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Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 6 vs Cleveland

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Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots are officially 3-3 after a great road win in Cleveland! Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s win!

Ups ⬆️

Bailey Zappe

Wow! Are we seeing the emergence of a serious contender for Mac’s position as starting QB for the Patriots? Alright, maybe not quite yet, but the kid has seriously asked some questions for Bill Belichick to answer over the next week or so.

Zappe had a perfect game yesterday, completing 24/34 passes for 309 YDS and 2 TDs, and some of the throws were excellent. Now, I won’t lie about the fact that I am a big Mac Jones fan, and I still honestly think that Mac is the clear starter for this team, but, I think he is on a shorter leash when he returns from injury and I now think Bill knows he has a valid option at backup and potentially a future starter.

Kyle Dugger

Another solid game for Dugger yesterday, I saw him blowing up the backfield with some big hits, and he also secured an early interception which put the Browns on the backfoot from the off. A huge up for him!

Tyquan Thornton

The rookie scored his first receiving and rushing touchdowns in the same game, and boy did he look good out there. I don’t think we’ve really seen the express speed that Thornton has, but I think that is coming, both scores were totally different but confirmed my thoughts that he can be used in a variety of ways.

Let’s just try not to get him killed! Great game for the kid.

Rhamondre Stevenson

19 carries for 76 YDS and 2 TDs in a strong day once more for Stevenson on the ground. With no Damien Harris, Rhamondre really took on the responsibility in what was a difficult game for him at times to get the run game moving. He continues to impress.

Deatrich Wise Jr.

After a couple of quiet weeks, Wise was back on form, being a huge disruption for the Cleveland offensive line, he recorded his fifth sack of the season, en route to limiting Nick Chubb on the ground and forcing Jacoby Brissett into mistakes.

Downs ⬇️

I’ll defer again on downs as I thought this was a really solid win, but, there are for sure some honorable mentions, including Isaiah Wynn and the overall penalties given up by the team. But, for today, I’ll let them lie following a good victory.

LFG NEXT MONDAY!

The Patriots slam down on the Cleveland Browns!

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Photo: Nick Cammett/Getty Images

Within the first 30 seconds of the game Kyle Dugger with an interception. Yeah baby!

Good morning, afternoon, or evening to you on this Victory Monday as I write this, or whichever day you read this!

So, in case you missed it, the Patriots beat out the Browns at First Energy Stadium 38 to 15. 

There’s plenty for me to gush over to you today, but whilst a chunk of points win was something I sort of envisioned, my score prediction was a 30 – 10 Pats win, it wasn’t all perfection from the Patriots. 

Firstly, we have the same sentence to write/read in regard to Isaiah Wynn and those darn penalties. Wynn had his usual false start penalty. It’s as weekly as my game recap is folks. Wynn also allowed a sack on Zappe, and when you’re on your third string quarterback, that’s risky business!

The Patriots had 12 penalties against them in this game and predominately they were against Matty P’s offense.

We saw a monumental event, in a field goal miss by Nick Folk. Personally, I think that’s less on Nick and more on the commentator and his curse of “Nick Folk hasn’t missed…”

And to be honest you lovely lot, that’s about it. Sure, Bailey Zappe still has those little rookie trademarks, but again he showed poise. Throwing 24/34 completions, for 309 yards, two tuddies and no interceptions!

Can we just take a moment, to savour the utter deliciousness that was the tight endage in this game. Finally, we saw some movement down there!

Hunter Henry was in for 97% of the game, blocking like a crazy person, having some lovely catches, good ball security when he was taken to the ground, oh yeah and did I mention… A TIGHT END TOUCHDOWN!

Okay, maybe I hit the coffee too hard this morning, probably not, you lot know how much I love me some tight endage. 

And whilst I make no secret Hunter is my favourite, Jonnu Smith had himself a great game! We finally got to see his skills baby! The early third quarter catch and run may have been one of my favourites of the game. Follow that with a catch from Hunter, and a touchdown by Tyquan Thornton… hot, hot, hot!

