PATRIOTIC HOG REPORT – STATE OF THE UNION AFTER LOSS TO RAVENS

HERE YEEEEEEE HERE YEEEEEE!!!!! WE ARE GATHERED HERE TODAY TO HOLD HANDS AND PRAY FOR MAC JONES SAFETY AND WELFARE!! But for real, after a tough 37-26 loss to Baltimore at home you want to hope that the young stud QB didn’t suffer a season ending injury. By all reports so far it seems Mac Jones only suffered a high ankle sprain which will sideline him for multiple weeks instead of the season. Many feared it could be a season-ending injury based off how much pain he showed as he was carried off the field. Mac threw for 321 yards with 0 tugs and 3 interceptions. Not good. He suffered 3 sacks as well.

Where’s the Offense in New England?

The offense for the most part just couldn’t click on all levels, even though the Patriots had more first downs than Ravens (22-19). Mac Jones’ arm strength has improved, in my opinion, from last year. Baltimore capitalized on every turnover, which were plenty, and they were a perfect 5-5 in the redzone. Lamar Jackson to Mark Andrews was an unstoppable show as they connected for two touchdowns en route to Andrews’ 8 catches on 13 targets. The Ravens were not kidding when they said they were going back to their 2019 offense that resulted in Lamar winning NFL MVP. Turnovers were the lingering fault within the Patriots, as a costly turnover on their last drive ruined a comeback attempt for the win.

Ravens in Top Form

The Patriots were torched up and down the field by Baltimore but made some quality stops and turnovers to prevent the game from getting out of hand. Devin McCourty led the team in tackles but one massive star on the defense was Deatrich Wise Jr as he tallied 3 sacks. His mobility and motor were on great display as he contained Lamar Jackson pretty well, despite often getting double teamed. Christian Barmore is really leaving more to be desired this year after such a great rookie campaign. Matthew Judon added a sack to his collection, and it must have been extra sweet coming against his former team. The Patriots secondary held on for the most part, but the Ravens were in top form and Lamar was not making many mistakes as they chipped their way down the field little by little.

Tough game and even tougher with the Mac injury. Ravens look very good offensively this year and it makes their job easier with 4 turnovers, a couple of those being huge momentum killers after solid drives. It’s going to be interesting to see Brian Hoyer fill in as the Patriots play the Green Bay Packers in Lambeau. Not an ideal situation for Bill Belichick. His magic might have run its course for this year as the season is starting to slip away early.

Looking Ahead to Green Bay

Hopefully Hoyer can bring the offensive momentum that was coming to fruition and Mac will return stronger than ever. Rhomondre Stevenson and Damian Harris might get the ball a lot more now as the Patriots could shift to a more play action, power run style. The offensive line seems sturdy for the run but struggles often against the pass rush. Maybe with the Mac injury they convert to that power run offense more next week when they travel to Green Bay to face the Packers and Aaron Rodgers. Couldn’t be worse timing for an injury to the starting QB, but hopefully Belichick schemes a win out of this big matchup.