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Patriots Ups & Downs Week 8

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Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images

The Patriots climbed to 4-4 on the season as they earned a big win over the Chargers yesterday! There were many good performances, so let’s go through them now! Here are your Ups & Downs from Week 8!

Ups ⬆️

Adrian Phillips

What a game for Phillips, against his former team he produced an MVP performance, picking off Herbert twice, one of which he took to the house for a touchdown. The former UDFA has become a valuable piece of the Pats puzzle since he arrived at the start of last season, I hope they extend him for a few more years.

Gunner Olszewski

There is something about playing at Sofi Stadium that gets Gunner going! He had his best return game of the season, helping the Patriots secure good field position on a number of occasions. He’s a big up this week!

Damien Harris

Another solid day for Harris on the ground, nothing special, but he scored the only offensive touchdown of the day. Really, if we’re being honest, the offense should have run it in on third and fourth down when they tried to force throws into the endzone. Another UP day for Harris!

Nick Folk

The most consistent Patriot, Nick Folk everybody! Folk went 4/4 on field goals yesterday, continuing his unreal stretch with the Patriots.

Matthew Judon

The red-sleeved demon HAUNTED Justin Herbert on Halloween, recording 1.5 sacks and multiple pressures as the former Pro-Bowler returned to form. I mentioned in my preview that Judon would be one to watch, and he was.

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The Patriots grind out a win in LA baby!

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Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald

It’s not an easy season to be a Patriots fan, a roller coaster of game performances and Tom Brady doing so good elsewhere. It’s pretty tough being a rookie quarterback too. I mean, Mac Jones is giving the Patriots literal blood, sweat, and almost tears! I feel sorry for whoever has to wash his road game white jerseys, blood is an absolute pain to get out…

But his sacrifice was not in vain, as the Patriots bring home a win on the road.

Unfortunately, it was a scrappy and perhaps messy game. It wasn’t one of the best performances we have seen by Mac so far, although that may be less of an “on paper” kind of thing and more of a visual confirmation. And some of the solidity that had begun to grow back on the offensive line seemed to have been edging away a little. 

Plenty is being criticised of the coaching too. Now, I am loath to attempt to be critical of something I probably know less about than Nike the dog, but towards the end of the second quarter, Mac threw the ball all over the place, and the Patriots did not undertake a run play. Normally that’s no big deal, but in a game that was currently sitting at 10-14 with the half bearing down on them and against a defense that is known for being weak against the run, I thought perhaps a run drive may have been a good choice. Don’t get me wrong, that’s just my rookie opinion and they did end that drive in a field goal bringing the deficit to just one point. 

The officials didn’t help much either, with what felt like a million penalties called against the Patriots and maybe two called on the Chargers. Obviously, I am exaggerating for dramatic effect, but you’re fans, you know that’s how it really felt. 

The actual recorded statistics were in fact, 4 penalties by the Patriots for 30 yards and 5 for the Chargers for 40 yards. As the sands of time fall, it would appear that officials do not call holding on Matt Judon, I mean, he is that much of a beast – they must think he is just too tough to need it, right?

But I digress as usual, but hey, we all know you come for the wit, and stay for the tight endage, wink wink. 

Moving swiftly along to the more positive aspects of the game such as the great showing of Myles Bryant! Devin McCourty had a fabulous tackle and tug-out of the ball towards the end of the second quarter, only bettered by that glorious hand flick Kendrick Bourne undertook to prevent an interception, although it was following the miss of a high ball catch, it was still kinda beautiful.

Jakob Johnson continued to prove his worth and the fullback spot on the roster, with some fabulous blocking, notably the first Damien Harris rushing touchdown of the game. Not only that, but perhaps due to the absence of James White, Mac has begun to utilise Johnson in short passes too. Fabulousness for all you fullback fans out there!

Hunter Henry was a little quiet in this game, perhaps expected what with the Chargers weakness against the run, but the Chargers know what a great tight end Hunter can be and had him covered plenty, and that was obvious right from the start of the first quarter. 

It would seem the revenge tour was not to be for Hunter, other than the great second quarter reception that almost, almost, resulted in a touchdown and the lovely end of game punt catch, but the other ex-Chargers player, Adrian Phillips, made up for the both of them! Phillips notched up two interceptions and a touchdown against his former team, and he looked pretty darn pleased with himself. 

I have to end my recap this week with my favourite moment of the game. Chargers defensive lineman Jerry Tillery had the latest hit on a quarterback I may have ever seen. It was so late David Andrews had been stationery for what felt like ages, only to turn and witness the terrible slam Tillery made into Mac. Andrews, being the utter beast he is, stepped over Mac to get in Tillery’s face with the speed of someone, well let’s say a guy a bit little less squishy than Andrews is. The fierceness on Andrews’ face was momentous and I may have swooned a little. 

