becoming a great slot receiver. We saw some substantial blocking by Hunter Henry, with a run or two with opposing players hanging off him (yes, I know that’s like, one of my most favourites things). Jakob Johnson brought it with some significant blocks, and the fullback even had 2 receptions for 32 yards! Brandon Bolden snatched his first touchdown of the season and Kyle Dugger an interception! The Patriots offense used a bit of trickery and a bit of razzle dazzle, and I will lap that stuff up with a spoon! 

One more tasty morsel I have to mention, was the early first quarter, laser focused run by Miles Bryant, who seemed to lock in on poor Zach Wilson and to heck with anything else, he flattened the young quarterback on the third down, resulting in the Jets having to punt and so ending their initial first quarter drive.

So there you have it folks, my seventh regular season game wrap-up. I hope you found it tasty enough to enjoy with your coffee and that you have a great week!

Go Pats!

Behold: National Tight Ends Day!

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Mark Konezny USA TODAY Sports

The tight endage cometh, and boy oh boy, does it!

Okay, so I guess I should hold my horses there a little, with the seventh game on the horizon the Patriots are 2-4 with just 4 tight end touchdowns. Well, to be fair, that’s more than 2019 and 2020 put together… Oof!

And so, on this day of National Tight Ends celebration, I thought I would plot the path 2021 has seen of its tight endage. 

Cast your mind back to earlier this year. The Patriots had Ryan Izzo, Matt LaCosse, Devin Asiasi, and Dalton Keene as rostered tight ends. Then they signed Jonnu Smith, and Patriots Nation rejoiced – some tight end production was in our future! Two rookies going into their second year, one could argue it may be a little bit more like their first, due to a lot of covid restrictions and injuries, but still. 

What was next? Hunter Henry, baby! Coach Bill surprised many, and scooped up the guy he had been following since his college days, and we were soon to see why!

During the spring practices, training camps and such, we saw the likes of Troy Fumagalli, a decent tight end from Denver who always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when it came to position depth, and although some good showing, Fumagalli unfortunately suffered an injury, and failed to make the roster.  David Wells, previously of the Kansas City Chiefs, danced around in New England in 2020, and was back again for another spin around the floor in 2021, but it didn’t quite stick. 

Ryan Izzo was shipped off to Houston for a seventh round 2022 draft pick, and the whole of Patriots Nation cried… okay, okay, I cried, just me.  

Matt LaCosse found his way onto the practice squad, and with the way players who sat out of the 2020 season had been given the chop, at least he got to stay in New England. Where, to be fair, he had a rather good spring camp, possibly what secured his spot with the Patriots still.

So, the roster cup still floweth over with tight endage, two rookies and two free agency signed veterans. 

Unfortunately, Dalton Keene suffered more injury setbacks and started training camp on the PUP list only to undergo season-ending knee surgery. His return in 2022 could see Keene with a fight on his hands, a very unfortunate situation, but he really hasn’t shown much, or had much chance to, and either way, we won’t be seeing him as a Patriot for 2021. 

And then there were three to run those two tight end packages. Could I be any more excited (yes you need to hear that in the tone of Chandler Bing from Friends).

And this is where excitement has moved to puzzlement for many Patriots fans. 

Devin Asiasi has not played a regular season game in 2021. He has continued to be on the inactive list for every game. A healthy scratch most would say, but is there something we just don’t know? 

Are Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith just more tight endage than the Patriots need?

The fact that the combined receptions and yardage matches 2019’s tight end figures, and exceeds 2020’s already, and they have only played six games does say a lot, and not just about the tight ends, but the quarterback too. Makes 2021 the year of tight endage an easier sell, huh?

Okay, I’m being a little presumptuous with my glass 99% full again, but it’s National Tight Ends Day, and I like tight ends and I can not lie – I’m sure there’s a t-shirt with that on it somewhere…

Much love to you all for National Tight Ends Day!

I Like Tight Ends Short Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
Tight Endage!! Unisex T-Shirt

PatsProp Preview – Here Come The Jets

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Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

On a joyful weekend that sees the franchise induct Richard Seymour into their Hall Of Fame, the Patriots will be hoping to win at home for the first time this season, and avoid going 0-5 at Gillette Stadium in 2021. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

Rhamondre Stevenson

The rookie back made his way out of Bill’s doghouse last week and managed to string together some encouraging plays, plus, he found the endzone for his first career touchdown! Damien Harris is healthy, so expect him to still lead the backfield, but keep an eye out for Stevenson.

