It’s a short week for the Patriots as they head to New Jersey at 3-4 to face the 5-2 Jets. Here’s your quick fire preview from Clazzy Clare for week 8!
Injury reporting:
Patriots to watch
Mac Jones
Finally, pretty much, Mac has been confirmed as the starter. This brings plenty of pressure on the young guys shoulders to really perform, particularly following the bad fan reaction at Gillette last week.
With just 6 attempts for 3 completions and 13 yards passing, 3 attempts for 24 yards rushing, Mac’s first quarter against the Bears didn’t show much to give us watchers an air of confidence.
So, you don’t really need me to tell you, that all eyes will be on the number 10 jersey for this match up against the Jets.
James Ferentz
With David Andrews ruled out after being listed as a non participant in practice for two straight days due to concussion, it’s not a stretch to expect James Ferentz will be in at centre against the Jets in New Jersey.
Starting his fifth season with the Patriots, Ferentz has statistically been a solid player. But so far this season he has only suited up for two games, week one and last week against the Bears, 16 total offensive snaps. The role of centre is a big one (no pun intended). With the Jets defense working on a four man rush frequently, creating good vertical pressure in the pocket, Ferentz is going to really have to bring his ‘A’ game to keep the Patriots offensive line in any sort of stability. And the situation may be compounded with Isaiah Wynn and Mike Onwenu suffering with injuries at the moment, perhaps keep an eye out for the rookie Chasen Hines!
Damien Harris
With the speculation of scrubbing his social media of much Patriots content, there is a little unrest with rumours about the running back. In the last year of his deal, and the obvious success of his probably successor Rhamondre Stevenson, add that to a severe reduction of playing time against the Bears with only 3 rushing attempts for 8 yards and 2 passing targets, the volume of usage Damien gets in the Jets game could be telling. Or not, you know how it is in this sport!
Those J E T S Jets!
James Robinson
New to the fold, Robinson was picked up to help the huge void that was created by the loss of an injured Breece Hall. The 2022 round 2 draft selection Hall, has quickly become a strength within the Jets offense.
Robinson is fresh off the transfer from Jacksonville and it will be interesting to see if he can keep the Jets successful running game going.
Elijah Moore
With the trade deadline approaching (Nov 1st) there has been plenty speculated about the Jets moving on from the wide receiver, even if they have been publicly affirming they have no desire to trade Moore.
The number one receiver in college at Mississippi, Moore has plenty of confidence in his abilities, but since the return of Zach Wilson he has received only 18 targets and 10 of those were in one game, and no surprise, this has caused the receiver to publicly acknowledge his frustrations.
A dynamic player, it will be interesting to see if the Jets utilise Moore, and this could be manipulated if the Patriots defense can find their feet and be solid against the run game, forcing Wilson to air the ball out.
Sauce Gardner
Possibly the one Jets player on many peoples minds is the cornerback Sauce Gardner, not only because he was the fourth overall pick in the 2022 draft, but the rookie has just been named the defensive player of the week.
Making a major impact through the first games of his career with 27 solo tackles, Gardner has 10 forced I ncompletions (which, according to PFF is the most in the NFL through seven weeks). A concerning match up for the Patriots receivers!
Well, that’s it for the week 8 preview you lovely lot, tune in next time and Go Pats!