A very frustrating loss to Miami has stuck with me all week, but I’m feeling good about the team’s bounce-back chances in New Jersey this weekend against the New York Jets.
One’s To Watch
Here are the Patriots I’ll be keeping my eye on this weekend and why.
Mac Jones
Look out for Jones to build on his good start again this Sunday. The Jets has a very young/unknown secondary which could have a long day if Mac can find some rhythm in the pocket.
Jones will need to have better protection this Sunday, but I also don’t expect the Jets to blitz as much as the Dolphins did, so hopefully, that will come hand in hand. I watched a breakdown of Mac’s film this week from J.T. O’Sullivan, he made some really good points about Mac leaving a lot of yards on the field against Miami. Basically, there were more lucrative options on some plays that could have led to massive gains or even a score, but, with that being siad, he did just fine.
Mac attack is back on Sunday.
Trent Brown
The running attack stuttered after a bright start last Sunday against Miami, and it’s no coincidence it did so following Trent Brown leaving the game with a calf injury. Brown is officially questionable for Sunday’s trip to New Jersey with that same injury, but if he’s able to get out there, it would be a massive boost to the run game, which in turn would help Mac when passing.
If Brown is inactive, look for Yodny Cajuste or Yasir Durant to step in at RT.
Damien Harris
Let’s keep things positive, the game-ending fumble is all in the rearview mirror now, and I’m expecting a big resurgence from Damien Harris this weekend. The Patriots showed flashes of what they could do on the ground, but after Trent Brown left the game, any consistent production was thwarted.
I think we’ll see J.J. Taylor get the nod over Rhamondre Stevenson, who may still be in the doghouse for his own fumble last week.
In their opening game, the Jets gave up over a hundred yards to the Panthers, with that in mind I think Harris could have a huge game this weekend, keep an eye on him.
James White
Jimmy White had a solid game last week, and I think he’s worth keeping an eye on specifically this week. Mac showed his tendency to check down a bunch through preseason and Week 1, and White is a perfect candidate for that safety blanket type partnership with Jones.
Not to mention, I’d love to see more of this on Sunday…
Josh Uche
A big chance for Uche this week in the pass-rush attack, especially with the news that Kyle Van Noy will be out on Sunday. Uche had some good plays last week, most notably, his first sack of the season after crushing that Dolphins offensive tackle, I think both he and Matt Judon will be important in bringing pressure to Zach Wilson this weekend.
J.C. Jackson
J.C. has been talking a bunch of smack in the last week which has really put the pressure on for him to back it up. The secondary wasn’t great against Miami, they didn’t give up ridiculous numbers, but, at the same time, they didn’t prevent Miami from moving the chains when they had to. We need a solid game by Jackson, as the Pats starting corner, it would make me feel a lot better.
Fighter Jets
Who for New York could potentially cause problems for the Patriots?
Zach Wilson
Wilson has a scary arm and showed in his debut what that, combined with his running ability, can do. The Patriots need to make life hard for him and not allow him to settle, which, I think is a doable task given the problems New York is experiencing with their OLine.
Corey Davis
Coming off an impressive two-touchdown game against the Panthers, Corey Davis will lead the Jets receiving attack, with Jamison Crowder only just returning from the COVID list. Shutting down Davis is key, outside of that, they don’t really have a bunch of big-threat options.
Patriots Fantasy Starter PPR
James White
Now, I have a bit of a feeling that there could be a blossoming partnership between James White and Mac Jones that could flourish on Sunday against the Jets. There’s was nothing explosive in the first game, with White 12.10 points in PPR against Miami.
If you’re in a pinch at your flex position, pick White up from the free agent’s list and start him this weekend.
Prediction Corner
@ShawMellors – Jets 10 – 28 Patriots
Bill will be wanting to make a statement here, once again facing a rookie QB, the defense will show up and Mac will find the end zone a few times. Pats by 18. LFG
@clazzyclare – Jets 10 – 20 Patriots
The Patriots are on a bit of clean-up duty from the last game, and a lot like last week, I think the game may have some messy tendencies. It’s still early days for the two rookie quarterbacks and some key players out with injury is a concern. But, I think the Patriots have the better team overall.
More must-reads: