We made it! Another year is in the books and before I go into my preview for tomorrow’s game, I just wanted to express my thanks to all of you that have followed our coverage of the Patriots this year. We aren’t the biggest blog out there, but we enjoy what we do, and your support is so appreciated.
With that being said the Patriots host the Jacksonville Jaguars for their penultimate game of the regular season. Here’s your preview for Week 17!
One’s To Watch
Damien Harris
Whilst Rhamondre Stevenson is back from the COVID list to lend some support in the run game, you can still expect Damien Harris to lead the backfield against the Jags. Harris is questionable with the hamstring issue that’s been ailing him since the first Buffalo game, but he should be good to go and continue on from his big-scoring game last week against the Bills.
Offensive Line
With the Jags stricken by a COVID outbreak, especially across their front line, the Pats offensive line will be key tomorrow as I think establishing the run will be a top priority. The Jags haven’t been the best at preventing rushing play, that will be a huge key to victory for the Pats tomorrow.
Kendrick Bourne + Jakobi Meyers
With Nelson Agholor out with a concussion for the second-straight game, the passing attack shifts focus to Bourne and Meyers to produce the goods. Bourne was active against the Bills last week following a stint on the COVID list, but he didn’t really make much impact, finishing 2/4 catches for 33 yards, I think he’s due a bounce-back game tomorrow. Meyers on the other hand is on course for a career-high year in receiving yards, he needs just 6 receiving yards to equal his career-best of 729. Both will be key tomorrow.
Struggling Jags
Who for the Struggling Jags could cause problems for the Patriots?
Josh Allen
Not to be confused with his namesake in Buffalo, Allen has been a bright light in an otherwise dark season for the Jags. He leads the team in sacks (5.5) and also has an interception to his name so far. He’s just made it off the COVID list in time for tomorrow’s game, so there is no telling if that will play an impact in his performance, but he’s a solid player who could get after Mac tomorrow and force errors.
Dare Ogunbowal
That’s right, Dare Ogunbowal could cause problems for the Patriots. And you’re probably thinking to yourself, WHO? Well, with their starting back James Robinson out for the rest of the season with a torn Achilles, Ogunbowal will get his first career start tomorrow.
The reason I think there’s a chance he could have a game is down to the fact that the Pats haven’t been able to comfortably stop the run all year. Against the Titans earlier this season, they allowed 270 yards rushing to two relatively unknown running backs as the Titans were still without their franchise star, Derrick Henry.
Now, I’m not going to be putting money on Ogunbowal having a big game, but I don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that he could run for at least 100 yards tomorrow.
Patriots Playoff Clinch Scenarios
New England clinches a playoff berth with:
- NE win + MIA loss or tie OR
- NE win + LV loss or tie OR
- NE tie + MIA loss + LV loss + LAC loss or tie OR
- NE tie + MIA loss + BAL loss or tie OR
- NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss + BAL loss + PIT loss or tie OR
- NE tie + LV loss + LAC loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + MIA win + BUF win
Prediction Corner
@ShawMellors – Patriots 28 – Jags 6
I don’t see this being a banana peel for the Pats, the Jags are banged up and struggling with COVID cases in their camp at the minute. They’ve managed to get some bodies back for the game, but it won’t matter as the Patriots will condemn them to another loss. Pats 28 Jags 6.