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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?

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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!

PatsProp Preview – Cowboys In Foxboro

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Matthew J. Lee/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

My first Patriots game was this matchup back in 2019, a cold Sunday afternoon, the weather was horrific, but, it was an amazing experience for me. I got to see Tom Brady play in one of his final games for the Patriots, N’Keal Harry haul in his first NFL touchdown, and witness the Pats win a close one at Gillette. This time is different, both teams are different, and it could be a struggle for the Patriots to beat the Cowboys.

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

To be fair, I might as well just keep Mac on this list every week, we’re all watching him like a hawk to see how he develops. The Cowboys have allowed the most passing yards out of all 32 teams in the NFL so far this season with an average of 311.0 yards per game. That being said, Mac Jones has yet to hit 300 yards passing, could this be the game? Keep an eye out for Mac’s production in the red zone tomorrow also, it’s an area the offense needs to get better in.

The Secondary

The secondary unit had a torrid time against Davis Mills and the Texans last week, and in case you forgot, J.C. Jackson was burned by a practice squad wideout. There won’t be any practice squad weapons for the Cowboys tomorrow, just Ceedee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Dalton Shultz who have combined for 9 touchdowns so far this year, the defensive backfield will have their work cut out, and will need to up their game.

A reminder that Jaylen Mills and Jon Jones are questionable to play with injuries.

Hunter Henry

Tight End production is picking up and Hunter Henry has established himself as the leader of the group. He’s managed to find the end zone in the last two consecutive weeks which is encouraging for an offense that has struggled at times in enemy territory.

I have a feeling that we could be seeing the big fella spiking the ball once again tomorrow, keep an eye out for him.

Damien Harris

Harris should be good to go tomorrow after getting banged up in Houston as he continues to try and find some form, maybe trying too hard perhaps? The line hasn’t helped things, but Harris needs to have a better game this week and try and get the run gaming moving forward, after all, Bill only trusts him in the backfield currently by the looks of things.

Nick Folk

Folk has played a huge part in most of the Patriots wins over the last couple of seasons, and he continues to enjoy the form of his career with the team. I’m sure he’ll be kicking more field goals than extra points as normal tomorrow.

How ‘Bout Them Cowboys?

Who from America’s team poses a threat to the Patriots’ chances of victory on Sunday?

Ceedee Lamb

Lamb is a big danger threat and the Patriots should be very concerned about what he brings to the Dallas offense, he’s lanky and quick, with the ability to get open and haul in balls into tight windows along the sideline. He could be the difference-maker tomorrow.

Tony Pollard

Zeke Elliott is Zeke Elliott, but Tony Pollard has established himself as the future of the Cowboys rushing attack. He’s been excellent over the last few seasons for Dallas and averages 6.4 yards per carry this year, the most out of the league running backs.

Trevon Diggs

Diggs is for me the stand-out player on the Cowboys’ defense as he comes to Gillette Stadium in ridiculous form, looking for his sixth-straight game with an interception. The second-year corner has already doubled his pick tally from last year, hauling in six picks in five games so far this season, he’ll be one to look out for tomorrow.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

Nick Folk

Big Kick Nick is my PPR pick from the Patriots for your to start in your team this week. He’s currently ranked #1 at the position. Score last week: 17:00 – Average score: 10:40

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 20 – Cowboys 32

Although overall the Cowboys defense isn’t very good, their offense is much better than the Pats, I can’t see them allowing it to get too cose. Patriots 20 Cowboys 32.

@clazzyclare – Patriots 29 – Cowboys 23

The cowboys have a great offense but if the Patriots defense can just hold them a little and the offensive line steps up this could be an offense vs offense nail-biting game. Patriots 29 Cowboys 23.

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 5

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Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

A weird, weird game that ended with the Patriots pulling off a 13-point comeback to win and move to 2-3 on the season. Here are your ups and downs from Week 5!

Ups ⬆️

Offensive Line

The performance by the line yesterday was far from perfect, but, given the team was dealing with an unprecedented situation, I thought they did a good job overall. David Andrews was the only regular starter to play as backups were plugged in at positions across the line. And for the most part, they protected the QB.

The line is still one of my biggest concerns for this team, but, yesterday was the first time this season I had something positive to say about the unit. Something to build on for sure.