Now, I do not condone any form of violence, but if you can find someone who will fight for you the way Andrews would for Mac Jones with the look on his face Andrews had, that person is a keeper… Just sayin’

And so concludes the game against the Chargers. I hope the Patriots can keep this, albeit scrappy, momentum going into Carolina, they are presently 3-0 on the road! Now, where did I hide the good Halloween candy…

Go Pats!

Top Ways to Grow Your Money

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Long story short, everyone wants to grow their money. However, before you consider the options, it is important to answer a few questions. 

How rich do you want to be? Do you want to purchase a car or do something substantial for your family? Depending on what your answers are, you need to have money in the future, if you want to enjoy a good quality of life and live luxuriously. 

Coming to the point, how do we get rich? Have you ever been around rich people and see what they have In common? Simply put, it is the attitude towards money and luck for sure. You will find that rich people look at life from a larger perspective and will always invest in future goals. Although they stumble like all of us but are firm about what they want. Here, we will shed light on a few ways, you can grow your money:

Get Rid of Debt

Most people drool over debt when they don’t have any other option to cater to their financial needs. An instant debt might solve the issue but will only strain your financial condition in the long run. Once you get into the struggle, it will be hard to come out. Develop a habit to get rid of debt and say no to interest charges. For many of us, struggling with debt is the biggest hurdle to becoming rich. So if you have planned to invest your money, here’s what you need to do:

Get rid of your current debts timely by paying them through a credit card. Start with paying off the smaller loans and move in chronological order. 

Make a habit of never asking for debt, especially when it is not necessary. Cut down on your shopping expenses and take home-cooked meals to the office for lunch. 

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PatsProp Preview – Heading Out West

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(Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

It’s Week 8 already! The Patriots are over in sunny LA as they look to go 4-4 on the year and keep their 100% win record over Justin Herbert intact. Here’s your preview of tomorrow’s game!

One’s To Watch

Mac Jones

Mac Jones’ improvements have been increasing every week so far this season, with his best game coming in the mauling of the Jets. Tomorrow will be a new test for the rookie, the first long away trip, big stadium, expectations increased of a demanding fan base, but, I love what I’ve seen so far, I back him to continue his good play and have a solid game, watch him closely tomorrow.

Damien Harris

After I put Stevenson on my watch list in Week 7, I’ve decided to just stick with Damien Harris this week, and for good reason. The Chargers have the worst record against the run in the league, and Harris has been on a hot streak of late. If the team can establish the run like they did last week, the passing game should open up nicely for Mac.

Secondary

This position could turn out to be the team’s achilles heel tomorrow. The Pats will be without Jon Jones, who’s now on IR for at least three games and Jalen Mills doesn’t give me a lot of confidence as a replacement. Bill has been working through depth replacements, which is an indication he’s concerned as well.

J.C. Jackson will lead the cornerback group, but they will have their work cut out from the off as the Chargers have some great weapons in the receiving core, not to mention Austin Ekeler, who can be a difference-maker if he’s fit to play.

Matt Judon

After a hot start, Matt Judon has had a few quiet weeks, he’s not been playing badly by any means, but he hasn’t stood out to me as he did through the first few games. In last year’s 45-0 demolition of the Chargers, Herbert was made uncomfortable all day by the Patriots defense, and whilst Herbert has shown considerable improvement in most areas of his game, I think the Patriots can do the same again tomorrow, with Judon being a big part of that.

Electrical Charge ⚡

Who for LA could potentially cause problems for the Patriots?

Justin Herbert

Herbert is a big, athletic quarterback who has definitely made the year-two jump in LA. His rookie season was impressive, and now with a new head coach in Brandon Staley, Herbert has led the team to 4-2 record so far this year. Herbert played the worst game of his career so far against the Patriots last December, so he’ll be itching to prove a point.

Keenan Allen

Allen hasn’t found the endzone much this season, but boy has he helped them move the chains. He is such a terrific pass-catcher and will be a handful for the Pats secondary to cover tomorrow. I think J.C. Jackson will match up against him in all likely hood, but as mentioned above, the secondary is an issue for the team, and having to cover Keenan Allen, let alone the rest of the offensive threats isn’t ideal.

Austin Ekeler

Bill Belichick likened Ekeler to James White this week in his pre-game chat with Scott Zolak, and for good reason, the former UDFA has been dominant for the Chargers over the last few years. Injuries have been a problem for the star running back, Ekeler has been banged up this week and is questionable to play tomorrow, but if he does, it’s a massive weapon for the Chargers, and could be the difference over 60 minutes.

Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR

Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

Hunter Henry

Gotta be big 85 this week! If you’re in a bind and need to start fresh at your TE position, throw Hunter in there! He’s looking to have his fifth-straight touchdown game and is averaging 10.63 points so far each week.