The good stuff doesn’t end there folks. 

Rhamondre Stevenson continued his bulldozing ways, Cole Strange is always ready to step in to floor someone if need be, and DeVante Parker took flight on his early first quarter leap and catch, for a 29 yard pick up and a first down, oh! And then there was that hot and high grab in the second quarter!

But wait! I haven’t even mentioned the defense yet! Do I even need to?

Of course I do! 

They may have been the stars of the show for the Patriots lately, but they grinded it out on Sunday, and it paid off. 

Matthew Judon continues to be a thing of quarterback nightmares, only just beating out Deatrich Wise for the top scary spot of Sackman. 

Meanwhile, it’s proving difficult to keep up with the Jones as Jack and Marcus are hungry for interceptions!

Speaking of hungry, Carl Davis had himself a fumble recovery, although he didn’t exactly run that far for the return, it was delicious! Check the tape, the guy couldn’t stop rubbing his tummy.

And finally, I need to mention Brandon Schooler, schooling again with the end over punt recovery!

So there you have it you lovely lot, Patriots victory Monday never tasted so sweet! Until next time… Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Shipping Up To Cleveland

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Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots head to Cleveland on the back of an impressive defensive performance, beating Detroit last week 29-0. Here’s your quickfire preview for Week 6!

Injuries

*In Addition to above
CB Jon Jones – OUT
WR Nelson Agholor – OUT

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac’s status remains questionable for tomorrow, but as of this evening, he hasn’t been ruled out and has flown to Ohio with the team. I think he will play; and if so, it’ll be intriguing to see how mobile he is in the backfield.

The worry with Mac’s injury was if he would be able to protect himself from Cleveland’s rush, if he plays, my assumption is that he must be mobile enough not to be a sitting duck, we’ll see. If Jones can’t play, it’ll be Bailey Zappe starting again with Garrett Gilbert as the backup.

Rhamondre Stevenson

After a career day last week, it looks like Stevenson will be the lead back tomorrow as Damien Harris is expected to be limited, as he continues to recover from a hamstring injury he picked up against Detroit.

A star in the making, Stevenson is a must-watch.

Matthew Judon

The reigning AFC Defensive Player Of The Week has been the best player for the Patriots on defense so far this season, he’s also been in a record-breaking mood as he set a new franchise record for consecutive sack games through the first 5 weeks (5).

For me, Judon is so important to this defense, and the team will really need him on form tomorrow against an electric Cleveland rushing attack.

Jack Jones

The rookie has impressed me through five weeks, and the Patriots will call on him again tomorrow, especially now Jon Jones has been ruled out with an ankle injury. A third-straight game with an interception? I’m calling it!

Cleveland Calling

Nick Chubb

For my money, Nick Chubb is one of the best backs in the league and will be Cleveland’s main threat on offense. If the Patriots can limit Chubb specifically, they will have a good chance of coming out with a win, but, he’s a big-time player.

Myles Garrett

Myles Garrett is an absolute freak and I have no idea how he’s even playing after his involvement in a serious car crash less than 2 weeks ago. I worry for Zappe or Jones with him in the game, especially with Mac’s dodgy ankle.

The Browns will be without Jadeveon Clowney, but Garrett has to be treated like he’s two players as it is, the offensive line will need to be at its best.

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 5 vs Detroit

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Maddie Malhotra/Getty Images

Wow, those throwback red jerseys are something, right? The Patriots brushed aside the Detroit Lions at Gillette Stadium in a convincing 29-0 victory, improving their record to 2-3 on the season. Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s win!

Ups ⬆️

Rhamondre Stevenson

A career day for Stevenson, who had to carry the load after Damien Harris was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

He finished with 25 touches for 165 yards on the ground, a stunning, wrecking ball game from the second year player, who I think is really beginning to grow into a star on this team.

Jakobi Meyers

Extend this man, please! Jakobi Meyers once again played the star role of safety blanket for the Patriots QB, hauling in countless must have it conversions on his way to 7 catches for 111 YDS and 1 TD.

