A rather crazy play after a bad officiating call lost the Patriots a win, or at least a chance at one in overtime, and the Las Vegas Raiders capitalised with a 30-24 victory at home.
In the game against the Minnesota Vikings, a catch was in question and Hunter Henry was denied a touchdown. This time the officials gave an out of bounds Keelan Cole a touchdown that threw the good work of the Patriots defense into disarray, and eventually a loss on the road.
Dare I mention, the timeout called by the Patriots sideline just as Jakobi Meyers caught a touchdown pass from Mac Jones? No, okay.
I always try and give you the positives, but that Sunday game in Vegas was plagued by bad coaching for both teams, and a horrible mistake by the officials.
However, what is broken can be fixed, even if it does take time and there were some good numbers that came up out there in Las Vegas!
Number 8, Ja’Whaun Bentley, brought some heat most of the afternoon/evening from the beginning of the game with a nice tackle and continued throughout with plenty of good pressure on Derek Carr, securing himself a sack.
Defense was the name of the game, and whilst Matthew Judon and Josh Uche didn’t rack up as many numbers in Vegas as usual, they were playing complimentary defense, a nice indication of the strength of the defensive unit.
It was a shame that the defense, with its 3 sacks and 58 combined tackles, just wasn’t quite enough to carry this team through.
What did have a good try at carrying… the running back corps! And whilst it’s no surprise Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for the brunt of the running backs 216 yards, Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong continue to show a little sparkle. And, I don’t know about you, but I have a lot of confidence in the running back room for 2023.
Okay, so right now confidences in this team may be few and far between, there is a slither of a chance they make the playoffs in a wild card capacity. And whilst next season is a must for some significant coaching changes, there is plenty in this Patriots locker room that I hope returns!
If you partake in my podcast A Clare Perspective, you still have a few hours to get those mailbag questions in (before the evening of Monday 19th December) for my festive fun show later this week, and don’t forget to catch up on my latest shows with the fantabulous Mark Schofield, Andy Hart, and the 50th episode special edition with Tyler Dunne where we discuss Ty’s interview with Mr Red Sleeves himself, Matthew Judon.
I wish all who celebrate a truly Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas, until next time, and next year you lovely lot! Go Pats!
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