Prediction Corner

@ShawMellors – Patriots 38 – Chargers 28

The Patriots continue on from their dominating performance over the Jets last week, Mac throws for 3 touchdowns and Damien Harris continues his dominance on the ground. Patriots 38 Chargers 28

@clazzyclare – Patriots 30 – Chargers 21

Hopefully the weakness of the LAC run defence can be exploited and the Patriots can rack up some points and make a game of it. Patriots 30 LAC 21

Patriots Ups & Downs Week 7

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Staff Photo By Matt Stone/MediaNews Group/Boston Herald

WHAT A WIN! The Patriots absolutely dominated the Jets yesterday 54-13. There were many good performances, so let’s go through them now! Here are your Ups & Downs from Week 7!

Ups ⬆️

Running Backs

Damien Harris was the star of the day, he amassed over 100 yards and scored twice. It was great to see him find some good form over the last couple of weeks. J.J. Taylor also got in on the action, he scored twice after getting the nod over Rhamondre Stevenson, who was a healthy scratch yesterday.

After a few an uneasy beginning to the season on the ground, the Patriots really pulled things together yesterday.

Hunter Henry + Jonnu Smith

Happy National Tight Ends Day, am I right???? We got to see some encouraging plays by Jonnu Smith, before his day was cut short with an injury.

Smith’s teammate Hunter Henry continued his redzone production as he hauled in his fourth touchdown is as many weeks. The throw itself by Mac left Henry with work to do, but he managed to pull off an awesome one handed bobble-catch. The connection continues.

Kyle Dugger + J.C. Jackson

Both of these guys made a couple of insane plays to pick off poor Mike White, who replaced the injured Zach Wilson in the first half. Both had good days in general on defense, so they’re an up for sure.

Mac Jones

Great day for Mac out there yesterday, he passed for over 300 yards for the first time in his NFL career, and led some impressive drives, especially when the team went no-huddle at the end of the second quarter. This was Jones’ best game to date for me, and I can’t wait to see how he plays next week with some confidence under his belt against the Chargers.

Offensive Line

This unit deserves a bunch of credit, they’ve overcome a lot of trouble in the opening six weeks of the season, but, they’ve managed to put together a good performance yesterday, both in protecting the QB and getting the run-game moving.

Gunner Olszewski

Yesterday’s game was the first time Gunner stood out to me on his return duties, including his first return of the game which he got brought back to put the team in a great starting field position. The team needs more of this from Gunner, and hopefully, this will light a fire under him to continue moving forward.

Downs ⬇️

I’m not gonna put any on here today. I could, but after a win like that, I’ll stay glass half full for the rest of the week, no downs! They’re still some ways off being the finished article, but, to put in a performance like that without Trent Brown, who for many was the reason for the positional misfortunes, is a positive thing for sure.

The Patriots with a Jet sweep and a 54 – 13 win at Gillette Stadium!

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Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports

With a win of more than 40 points over the opponent it is difficult to make any concerns of the negative nature, but I have heard the whole “well the Patriots still have some problems and the Jets really sucked” vibe.

These things are true, I have to admit I had a few not greats on my list, in particular the receiver coverage, or little lack of it, is still of a concern to me. Whilst the penalties appeared to be less, there wasn’t any of those “too many men on the field” issues, but the Patriots did still rack up 6 penalties for 95 yards. 

However, this is Victory Monday! And it was a victory! Yes, the Jets really, well, “jetted” but this is sport; it’s not an exact science, even the best teams have the worst of days, and the Patriots capitalised on the not so great Jets having a rather bad day.

But hold on there folks, I am not saying that is the only reason the Patriots won. I’m just covering what you may be thinking, some of you, possibly, and the things that may still be cause for concern. That is all. 

Me? Well, I thought the Patriots played great. Honestly, I do still have my concerns, one game a season doth not make, however, this win is soft, and warm, and glorious, and I want to grab my coffee and snuggle down with it.

National Tight Ends Day saw the two free agency shopping spree pick ups, Smith and Henry, involved! Jonnu Smith finally had a chance for plenty of passes, and his early first quarter, 28 yarder, was a powerful run, wrestling with a guy proving his athletic prowess hasn’t gone away. Unfortunately, Smith suffered a shoulder injury and left the game during the second quarter, not to return but not before putting up 1 rushing attempt for 5 yards, 5 passing targets for 2 receptions and 52 yards in just 22% of the snaps. 

The other Patriots tight end, and I’ll tell you a little secret here, he’s my favourite Patriots tight end on the team (I know, I know, you are all shocked out of your socks to hear that!) Hunter Henry made National Tight Ends Day his own by catching a short right pass from Mac Jones for his fourth touchdown as a Patriot. Not only that, Hunter’s fourth touchdown was also his fourth straight game with a receiving touchdown, and that my dear friends, is the longest streak by a Patriots tight end since the great Rob Gronkowski in 2013. Boom! (Information courtesy of Patriots .com)

There are many other delicious points to note on Sunday’s performance other than the lovely tight endage we got to witness. 

