PatsPropaganda

An Independent Patriots Blog

The Patriots stomp in an “almost win” at Lambeau Field

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Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images

After a mildly crazy weekend from the NFL, Monday dawns with the cool, crisp feeling of Autumn (or Fall if that’s more your thing) and it’s well and truly football season baby!

The Patriots almost sneak a win at Lambeau Field with their third string quarterback!

Okay, so there is plenty there in regards to “almost”, and you can’t credit the “only just loss” all to the Patriots, but, if you gave that game the eye ball test as a Patriots fan, I don’t think you would be THAT unhappy. 

Now, sure I understand that the Patriots are now 3-1 with a stretch of powerful teams ahead, and yes there are still issues within camp that don’t start and end with the QB. But, the Patriots stomped down Lambeau Fields with the likes of Deatrich Wise, Matthew Judon, multiple Joneses, Kendrick Bourne, Rhamondre Stevenson and, well, Bailey freakin’ Zappe, for a rather close defeat. 

As usual this season, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows, we know this. So let’s get those green veggies off our plates quick smart so we can get to dessert, shall we? (Personal note, I have nothing against vegetables!)

First and foremost, Brian Hoyer leaving the game due to a head injury is nothing to gloss over, and I won’t. As much as I may have been one of the fans vocal about seeing what Zappe can do, I can imagine I’m not out of order in saying none of us would want it to be at the risk of Hoyer’s health. Especially, a head injury. At the time that I write this, there have been no updates in regard to the injury, although he did leave the game and walk to the blue medical tent on his own two feet. 

As you know by now, I’m not much for naming and shaming. I have done it occasionally and unfortunately, I have to do it again because Isaiah Wynn is really causing issues with the eager beaver penalties now. Every single game there have been multiple penalties on the Patriots and Wynn’s name features heavily on the list on the offensive side of the ball. 

Myles Bryant is another repeat offender, and whilst his whole game wasn’t completely poor, he lost his mark too many times, and gave away first downs. Especially in the last few minutes of the fourth quarter! The Packers were on a 4th and 6, just past the half way mark, and Bryant was guilty of a pass interference call that gave the enemy a valuable first down. 

Whilst Jack Jones did make my good list with a couple of the other Joneses, his explosive playing has it’s minuses and pluses. Whilst he is speedy and dynamic, hungry for the ball strip, this can result in his hands slipping from an opposing player and Jack getting left behind. 

Lil’Jordan wrestled his way downfield nicely, and Bourne showed his true Bourne-racer skills on a play that Zappe even stepped in to assist with the block. Fab to see in a way, but Zappe, sweetie, you need to grow out of that, especially as you are currently the remaining quarterback on the Patriots roster!

Matthew Judon’s name appears on my game recap in a good way each and every week, and this one is no different! Anyone else think Mr Red Sleeves may appear in a nightmare or two for Aaron Rodgers? Okay probably a little wishful thinking but you lot know how much I don’t like AR!

Whilst Matthew Judon is possibly the top defensive player on the Patriots right now, Deatrich Wise may be the second. He is certainly one of my favourites! The way he charges is be-au-ti-ful!

Talking of charging, I may have termed Damien Harris affectionately as steamroller in week two, on John Rooke’s Playbook, but I think Rhamondre Stevenson may have caught wind and been a little upset. Okay, I jest of course, but he has been an utter beast, so perhaps he should be crowned Steamerson?

The beloved David Andrews rarely gets a mention but that’s ‘cos he generally always good, but he made a gorgeous gap for Damien Harris’ mid third quarter run, with a nice, tidy block from a certain tight end enthusiast’s favourite Patriot tight end, Hunter Henry. 

And speaking of offensive line, Cole Strange has been getting a few mixed reviews but he took on Green Bay’s ultimate D-guy in Kenny Clark, and kinda won, I reckon this kid is alright!

So, whilst not everyone is happy with a moral victory, I have to say this one doesn’t feel so bad, but that’s just me. 

Until next time you lovely lot! Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Starting October In Green Bay

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Jessica Rinaldi/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

The Patriots travel to Green Bay tomorrow lacking various key players as Mac Jones, Lawrence Guy, and Jakobi Meyers are all out through injury. The focus shifts to Brian Hoyer, who will lead the offense for the first time since Week 4 in 2020.