Nick Folk

The missed extra point aside, Folk was crucial for the Patriots once again as he smashed through four field goals to continue his impressive stint with the team. I felt for Folk after his game-ending miss last week against the Bucs, but he managed to bounce back this week. He’s been one of the more reliable players on the team, and long may it continue.

Matt Judon

Matt Judon is a MACHINE! Wow, he just keeps on impressing following another strong performance against Houston. In a day when the defense was lacking, Judon again was the bright spark who was able to make some plays. His two-sack game moved his tally to 6.5 for the season, eclipsing Chase Winovich who led the team with 5.5 sacks last year.

My thoughts turn to who else is going to step up and support Judon at this level, if more players can chip in, it will make it more difficult for the opposition to scheme against his attacking threat.

Hunter Henry

TE Alert! For the second straight game, Hunter Henry has caught a touchdown. It’s felt like an eternity since the team had players at the TE position making scoring plays in the red zone, but for two weeks straight they’ve managed to produce. Henry had a nice day, making a number of crucial third-down catches to help out Mac Jones, he finished with 6/8 – 75 YDS – 1TD.

Downs ⬇️

Damien Harris

[Read more…] about Patriots Ups & Downs Week 5

Taking on the Texans, and kicking out a win!

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(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The Patriots headed to Houston with many fans convinced it would be a shut out game – I mean it’s the Texans right? But, I have to admit I was a little wary, and the Patriots team that does have potential, has had the inconsistency of a chameleon sitting on a rainbow! 

Seriously, the first quarter may have taken a few seconds off the lives of Patriots fans everywhere, with the Texans completing a 10 minute drive – a 10 minute 6 second drive to be exact. An 18 play, 79 yard, 10 minute 6 second drive that resulted in an 11 yard touchdown pass, actually. Oof! 

Once again, penalties were a “thing,” and the Patriots racked up a further 5, giving them a current season total of 41, did I say oof already? Early in the first quarter, around 2 minutes in, JC Jackson had a rather unnecessary holding on Brandon Cooks that gave the Texans a first down when they would have been punting, and well, 10 minutes 6 seconds, that’s all I’m gonna say.

So with repeating penalties, the bad list has a few of the same candidates week-to-week. On my list this week, to my surprise, was Devin McCourty and JC Jackson. Towards the end of the first quarter, there was some serious pressure on Davis Mills. He managed to lob the ball out to a receiver covered by both JC Jackson and Devin McCourty, and he slipped through their fingers for a Texans touchdown. McCourty had some uncharacteristically poor safety play as he seemed to sail past the receiver like a kitten on a freshly polished table. Not only that, but as the second quarter wound down and the Texans were at fourth and two, McCourty had terrible coverage. Following that very play JC Jackson had a further holding penalty and gave the Texans even more easy yards.

Now don’t get me wrong folks, there’s no hating towards either of these players, they had a not-so-great game and they weren’t the only ones! Jakobi Meyers’ end of second quarter “bumble” (Clareism, translation: where the catchable ball bounces around in a players hands) was tragic, Meyers was unmarked with plenty of empty field in front of him. 

The third quarter opened with a Texan interception. I have a few quizzicals about this play: Was Nelson Agholor not on his mark? Did Mac throw to where Agholor should have been, and was it actually a catch by the Texans? 

As the game rolled along, the Texans tried to get cute with a punt that had Lawrence Guy making a great play, knocking his mark back into the punter. The ball bounced off Terrence Brooks’ helmet and down 22 – 9, the Patriots got a boost! 

And speaking of boost, let’s move onto the good stuff shall we?

You and I both know that the tight ends make my good list most of the time, but I can admit when they don’t play so great, and I have. I haven’t been shy about my disconcert over some of Jonnu Smith’s playing, but he had some great blocks this week, and a number of catches. His mid-second quarter, fingertip catch had me certain his sticky gloves had arrived in the mail!

Hunter Henry continued to block well, with him and Jakob Johnson helping to make a hole for Damien Harris and his touchdown run! Not to mention Hunter’s own playmaking, with the play action pass from Mac that had me all tingly, and then the fourth quarter touchdown! And not to indulge, but another Hunter catch came around the 4 minute mark into the final quarter, giving the Patriots a first down, just sayin’.

Jakob Johnson only played 25% of the snaps, but with a mixed up offensive line his blocking was a key dynamic of this game, and I feel like I may repeat this most weeks, but Matt Judon is earning his dollar dollar bills all day long!

