The Patriots wish to construct some constructive momentum this weekend, however they’ll must take care of a determined Los Angeles Rams crew to take action.
Matthew Stafford. Puka Nacua. Cooper Kupp. Kyren Williams. Jared Verse.
Yoinks.
New England is again at dwelling, however can have its work lower out for it with a crew filled with high-end expertise at premium positions — and taking part in for a spot within the postseason — coming into Gillette Stadium. How can the house membership maintain it shut? We’ve a couple of concepts, however they’re fairly daring:
MAN FOOTBALL
The Patriots aren’t going to place up a ton of factors on anybody, however it’ll be particularly troublesome towards a defensive entrance consisting of fellows like Verse, Braden Fiske, Kobie Turner and Byron Younger. It’s an actual “choose your poison” group, which will likely 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 components working towards them. The Patriots, for one, might see some massive 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 complete factors.
Prediction: The Patriots and Rams mix to attain lower than 30 complete factors.
MAYE-DAY!
Maye wish to run, and he gained’t have a lot of a selection this week.
We already talked about that studly entrance that LA will herald, and the expectation is that they’ll get dwelling a few instances. The Patriots might benefit from that group’s relative youth, nonetheless, with Maye benefiting from 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 must be completely thrilled with their younger cornerback, however this weekend will present an particularly troublesome project of making an attempt to cowl a pair of extremely totally different broad 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 gained’t be capable to keep away from Gonzalez, however might mess together with his rhythm by scheming up totally different appears to be like 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 likely be with out beginning proper sort out Rob Havenstein, in addition to backup Joe Noteboom, so there will likely be a possibility to get after Stafford. Who particularly might feast in apparent pass-rush conditions?
Yannick Ngakoue, the dude who was just lately claimed and has one thing to show!
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Prediction: Yannick Ngakoue finishes with components of two sacks.