Patriots To Watch

Brian Hoyer

With Mac Jones confirmed out for tomorrow’s game, Brian Hoyer will get the start at quarterback. Hoyer is a seasoned veteran of the league and gives the team the best chance to win over Bailey Zappe purely on his experience in the offense alone.

Hoyer has lost his last 11-straight regular season games, and he’ll need to be mistake-free in Green Bay if the team has any chance of coming away with a win. The main one to watch.

Christian Barmore

Barmore hasn’t been the wrecking ball that I’d hoped he would so far this year, he hasn’t been bad by any stretch, but I’m hoping he can still advance to be a serious threat for the defensive line.

If he can be disruptive and collapse the pocket to cause Rodgers pressure, it can be a key part in keeping the game close for the Pats.

Nick Folk

I have a feeling that the team will be relying on Folk a bunch tomorrow in what could be a close affair. He must make every kick tomorrow.

DeVante Parker

In the absence of Jakobi Meyers, expect Hoyer to target Parker tomorrow a bunch, who himself is coming off a storming game last time out against Baltimore.

Kendrick Bourne

Could this be the game Bourne re-establishes himself into the offensive attack? We’ll see, I’m not holding my breath, but with Meyers missing again this week, I’d expect Bourne to be more involved, alongside Parker and Agholor.

Green Bay Threats

Aaron Rodgers

The future HOF’er hasn’t got the same offense that we’ve seen dominate the NFC North over the last few years, but, I can’t help thinking that this could be the game where their attack explodes into life. With his younger weapons of Allen Lazard, Romeo Doubs, and Christian Watson, Rodgers, like it or not, still has some decent receivers to target.

If Rodgers is allowed to control the game through the air, it could get out of hand and out of reach for the Patriots real fast.

Aaron Jones

With Davante Parker now in Las Vegas, the main threat in my eyes for the Packers is Aaron Jones, a highly versatile back, Jones has the ability to score on either the ground or through the air. Limiting Jones’ production on the ground I think will be particularly important in the Pats’ defensive plan.

Romeo Doubs

The young rookie is the leading receiver for Green Bay, notching up 137 yards and a touchdown through 3 games. Whilst his numbers aren’t staggering, for a young rookie to be outshining the rest on what has been a very average Packers offensive attack is noteworthy. Keep an eye out for him tomorrow.

Jaire Alexander – Eric Stokes – Rasul Douglas

Alexander was limited in practice this week, but it looks like he will play tomorrow, leading out a formidable Packers secondary, alongside Rasul Douglas, and Eric Stokes.

With Hoyer The Destroyer in at QB for the Patriots, Alexander and co will be licking their chops at some potential takeaways and could really be the difference tomorrow if the Pats can’t take care of the ball.

Mac Jones ruled OUT of Sunday’s trip to Green Bay

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David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

After an entire week of not knowing if Mac would have surgery, go on IR, play, or, not play, we finally have a definitive answer on his status for Sunday, he’s out.

Per the team’s official injury report, Jones is officially ruled out of contention, along with Lawrence Guy and Yodny Cajuste.

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 3 vs Baltimore

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Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

A fun game to watch yesterday, unfortunately, ended in crushing fashion. Concerns now turn to Mac Jones following his serious injury late in the game. Until we know more, here are the Ups & Downs from yesterday’s loss to the Ravens.

Ups ⬆️

DeVante Parker

With Jakobi Meyers missing through injury, this game was a chance for Parker to break out and show off what many were excited about during Training Camp. And boy did he do just that.

Mac targeted #1 a game-high 10 times, with Parker bringing in 5 of them for a rousing 156 yards, certainly an inspiring performance, especially the play below where he showed off some superior skill.

Deatrich Wise Jr.

This was a storming game for Wise, he recorded 3 sacks and 4 TFL, almost single-handily keeping the Patriots in the game. Alongside Matt Judon, who’s been playing really well in his own right, Wise has really transformed into a big playmaker so far this season.

The newly-elected captain led from the front. A big UP!

Jonathan Jones

A solid game for Jones as he continues his tenure as CB1, a pick and a forced fumble place him firmly on the UP list.

Running Backs

I thought both Harris and Stevenson played really well yesterday, both bagged touchdowns and were productive on the ground throughout. We really need to see this partnership blossom even more, especially if the passing game lessens even further.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

Any time your QB throws 3 picks and 0 TDs, they’re going to be on the down list. Mac looked improved in some areas, and worse in others, namely, his decision-making. On all of the interceptions, it seemed he was forcing the ball to Parker every time.