Kendrick Bourne

The fifth-year wideout has gone under the radar for how well he’s been progressing in recent weeks and I think he’ll continue to be involved tomorrow against the Jets, also, I’ll take another 75-yard touchdown from Bourne this week, please!

Christian Barmore

The big rookie defensive lineman has continued to impress me as we head into week 7, his ability to cause disruption through the middle should be evident again tomorrow, when the defense is on the field tomorrow, look out for number #90 at DT.

Mac Jones

Mac could do with a clean game, no picks, and a solid win under his belt to build confidence, and I think he will get it this week against the Jets. We’ve all been keeping our eyes glued to Mac to see how he continues to develop, and he’s been getting better every week, if he can get a good day out of his offensive line and if his wideouts can get some room, he could be in for a good day.

Hunter Henry

TE #1 is on a bit of a roll scoring-wise at the minute, he’s found the endzone for three straight weeks and is beginning to build something with Mac. I think Jonnu Smith will progress into the system in time, but Henry is clearly the leader at the position, look out for him tomorrow.

Fighter Jets

Who for New York could potentially cause problems for the Patriots?

Zach Wilson

I was able to see Wilson play in person a couple of weeks ago at the London game when New York faced off against Atlanta, Wilson looked sketchy there and again threw an interception directly to the opposition defense. He certainly has the ability to throw the ball deep and extend plays, so the Pats have to be cautious, but so far he’s also shown the ability to cost his team. Which Wilson will we get tomorrow?

Corey Davis

Davis was a non-factor in the Week 2 matchup between these two teams, but he’s always a threat and could be involved more tomorrow as the Jets will also have Crowder available in their receiver ranks.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Jakobi Meyers

Meyers is a great flex option for your fantasy team if you’re looking for something new to add to the lineup! He’s been averaging 12.40 points per game through the first six weeks which isn’t bad, he’s always likely to get targets from Jones, but, he’s yet to find the endzone in his young NFL career, might that change tomorrow? Start Jakobi!

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 31 – Jets 14

The Patriots aren’t currently an amazing football team, however, the New York Jets are a terrible football team. Patriots 31 Jets 14 LFG

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Jets 16

The Patriots are plagued with a list of injuries and are still working out the dynamics as a team but the Jets seem to have their fair share of problems this year too and I feel the Pats can do this! Patriots 30 Jets 16

Patriots strong favorites over Jets

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After a thrilling, yet heartbreaking, loss to the Cowboys, the Patriots return home this weekend to face their divisional rivals the New York Jets. Having already beaten the Jets in Week 2, the Pats are firm -7 favorites, which comes at a good time as New England is still searching for their first win of the season.

Patriots fans can take advantage of the favorable line as the full launch for online sports betting in Connecticut has begun, leaving Massachusetts residents with just a short drive to get in on the action in the state that lies between the AFC East rivals.

The Jets managed to pull off an overtime win against Tennessee since falling to the Patriots, as rookie quarterback Zach Wilson and his electric arm have experienced the ups and downs that any young signal-caller can be expected to go through.

[Read more…] about Patriots strong favorites over Jets

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 6

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Boy, the Patriots had no business being in a position to win that game, especially with the stupid decisions being made by Mike McCarthy, but they were. Ultimately, they fell in overtime to the Cowboys. Here are your ups and downs from week six.

Ups ⬆️

Justin Bethel

Bethel had a great game yesterday, he tipped a pass from Prescott which was intercepted by Dugger, a rare defensive play by him, but in a pinch where backups were being used a bunch, he came up and caused a huge turnover. In addition to his work on defense, he also caused a fumble on the Cowboys punt return, unfourtunatley, the Patriots couldn’t recover and Dallas kept possesion. Bethel was an up for sure.

Running Backs

A better day for the backs as a banged up Harris rushed for a touchdown and over 100 yards, Stevenson also scored his first career touchdown which was cool to see. This needs to continue, but a better day for this group, perhaps we could try J.J. Taylor once more in place of Bolden?

