The Patriots need to construct some optimistic momentum this weekend, however they’ll need to deal with a determined Los Angeles Rams group.
Matthew Stafford. Puka Nacua. Cooper Kupp. Kyren Williams. Jared Verse.
Yoinks.
New England is again dwelling however can have its work reduce out for it with a group stuffed with high-end expertise at premium positions — and enjoying for a spot within the postseason — coming into Gillette Stadium. How can the house membership maintain it shut? Now we have just a few concepts, however they’re fairly daring:
MAN FOOTBALL
The Patriots aren’t going to place up a ton of factors on anybody, but it surely’ll be particularly tough towards a defensive entrance consisting of fellows like Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Younger. It’s an actual “decide your poison” group that will probably be particularly toxic towards an undermanned offensive line defending Drake Maye.
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The Rams have the expertise to attain, however there are a few elements working towards them. The Patriots, for one, might see some huge names return defensively in Kyle Dugger and Christian Barmore, whereas each groups had their kickers do all of the scoring final week — with Joey Slye and Joshua Karty accounting for 27-of-34 whole factors.
Prediction: The Patriots and Rams mix to attain fewer than 30 whole factors.
MAYE-DAY!
Maye likes to run, and he received’t have a lot of a selection this week.
We already talked about that studly entrance that LA will usher in, and the expectation is that they’ll get dwelling a few occasions. The Patriots might make the most of that group’s relative youth, nonetheless, with Maye making the most of open speeding lanes.
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Let the child tuck it and run.
Prediction: The Rams’ protection finishes with four-plus sacks, however Drake Maye additionally finishes with 50-plus speeding yards.
GONZO GETS GOT
It’s solely a matter of time earlier than Christian Gonzalez hits a tough patch, proper?
The Patriots need to be completely thrilled with their younger cornerback, however this weekend will present an particularly tough task of making an attempt to cowl a pair of extremely completely different vast receivers. Puka Nacua is a bodily choice, whereas Cooper Kupp is a speedier man who primarily eats on beneath routes.
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Los Angeles received’t be capable of keep away from Gonzalez however might mess along with his rhythm by scheming up completely different seems to be towards him. There’s no disgrace in having a tough day towards these two guys.
Prediction: Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp every end with 50-plus receiving yards.
YANNICK’S BIG DEBUT
The Rams will probably be with out beginning proper sort out Rob Havenstein, and backup Joe Noteboom, so there will probably be a possibility to get after Stafford. Who particularly might feast in apparent pass-rush conditions?
Yannick Ngakoue, the dude who was lately claimed and has one thing to show!
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Prediction: Yannick Ngakoue finishes with components of two sacks.