The touchdown was particularly pleasing, as it was his first of the season, and only third of his entire career. I really hope the team priorities a new contract for Meyers, as boy, he’s earned it.

Bailey Zappe

The kid done good! Zappe did what he was asked, his stats were nothing of note, but, he took care of the ball, barring the interception that was totally on Nelson Agholor.

With another week of uncertainty regarding Mac Jones’ injury, I’m a bit more comfortable with what I’ve seen out of the rookie, I’d much prefer the starter out there, but only when he’s healthy. A good first start in the NFL for ZAP ATTACK!

Matthew Judon

Judon’s storming start to the season just rolls on as he had another exceptional game yesterday. Mr red sleeves (who punked us all with blue sleeves pre-game, before changing into his traditionals) almost single-handidly dismantled Jarrod Goff.

Judon recorded 2 sacks, one of which was a strip, which led to Kyle Dugger returning it to the house. Another excellent solo game, he’s been the best defensive player so far.

Jack Jones

Another promising game for the rookie, topped with a great interception to double his tally for the season. Jones has shown ballhawk similarities early on to a certain Mr INT (J.C. Jackson), and boy am I excited to see how the rest of his season pans out. A big up!

Nick Folk

Big kick Nick, back again with a 100% game – 2/2 XP and 5/5 FGs.

As if I expected any less, he’s as steady as they come, and scored 17 points himself. Legend.

Kyle Dugger

Aside from his huge 59-yard scoop and score touchdown, I thought Dugger had a solid game in coverage, particularly on Hockenson, who wasn’t able to do anything. Dugger is a key player for the Pats on defense these days, and it’s certainly felt when he’s not on the field.

Downs ⬇️

No downs today, sure I could probably scrape a few together, but I was really impressed by the entire team yesterday. For this week, we’ll be ups alone.

Throwbacks and shutout! The Patriots defeat the Lions in week 5

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photo credit: Matthew J Lee Boston Globe

In the throwback red uniforms Bailey Zappe may have handed the ball off to the beast that is Rhamondre Stevenson plenty of times, but he also attempted 21 throws, with 17 completions for 188 yards, and… one touchdown. 

Right now there is plenty to still nibble at that lower lip in concern for over the Patriots, but it’s victory Monday! And yes, whilst many will say “but the Lions defense sucks”, and they are not incorrect, may I please remind you… going into week 5 whilst the Lions were bottom, last, the worst, at points scored against them in the league with 141, they were also the very top at points scored in the whole league too, with 140.

So, to look at it another way, whilst the yes, third string rookie quarterback led, New England Patriots offense scored 29 points with only one touchdown against the bottom of the league Detroit Lions defense… they also held those top of the league in points scoring Lions to a big fat zero. Nada. Zilch. Zip. 

Whilst there are still areas to be worked upon, I can feel confident saying there are areas to celebrate!

Let’s get down to business shall we?

The word that I wish I had a nice, shiny British pound (or a nice, crisp, one dollar bill) for, was poise. Bailey Zappe showed significant poise. AKA the kid performed really well under the fair amount of pressure he was under, and that’s definitely a point the commentators, and many since, have hammered home. 

It would have been really easy for the guy to totally lose it, fumble and bumble, and he would actually have a decent excuse for doing so. He is a fourth round pick, rookie quarterback, in what was once known as one of the most difficult schemes in the NFL, with a still getting their stuffs together coaching staff. 

Yeah it would have been naff having to use the excuse, but I’m not exactly wrong, am I?

However, we saw a team pull the whole thing together. Like a huge, glorious parcel, all the corners (figuratively, not literally… well maybe a bit literally) pulled way in, and made a nice tight, tidy bundle of a team. 

Yeah, there were still the expected issues. I’m not a gambling girl per se but am curious to what the odds may be on an Isaiah Wynn false start/holding penalty call for, well, every game, and Nelson Agholor could probably do with some much stickier gloves!