[Read more…] about Patriots Ups & Downs Week 6

The Cowboys rode into Foxborough and caught themselves a win!

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(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

I sit here tired and a little sleep deprived again, as the Patriots almost won, again. 

I guess you can only cry moral victory so many times, so I’m not gonna be the girl who cried wolf and even try, but it was one more frustrating loss at Foxborough.

Yet another predicted shut out win by the visiting team, eeked out into a close scrappy game, that with just a hair’s breadth of a chance, could have seen the score sheet so very differently for the Patriots. 

It’s still early in the season, technically. There are plenty of games still to play (11 for anyone who is counting) but as they stretch out these “almost wins” the stats don’t look good, and the chances of being a playoff team are beginning to look not very feasible.

Someone said to me I wasn’t even a glass half full girl, but a glass 99% full, and in a way, I do try to be. I don’t want to be negative about the team I love, but I am when it is necessary, and as hopeful and positive as I am, I’m not unrealistic.

As per usual there is some good and some bad. So let’s get to what wasn’t so great, so that I can celebrate what was!

I have a rather general bad, and forgive me but this point is a little too general to name just one player, but the man coverage of receivers was at times, really rotten. The Cowboys’ receivers overall were too fast for the Patriots, but they seemed open just too often for my liking. 

The offensive line had a positive/negative day. They were great with the run… less so with the passing, and the offensive holding penalty by James Ferentz that nullified Jakobi Meyers’ 25 yard, and first ever, passing touchdown… *insert your own curse word of choice folks*. 

Whilst the Cowboys racked up penalties like they were notches on a bedpost – twelve – the Patriots were almost demur with five. The Cowboys’ left guard Connor Williams gets a total naughty badge with four penalties all to himself. Three for offensive holding and one for unsportsman like conduct where he had a 2-for-1 and dropped the Cowboys right back (15 yard penalty) to just about end the drive with a 49 yard field goal. 

With the exit of Stephon Gilmore, JC Jackson is the guy, whether he, or we, want him to be or not. But he continues to be in my notes with inconsistency. I find myself jotting his name down each game with something fantastic like “prevents key catch,” but then, too often, with such things as “poor marking,” “gives receiver too much room at the first down marker,” and “holding penalty”. 

And so my sleep deprived, caffeine requiring brain, moves on to some of the glimmers of hope we can have as Patriots fans.

Damien Harris is, in short, a beast. The direct snaps and power throughs of his are rather delicious. Ted Karras had a great assisted block about five minutes into the fourth quarter, Harris running like a beast twice to gain yardage, that then saw Rhamondre Stevenson power over the line for his first career touchdown. Yummers.

Justin Bethel had himself a game with some serious pressure on the punter at the beginning of the third quarter only to round it out with the take down of the punter towards the end of the third quarter. Not to mention Kyle Dugger’s rebound interception was tipped by Bethel. A “nice job” badge for him this week.

Matt Judon is a name that I put down so often on these recaps I am super glad I do not have to pay for the usage! I have images of John Harbaugh gazing at a photo of Mr Red Sleeves himself wondering why he ever let him go, but boy are Patriots fans glad he did! I’m pretty sure the only way an offense can stop Judon is by over the top holding that should get a penalty call but quite often doesn’t!

Another name I put down a little regularly is Hunter Henry. And before you start on me because I like tight ends (we all know I do, I don’t deny it) just hear me out. He is Mr Consistent in a sea of inconsistency at the moment. Mac Jones with a deep left ball, Hunter with the catch and a touchdown. Do I need to say anymore? 

Yes? Okay, how about the blocking that he carries out, and he may have only been targeted twice, but two targets for two receptions, he received all that he was targeted with and it’s not the first game that has happened either. Finally, to conclude the tight end enthusiasm, it took four guys to take him down on this short pass reception towards the end of the third quarter. Oh boy!

But seriously, there is still plenty wrong with this Patriots team, and I’m not denying that, as you can see from above. But I just try and shed light on a bit of the positive too. Whilst also helping those that were unable to watch the game, catch up from my perspective, for what it’s worth of course. Besides, I know you all come for the tight endage coverage really, admit it.

Go Pats!