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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.

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 4

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

Ah, that was a tough one to take. A great game to watch, exciting, nailbiting, encouraging, but crushing at the same time. Let’s have a quick recap of the Patriots ups and downs from the loss to the Bucs on the night Tom Brady returned to Gillette Stadium.

Ups ⬆️

Mac Jones

Mac went toe to toe with Tom Brady on a night where he did little wrong, but he continues to be let down by his offensive line. Jones took plenty of hits and also overcame an early interception to finish with 31/40 275 yards – 2 TDs – 1 INT. I think this game really told me a lot about Mac’s character, not awed by the occasion, he just put his head down and worked, and almost helped the team win. Not without some rookie errors, but another positive performance.

Receivers

I thought the position group as a whole deserved mentioning, they all chipped in with decent performances. Jakobi Meyers led the group with 8 catches for 70 yards, another solid performance by him, barring a fumble which went in the Patriots favor, he was reliable again for Mac. As I said last week, with James White out for the year, Meyers will be crucial in Mac’s development.

Elsewhere, Bourne and Agholor chipped in with some important catches, Bourne specifically was able to get hot in the first half and managed to get open a fair bit.

Matt Judon

Another good game for Judon, who was the only player to really put any pressure on Brady, getting to him a number of times and recording a sack. Judon, who can’t be missed with his trademark long red sleeves is leading the pass-rush attack and as I said after the Saints game, he’s the only FA addition who’s earning the money he’s been paid.

Secondary

I thought the secondary played well, they managed the limit the GOAT to just 269 yards and kept one of the best pass-catching attacks out of the endzone all night. Jonathan Jones did a good job covering AB for most of the night, even when he was struggling with a tight calf. Elsewhere J.C. Jackson did a good job covering Mike Evans and all in all, I was pleased with the group’s contribution. With Gilmore potentially returning in the next few weeks, this performance was something to build on for sure.

Downs ⬇️

J.J. Taylor

We’ve been screaming for one of the depth-option backs to get more involved in the offense, Taylor got his chance and blew it with a fumble. Again the ball security issues arise, troubling stuff, don’t be surprised if he’s inactive next week.

Offensive Line

It’s not getting much better, is it? The line wasn’t great again, couldn’t help establish the run, and offered hardly any substantial protection for Jones. Mike Onwenu got benched after multiple holding penalties on the same drive and Durant stopped hardly anything from the right side. Teddy K came in and did ok at left guard for a while. To add further headaches to the line questions, earlier today both Isaiah Wynn and Onwenu were placed on the COVID list, likely ruling them out of the game in Houston next Sunday. Can Trent Brown return this year at all, please?

Gunner Olszewski

I’m being a little picky here, but Gunner gets on the list for his muffed catch that fortunately hit the endzone pylon to avoid catastrophe. I still hold out hope Gunner will get hot again like he did last year in the return game, but with the microscope on ball security, we can’t have that.

The Patriots may have lost, but the torch has well and truly been passed in Foxborough!

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(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)

Okay, I know Mac Jones has been the Patriots quarterback for four regular season games, now but The Return of Tom Brady and the success of the rookie makes it feel like perhaps a closure moment.

Many fans don’t need that, many may already have had it, and many don’t give a care either way. I’m not here to tell anyone how to feel – I’m just sharing my opinions and a bit of game recap to boot.

The loss was close. A  reasonably low scoring game that not many had predicted (I can’t quite believe my One Patriots Place tongue-in-cheek on the spot prediction very early in the week of Pats 9 Bucs 13 was almost close!) with a heart in your mouth ending. 

There were highs and there were lows, and that in itself wasn’t what many were expecting. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the recent Super Bowl champions, with the greatest of all time quarterback, but Mac Jones and the Patriots defense held them to a mere 19 points. 

Moral victory is something that’s been bandied about and there’s a bit of love and hate with it. Moral victories don’t get you titles. Yes, they are soon forgotten as Mac said. But work with me a little here, because I can make a case that they do, at least a little bit. 

Yes, yes, I hear the cries of “get this girl another coffee, she’s crazy!” And whilst that’s not necessarily in dispute, and I do really, really need more coffee, I have some logic.

Mac Jones seems to wear his heart on his sleeve on the field, and the devastation on the guy’s face after the loss to the Saints was intense. And although this is another loss, I know the numbers aren’t great at 1-3, but I genuinely believe he should be proud of his progression and his performance. And so I think going forward, a “moral victory” against the greatest of all time, could help build his strength and determination even further. 

Something I hate to say is that a lot of this is still on the offensive line and not only does this disappoint me, it shocks me too. Going into the season, the one thing that looked super strong, granted “on paper,” was the list of the o-line guys.

I’m kind of loath to say it, and not because I have anything against steady Teddy, but did anyone else feel things calmed a little on the offensive line when Teddy Karras stepped in? I’m a big Mike Onwenu fan, so it pains me to say that. I’m just hoping they get the o-line straight soon because right now I think it might be the biggest weakness. Onwenu had 33 snaps and Karras stepped in for 27. 

What isn’t a weakness is the receivers. I know many of you would still argue the Patriots need a WR1, but what they do have looked (mostly) rather good last night.

I am known for my tight endage enthusiasm, we all know this. So my relief at the Jonnu Smith catch of the short pass from Mac Jones in the middle that resulted in a touchdown is expected, but my reasoning was more from concern over the terrible game he had against the Saints more than my tight end fervour.

Jakobi Meyers had a great game, playing 56 snaps, although that elusive receiving touchdown still hasn’t arrived, I would say he’s WR1 and worthy.

I have more positives too. Christian Barmore got in Tom Brady’s face, Matt Judon continues to earn every darn dollar and has got to be the beast of the defense, and Davon Godchaux had a delicious chase and sack of TB12 early in the fourth quarter. 

Hunter Henry had some fabulous blocks and his short pass catch from Mac Jones for 11 yards and a touchdown was a thing of beauty (I may be a little biased there).

So as I sit here sleep deprived, I know things aren’t perfect, the Patriots are 1-3. But they fought last night and they have the makings of a fabulous new story with Mac Jones at the helm and some great players around him. 

So, unlike many out there, I’ll take the moral victory. And now that the “one last night, for closure” has happened with TB12, we can move on. 

Bring on the new razzle dazzle… and the coffee, please, more coffee.

Go Pats!