Then came his injury at the end of the game which is really troublesome, reports confirm it’s likely a severe high ankle sprain, with all options of recovery still on the table.

Nelson Agholor

The cardinal sin as a Patriots player, committing a turnover. Agholor fumbled for the second time this season and it completely deflated what was left in the offensive attack.

Myles Bryant

Another close miss for Bryant in punt duty, I just don’t get why the rookie Marcus Jones isn’t getting a go back there. Although it didn’t cost them, the error and Bryant’s below-par day in coverage lands him on my down list.

The Ravens swoop in with a win against the Patriots at Gillette

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Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots go 1 – 2 with an at home loss to the Ravens. 

Let’s just tear the band aid off quickly here shall we? So it wasn’t the greatest of games, it wasn’t the worst of games either… so that’s something!

When I say that, I know many will disagree, but the Patriots did manage to put up 26 points, but as I mentioned, we are pulling the band aid off, so let’s be brutal first. 

Whilst the defence had positives, and I shall get to those in a moment, they performed well in the first two games, but there were small cracks in the system this week. Namely, once Lawrence Guy was out with possible shoulder injury. 

Myles Bryant seems to be in a twilight zone at the moment. He started the pre season quite strong with that great punt return against the Giants, but since then, fumbles and bumbles… oof. He’s had all sorts of mistakes, and this game was no different with his early first quarter muff, ball security is job security sweetie. 

And to that end, what the frick were they doing putting Bryant on the possible 2022 punt return God, Devin Duvernay?!!?

Isaiah Wynn continues to be an eager beaver, which normally I would applaud. However, it is costing the Patriots expensive penalties, game after game now. He isn’t a rookie player, this is definitely something he should have buttoned up by game three.

Another guy who’s ball security is in question is Nelson Agholor. I was so ready to put him on my good list with his great, great fourth quarter deep pass from Mac Jones that became… a punched out fumble. Insert face palm emoji of your choice. Again, ball security is job security dude!

Whilst there was even more to be concerned about in this game than I have mentioned, turnovers, please no one talk about four turnovers…There were some positives and that’s what they keep me around here for at Pats Propaganda! (Just ask Tom Shaw-Mellors!)

But in all seriousness, it’s a Monday after a bad loss. I get that. And Mac Jones has a left leg injury, that’s enough to make any Patriots fan sob into their morning coffee. So I am here to try and lift your spirits a little you lovely lot!

Deatrich Wise continues to own up and show up, making darn sure he is worthy of his captainship, with some glorious sack play and QB pressure. Did anyone else see fear in the eyes of Lamar Jackson early in the second quarter as he witnessed Wise barrelling towards him?

The amount of times I’ve used Matthew Judon’s name in my positive game takes is really mounting up this season, and whilst he perhaps ran out of a little steam towards the end of the game he was the one guy who could match Jackson’s movement and really get to him. 

We continue to see positivity from the likes of Marcus Jones and Jack Jones, proving they were worthy of their draft picks, Damien Harris and his fabulousness at blocking, not to mention Rhamondre Stevenson with his beastliness!

DeVante Parker may still have a little bit of a spotty record in a Patriots jersey, but Mac Jones targeted him 10 times, for 5 receptions and 156 yards. He had a glorious third quarter catch against Stephens of the Ravens, even when he had the guy hanging on his aforementioned Patriots jersey!

Nick Folk continues his reign as MVP of kickers (in my humble opinion) and he now holds the NFL record for 57 consecutive field goals made from under 50 yards. 

So, there you have it, week three is in the bag. And yeah, the bag doesn’t fill us all with a huge amount of optimism at the moment, the Patriots have plenty of bad and ugly. However! They still have a few good lumps too! 

Until next time you lovely lot! Go Pats!

PatsProp Preview – Ravens Flock To New England

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AP Photo/Steven Senne

Week 3 is here and the Patriots are back at Gillette Stadium for the first time since January 2. Here’s a look at some players we should be keeping an eye on tomorrow against the Ravens!

Patriots To Watch

Mac Jones

This could be a game for the offense to kick into gear and find some rythym. The Ravens could well be still reeling from their late defeat in a points fest last week against the Dolphins and the Pats have to try and take advantage.