Overall I gotta say I think that the offensive line didn’t look as bad as I thought they might, and that is not a mark against any player’s name. I think many fans were concerned after the only “original” starting lineman was to be David Andrews.

As usual I try not to look at the numbers, and just look at the win. The only thing I want right now is Mac Jones’ safety and to win the games. If the Patriots have to scrap, so be it. There is still so much of the season journey ahead of us, so give me the bemuse and confuse of putting Mac Jones in motion; give me the razzle dazzle of the trick plays, and most of all give me the coffee, always with the coffee.

Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Shipping Up To Houston

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(AP Photo/Steven Senne)

The Patriots head on the road this Sunday searching for their first win since Week 2 as they take on the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium.

One’s To Watch

Offensive Line

David Andrews will be the only starter playing on Sunday as the Patriots offensive line woes continue. This group will be one to watch, they’ll be without Trent Brown, Shaq Mason to begin with. Then, if things couldn’t get any worse, both Mike Onwenu and Isaiah Wynn are on the COVID list. It’ll be a chance to try and discover a new dynamic of protection for Mac Jones, but I’m not holding my breath. It could be another long day for QB1.

Mac Jones

Mac had an inspiring performance last Sunday when TB12 returned home, but now he needs to push on and lead the team to victory against a poor Houston team. The offense had better success against the Bucs, but they still needed a few trick plays to keep things moving, I’d like to see a few lengthy drives by Mac, keep getting the TE’s involved, and even Bourne and Agholor who are yet to fully break out.

Damien Harris

The Pats run game has fallen to a near non-existent state in recent weeks, with Rhamondre Stevenson and J.J. Taylor battling it out for who can spend the longest amount of time in the doghouse for fumbles, Damien Harris needs to get this going again. But please, no more Brandon Bolden draws.

J.C. Jackson

With Stephon Gilmore out the door, J.C. Jackson is officially the franchise cornerback for the Patriots, and I’d expect him to continue his good performances so far this season against the Texans. I’d be disappointed if the Pats secondary doesn’t come away with any picks from Davis Mills who really hasn’t shown anything special.

Jamie Collins

The Boogeymen are back?! Yep, that’s right, Jamie Collins reunites with Hightower and Van Noy in the linebacker group to try and provide some extra juice to the Pats defense. I’m not overly hyped by this move, I do wonder where Bill is going in terms of young player development/veteran signings, but, I’m interested to see how he gets on in his first game back with the team.

Houston, We Have A Problem

Who from the Texans (if any) could cause the Patriots issues.

Brandin Cooks

Former Patriots speedster has been the only real bright spot for the Texans this year, can cause a problem for any defense with his raw speed on the outside. The Patriots will need to disrupt Mills to avoid any problems with Cooks.

David Johnson

Johnson has tapered off over the last few years, but he’s still a good player in my opinion, through running or catching he has the ability to move the chains and find the end zone. A potential pressure valve for the Houston offense if they’re struggling.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Jakobi Meyers

Same as last week, Meyers is a good option to start in your flex position, he scored 16.80 last week with 8 receptions for 67 yards. He’s not likely to find the endzone, but, he will get a bunch of targets against Houston, especially if they cover deep, Meyers can get open over the middle with short passes.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 27 – 6 Texans

The Pats will overwhelm a stricken Houston team without their franchise QB, the defense gets a score and Mac Jones continues to progress with the offense. Pats 27 Texans 6

@clazzyclare – Patriots 27 – Texans 12

The depleted offensive line continues to make me nervous and my gut tells me this won’t be as easy a game as it looks on the surface. But the Patriots fought well last week so I think they’ll win this road game. Pats 27 Texans 12

BREAKING – Patriots working to bring back LB Jamie Collins

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David Santiago/Miami Herald/Tribune News Service via Getty Image

Well, it looks as if there is a Boogeymen reunion on the cards after all. Multiple reports coming in this afternoon that the Patriots are working to re-sign Jamie Collins for a third stint with the team.

Collins had left in free agency at the end of the 2019 season and signed a 3-year $30m deal with the Detroit Lions. However, that soon ended as he was shopped by new HC Dan Campbell for a potential trade, before being released last week.

I’m kinda neutral on this move if it’s confirmed, I don’t think the linebacker position is my biggest concern, but, Collins as Field Yates said above, Collins knows the system and has proven chemistry with Van Noy and Hightower. Not a bad addition, probably be a one-year deal also which suits the team.