For the primary time in a month, the Patriots are favored heading into kickoff.
A go to from the 3-4 Commanders ought to instill confidence in a workforce that might desperately use some juice. The Pats (2-6) misplaced greater than a recreation final weekend at Miami, dropping a 31-17 closing and their main receiver, Kendrick Bourne, on the coach’s desk with a torn ACL. Quarterback Mac Jones will miss Bourne, whose yards after catch turned very important to a Patriots offense with minimal explosion.
However, his absence might enable rookie Demario Douglas to flourish, and fellow younger wideouts Tyquan Thornton and Kayshone Boutte ought to see extra enjoying time versus a porous Washington secondary. Defensively, the Pats are dealing with probably the most pass-heavy offense within the league. What will Bill Belichick cook dinner up in opposition to former Chiefs offensive coordinator and new Commanders play-caller Eric Bienemy?
Here’s what to observe for:
When the Patriots run
Steady, however unspectacular.
Over the previous 4 weeks, the Pats’ operating recreation has discovered a down-to-down rhythm it lacked earlier this season. The Patriots rank tenth in speeding success fee, that means they keep on-schedule higher than most offenses, even when they aren’t producing explosive good points. Unfortunately for Rhamondre Stevenson and Co., the Commanders rank among the many NFL’s prime 10 stingiest run defenses throughout that very same stretch, regardless of dealing with run-heavy groups just like the Bears, Falcons and Eagles.
Against Washington, the Patriots’ offensive line should create wider speeding lanes. Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott averaged simply 0.7 yards earlier than contact in Miami. If the Pats can’t transfer the Commanders off the ball inside, the place they’ve been most profitable, search for them to assault off the sides after Washington traded prime defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat earlier this yr.
When the Patriots go
Thanks to the aforementioned trades that shipped Young and Sweat out of Washington, Jones ought to have loads of time to throw. But will that translate to extra success?
He averaged greater than 2.5 seconds contained in the pocket per passing play, but did not clear 200 passing yards and threw a pricey interception. Jones should start attacking downfield to stop the Commanders from enjoying downhill in opposition to the Pats’ most popular fast passing ideas. The Patriots have tried one deep go within the final two weeks.
Among their finest deep-threat choices: vast receivers Douglas, Thornton and Jalen Reagor and, down the seam, tight finish Mike Gesicki.
Can the Patriots’ younger receivers lastly assist the offense open up?
When the Commanders run
Through eight video games, Washington has referred to as runs on lower than 32% of its offensive snaps, so it is unlikely Sunday will come right down to the bottom recreation. But, if it does, count on Brian Robinson to be holding the ball.
Robinson is the Commanders’ main rusher, with 95 carries for 384 yards and 4 touchdowns this season. The former third-round choose led Washington in speeding final yr as a rookie, reaching 797 yards on barely 200 carries. He’s backed up by versatile pass-catching again Antonio Gibson.
Quarterback Sam Howell will even get entangled within the operating recreation, having rushed 24 occasions for 130 yards and a rating this season. Though most of Howell’s runs are scrambles, having lined 122 yards on improvised performs and simply eight on designed quarterback runs.
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Linebacker Jahlani Tavai might play a quietly essential position for the Patriots, as somebody who’s performed off the ball and on the sting for this protection. Tavai completed final recreation at center linebacker after Ja’Whaun Bentley suffered a hamstring damage. That additionally compelled backup linebacker Mack Wilson into motion, and Wilson, whereas athletic and hard-hitting, has a historical past of tackling points.
When the Commanders go
Having taken 41 sacks, no quarterback has gone down extra usually this season than Howell. The former fifth-round choose pats the ball like he is burping a child within the pocket, which ought to give the Patriots possibilities to set Washington again.
But when Howell does hearth, he may be harmful.
“He’s having a really productive year this year,” Belichick stated this week. “He’s athletic, he can run, he’s tough. … He’s got the second- or third-most pass attempts in the league – whatever it is, it’s a lot. He‘s been hit, gets up, shows good toughness, really competitive guy. They’ve been in a lot of close games. He’s made some big plays for them.”
Downfield, Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin figures to be the point of interest of the Patriots’ defensive recreation plan. McLaurin leads the Commanders in all main receiving classes and can threaten any of the Pats’ cornerbacks together with his deep pace. Though, Howell will unfold the ball round.
Five totally different Washington pass-catchers have 20 or extra receptions, together with McLaurin, Curtis Samuel (35 for 332 yards), Jahan Dotson (30 for 291 yards), tight finish Logan Thomas (29 for 280 yards) and Gibson (20 for 185 yards). While Dotson has dissatisfied in his second season, his matchup within the slot in opposition to Patriots cornerback/security Myles Bryant could also be one the Commanders attempt to exploit Sunday.
Source: www.bostonherald.com