With Tom Shaw-Mellors out on tour, you lovely lot have me yet again for your Pats Prop preview!
Injuries
Patriots Thursday schedule!
It’s another Thursday night match up for the Patriots, where they face the 8 – 3 Bills and maybe some high winds, at Gillette Stadium in those hot hot throwback red jerseys. Here’s your quick fire preview from Clazzy Clare for week 13!
Patriots to watch
Mac Jones
Mac has had good ball security of late, with no interceptions in his last three games and a 100-passer rating or higher in his last two.
His comfort level in the pocket has increased, and it’s slightly surprising given what we are seeing what it comes to the offensive line and its inconsistency.
Whilst Mac is a smart quarterback, the basic plays haven’t been executed successfully much so far this season, if the Patriots aren’t going to get cute they at least need to do the fundamentals well if they have any chance of beating this Bills team.
Jonnu Smith
Whilst Damien Harris being out with injury and not suiting up may not initially make you think about the impact on Jonnu Smith, but I am of the opinion that the versatile tight end may see a resurgence in his duties being split all over the field in regards to carrying as well as catching the ball.
Rhamondre Stevenson is without a shadow of a doubt the strength of the offense, but with the absence of Damien Harris, the Patriots should not simply shift all the plays over into Stevenson’s inbox increasing the risk of burning him out. This is where I think the versatility of Jonnu will come in handy, and whilst he had no numbers on the board in the Vikings game, it may be time to scheme things up and have Smith’s athletic ability help out against these pesky Bills, even if it is only as a fullback.
Bills to watch
Josh Allen
A dominant and elite quarterback in the league, although yes folks, it very much pains me to type this, you all know how much I hate the Bills! There is no denying Josh Allen’s prowess. He’s a great improvisor, makes quick decisions and can move. The downside for Bills fans this week at least, he’s nursing an elbow injury.
This may see the Bills rely heavily on the run game, but if not, one key to the weakness of the Mighty Allen may be impatience. If the Patriots can fan the flames of impatience in Allen, turnovers may be easily pushed, and we all know how you can win games if you win the turnover battle.
Matt Milano
With the star strength of the defense, Von Miller, out of the line up the Patriots can’t rest on their laurels too much with the likes of Matt Milano at linebacker for the Bills.
Now, Milano is less of an edge guy than Miller but Milano has been sighted as a great playmaker on the Bills defense this year with two interceptions, one being returned for a touchdown. Racking up 49 solo tackles and 16 assists, Milano has great speed and is a strength the Patriots offense need to take very seriously.
Well there you have it you lovely lot! Please stay tuned on Pats Propaganda for my game recap on Friday and do not worry, Tom shall return to do the previews as usual next week!