Mac has been poor so far this season, but a strong performance at home could well be the ticket to pull his second year as starter back on the right path.

Hunter Henry

Henry has been missing so far this season and that desperately needs to change. Aside from Jakobi Meyers, Mac really doesn’t a second player to find consistently, whereas Henry was that player last season. One to watch tomorrow, especially in the red area.

Kyle Dugger

At the minute Dugger in questionable to play tomorrow with a knee injury. From my recollection, Dugger played a big role against Mark Andrews in 2020, the last time these franchises met, so it would be a big loss for the secondary if he can’t play.

If he does miss out, look for Jabrill Peppers to step up in his absence.

DeVante Parker

It’s been a less than inspiring start to Parker’s Patriots career so far, on the 4 targets he’s had through 2 games, Parker has caught only 1 of them for 9 yards.

I think he does have a skillset which will be of use for the Pats, but will we see it tomorrow?

Ravens Flock

Lamar Jackson

Jackson has hit the ground running this season in a quest for his second league MVP award, whilst also in a contract year no less. We all know what threat he poses on the ground, but he’s been particularly impressive throwing the ball this season.

The Patriots will need to stifle him on the ground and force him into making poor decisions throwing the ball, I just don’t think they have the defensive talent to compete with their offensive weapons 1on1.

Mark Andrews

The Ravens’ top threat was in fine form last time out, securing 9 catches for 103 yards and a TD. If the Patriots are going to win, limiting Andrews’ production will be key. He’s for sure one to watch on the Ravens side.

Rashod Bateman

Electric burner is how I would describe Bateman. He had pretty much the same statline as Andrews last week, with the exception of his TD catch being a big 75-yard play. The Patriots did a good job of limiting Tyreek Hill from making any big plays in Week 1, can they stop Bateman from doing the same tomorrow?

Marcus Williams

Williams has had an electric start to his time in Baltimore, securing 3 picks in the opening weeks of the season. With Mac making questionable decisions last week throwing the ball, Williams will be on patrol to add to his tally of interceptions. Expect him to cover Agholor on the outside.

Patriots Ups & Downs: Week 2 vs Pittsburgh

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Joe Sargent/Getty Images

A massive win in Pittsburgh brought the Patriots’ record on the season to .500 at 1-1. Let’s take a look at the ups & downs from week 2!

Ups ⬆️

Nelson Agholor

A much better week for Agholor who was on the down list following his late-game fumble against Miami last Sunday. He finished with 6 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown, of which was a brilliant grab high up above the Steelers defender, before running it in.

Something which most of us thought Parker would be doing, Agholor decided to do instead, a great contest catch and score which was a huge point in the game.

Jakobi Meyers

Safety blanket Jakobi Meyers was at it again this week, hauling in 9 catches for 95 yards. For me, he’s been the most important cog in the offense so far this season, without him out there, I worry how the team will move the chains, another good week for #16.

Matthew Judon

Judon had a solid time out there on Sunday, he recorded a sack and also made a big play in coverage, breaking up a pass that was intended for Najee Harris. Judon’s performances tapered off last year down the stretch, but if he can keep a consistent level going this season, it will be huge for the Pats.

Brenden Schooler

The UDFA special teamer made a play against former-Patriots All-Pro Gunner Olszewski muffed a punt, allowing Schooler to recover for an important takeaway.

The Offensive Line

A much better week from the line, who seemed more on the same page, allowing the offense to get some drives together. More noticeably, Cole Strange was making so big blocks against Cam Hayward which stuck out to me, I wanna see more of that! Not the finished article by any stretch, but a note of improvement for the unit.

Downs ⬇️

Mac Jones

It was better, but still not good enough for our starting QB. Mac looked at times indecisive and then too decisive to the point of choosing a player to throw to prior to snapping the ball it seemed. The pre-snap penalties were killers, for which he must shoulder some blame.

The interception was a poorly thrown ball and right now he just doesn’t look as comfortable as he did last year. I have faith that he’ll turn things around and I think he has the ability to do so, but not good enough again.

Myles Bryant

A very weird scenario on his punt return, nearly costing the Patriots a possession. What an ugly play. I think we’ll see someone else fielding punts next week, perhaps rookie Marcus Jones?

Big game coming up this weekend against Baltimore, LFG!