However! Moving on to the glass, over half way full perspective! 

Rhamondre Stevenson ploughed all over this game, and there’s not much that I can write that would really do this beast mode guy justice. 

Tight man coverage on TJ Hockenson caused a huge headache for the Lions offense and Jack Jones, the ball hawk, displayed his lovely speed and athletic ability, with the late first quarter interception.

Following the mid-second quarter unfortunate interception from Nelson Agholor’s bobble, Jahlani Tavai attempted to grab hold of a runner whilst wrestling with TJ Hockenson, Adrian Phillips had a glorious take down, and Matthew Judon took on the mighty Penei Sewell and totally won. 

If you are a defense aficionado then this game was all sorts of delightful treats for you. 

Oh yes, and how ever can I forget, the beautiful sack by, who else, but Matthew Judon that was recovered by Kyle Dugger for the defensive touchdown!

The Patriots may have caused Sam Darnold to see ghosts, but I think that Jared Goff may be seeing a certain Mr Red Sleeves in his nightmares for a little while.

Cole Strange continued his positive progression with some more great work, and I spotted the elevated from practice squad tight end, Matt Sokol, throw up some nice, tidy blocks. Can I get a TIGHT ENDAGE anyone?

Speaking of tight endage (okay when am I not!?) but seriously, I can’t be the only one happy to see Hunter Henry out there catching a few balls, surely? He had a nice gain of 17 yards after the catch early in the third quarter, and then a late in the third quarter diving catch that was delightful!

Now, I know that’s not much, and plenty of you may be rolling your eyes, but hey it’s victory Monday, and we saw SOMETHING from the tight ends. I’ll take what I can get at this point. 

Until next time, you lovely lot! Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Throwback Game In Foxborough

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

It’s the first of the Throwback games tomorrow as the Pats will don their classic red jerseys and white helmets against the Detroit Lions, who like the Patriots, sit 1-3 on the season, desperate to find their second victory.

Injuries

Patriots To Watch

Bailey Zappe

The rookie is set to start tomorrow for the Patriots as Mac Jones continues to recover from the high ankle sprain he suffered against Baltimore.

Zappe did well in his first game last week when he replaced Hoyer, but, now it looks like he’ll have a complete game for himself to lead the offense. The team will need him to protect the ball, and take some shots downfield to try and get some points on the board against this potent Lions offense.

Tyquan Thornton

Some good news today came as Thornton was activated from IR to the main 53-man roster, to much joy from fans who have been itching to see their new speedster in competitive action for the first time.

Thornton’s 21-day clock to return began on Wednesday, but, he’s been activated already which is hopefully a nod to how well he’s been doing since suffering a fractured clavicle in the preseason.

Even if he isn’t fully fit in the sense of being out and starting as one of the leading receivers, he should offer pace as a deep-threat option to keep the Lions’ secondary honest. One to watch for sure.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

With a backup QB expected to start tomorrow, production from the backs will be key to victory. Both ran well last week in Green Bay under similar circumstances and I think they can do the same tomorrow, especially against a Lions defense that allows 165.5 yards per game on the ground so far this season.

Hunter Henry

With Jonnu Smith unlikely to play through the injury, the onus on Hunter Henry is even greater. The big Tight End has had fewer receptions (5) this season than he did touchdowns for the entire of last season (9) through 4 weeks.

A very disappointing stretch for Henry, who I’m sure will riggle into some form, especially in the RedZone where he was so key for Mac Jones last year. Will tomorrow be the day we see some more production from Henry? We’ll see.

Matthew Judon

The entire defensive front will need to bring a little extra juice tomorrow in the absence of Lawrence Guy, who’s been ruled out with a shoulder injury.

I think Judon will make life uncomfortable for Jared Goff, especially if he can get to him early and often, causing mistakes.

Jake Bailey

Bailey has been disappointing thus far and after securing himself a new contract, he has to be a lot better than what he’s been offering. Against a Lions offense that has been putting up points for fun, giving the defense favorable field position will be a huge boost, let’s see if he can bring that tomorrow.