Damien Harris had himself a game rushing for 106 yards, 2 receptions for 7 yards and 2 touchdowns, not only that, but he ran faster than he ran all game (his words in the press conference) to go celebrate with him, when his teammate and fellow running back JJ Taylor completed his first NFL career touchdown. I just love stuff like that!

Taylor, whilst only racking up 21 yards rushing, had a single reception for 5 yards and totalled 2 touchdowns.

But wait, the feast continues; Jakobi Meyers took a big hit but kept hold of the ball for the gain, proving he is really becoming a great slot receiver. We saw some substantial blocking by Hunter Henry, with a run or two with opposing players hanging off him (yes, I know that’s like, one of my most favourites things). Jakob Johnson brought it with some significant blocks, and the fullback even had 2 receptions for 32 yards! Brandon Bolden snatched his first touchdown of the season and Kyle Dugger an interception! The Patriots offense used a bit of trickery and a bit of razzle dazzle, and I will lap that stuff up with a spoon! 

One more tasty morsel I have to mention, was the early first quarter, laser focused run by Miles Bryant, who seemed to lock in on poor Zach Wilson and to heck with anything else, he flattened the young quarterback on the third down, resulting in the Jets having to punt and so ending their initial first quarter drive.

So there you have it folks, my seventh regular season game wrap-up. I hope you found it tasty enough to enjoy with your coffee and that you have a great week!

Go Pats!

Behold: National Tight Ends Day!

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Mark Konezny USA TODAY Sports

The tight endage cometh, and boy oh boy, does it!

Okay, so I guess I should hold my horses there a little, with the seventh game on the horizon the Patriots are 2-4 with just 4 tight end touchdowns. Well, to be fair, that’s more than 2019 and 2020 put together… Oof!

And so, on this day of National Tight Ends celebration, I thought I would plot the path 2021 has seen of its tight endage. 

Cast your mind back to earlier this year. The Patriots had Ryan Izzo, Matt LaCosse, Devin Asiasi, and Dalton Keene as rostered tight ends. Then they signed Jonnu Smith, and Patriots Nation rejoiced – some tight end production was in our future! Two rookies going into their second year, one could argue it may be a little bit more like their first, due to a lot of covid restrictions and injuries, but still. 

What was next? Hunter Henry, baby! Coach Bill surprised many, and scooped up the guy he had been following since his college days, and we were soon to see why!

During the spring practices, training camps and such, we saw the likes of Troy Fumagalli, a decent tight end from Denver who always seemed to be in the wrong place at the wrong time when it came to position depth, and although some good showing, Fumagalli unfortunately suffered an injury, and failed to make the roster.  David Wells, previously of the Kansas City Chiefs, danced around in New England in 2020, and was back again for another spin around the floor in 2021, but it didn’t quite stick. 

Ryan Izzo was shipped off to Houston for a seventh round 2022 draft pick, and the whole of Patriots Nation cried… okay, okay, I cried, just me.  

Matt LaCosse found his way onto the practice squad, and with the way players who sat out of the 2020 season had been given the chop, at least he got to stay in New England. Where, to be fair, he had a rather good spring camp, possibly what secured his spot with the Patriots still.

So, the roster cup still floweth over with tight endage, two rookies and two free agency signed veterans. 

Unfortunately, Dalton Keene suffered more injury setbacks and started training camp on the PUP list only to undergo season-ending knee surgery. His return in 2022 could see Keene with a fight on his hands, a very unfortunate situation, but he really hasn’t shown much, or had much chance to, and either way, we won’t be seeing him as a Patriot for 2021. 

And then there were three to run those two tight end packages. Could I be any more excited (yes you need to hear that in the tone of Chandler Bing from Friends).

And this is where excitement has moved to puzzlement for many Patriots fans. 

Devin Asiasi has not played a regular season game in 2021. He has continued to be on the inactive list for every game. A healthy scratch most would say, but is there something we just don’t know? 

Are Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith just more tight endage than the Patriots need?

The fact that the combined receptions and yardage matches 2019’s tight end figures, and exceeds 2020’s already, and they have only played six games does say a lot, and not just about the tight ends, but the quarterback too. Makes 2021 the year of tight endage an easier sell, huh?

Okay, I’m being a little presumptuous with my glass 99% full again, but it’s National Tight Ends Day, and I like tight ends and I can not lie – I’m sure there’s a t-shirt with that on it somewhere…

Much love to you all for National Tight Ends Day!

I Like Tight Ends Short Sleeve Unisex T-Shirt
Tight Endage!! Unisex T-Shirt