Lions Den

Jamaal Williams

With no Deandre Swift, Jamaal Williams will lead the Lions’ ground attack once more, having already amassed 276 yards and 6 TDs rushing this season.

Williams is particularly one to watch as worryingly, the Patriots have resembled swiss cheese when it comes to stopping the run so far in 2022.

TJ Hockenson

Hockenson heads into town on the back of a career game last Sunday where he caught 8 catches for 179 yards and 2 TDs. This is a big worry for me as the Pats have struggled already this season against Tight Ends and Hockenson could really bring the hurt tomorrow.

I imagine Kyle Dugger will get the nod to provide coverage on the big playmaker, but we shall see.

Aiden Hutchinson

The blue-chip rookie has shown some sparks of why he was so highly touted out of Michigan in this year’s draft. Be on the lookout for #97 on the edge, he’s a real game-changer, Marcus Cannon will need to be on top form against him, or will it be Isaiah Wynn?

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 4 vs Green Bay

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AP Photo/Mike Roemer

The Patriots came out of Green Bay 1-3 on the season following another defeat, but they sure didn’t go down without a fight. Here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Packers.

Ups ⬆️

Jack Jones

The player of the game, without a doubt. What a debut start for Jones, he forced and recovered a fumble, then shocked Aaron Rodgers with a pick-6!

Not without allowing a few plays, but a fantastic performance by the rookie, showing that he certainly has a nose for the ball. I can’t wait to see how he progresses from here.

Bailey Zappe

What a debut game for the young kid, a week ago he was preparing to be the backup following the injury to Mac Jones, then, late in the first quarter Brian Hoyer leaves the game with a concussion, and in came the rookie.

Zappe looked calm in the pocket and finished his first-ever game 10/15, 99 YDS -1 TD.

The rookie didn’t play like a future Hall Of Famer, but he also didn’t get in the way of the Patriots winning, he did everything he could to try and get a result and earned a lot of well-deserved props for doing so.

He might get his first career start next week.

Damien Harris & Rhamondre Stevenson

The tandem backs had another solid outing, combing for 152 yards and a touchdown on the ground (Harris 86 YDS – 1 TD / Stevenson 66 YDS).

You could make an argument that Stevenson was the stronger runner on the day, but both were key to the success on the ground which really supplemented the team’s lack of experience at QB.

Matthew Judon

Another strong game for Mr Red Sleeves, Matt Judon. He was a troubling presence for Elgton Jenkins at RT for the Packers and picked up his 4th sack of the season as the defense really helped stall the Green Bay passing attack for large portions of the game.

A well-deserved place on the up list.

Marcus Jones

FINALLY, MARCUS JONES IS RETURNING KICKS. Our prayers were answered and you can see the rewards already with how Jones carries the ball and the threat he poses on return duty.

On his 4 kickoff returns, he averaged 27.2 yards per return with a long of 37, and 24.5 yards on the 2 punts he brought back, with a long of 29.

Downs ⬇️

Isaiah Wynn

This may well be it for Isaiah Wynn, he was benched for Marcus Cannon following missed blocks and more inexcusable penalties. One of the missed blocks was the hit that forced Hoyer out of the game with a concussion.

I hate to pile on a guy, but it’s been a slow decline of disappointment and this may be the straw that breaks the proverbial camel’s back for his future in New England.

Jonathan Jones

I felt it was a rough day in coverage for Jones yesterday on the few plays the Packers made in the passing game. Jones is the Pats’ starting corner, but against Allen Lazard, who is not an NFL star player, he gave up 6/116 YDS. He has to be better.

Run Defense

The defensive front let the Packers rush for just shy of 200 yards alone on the ground yesterday. Aaron Jones rushed for 110 yards himself at a little over 7 yards a carry.

The success on the run game really allowed a Packers team to keep within winning distance in a game they quite frankly deserved to lose. The defense as a whole wasn’t bad, but as a unit, these were.