PATRIOTIC HOG REPORT – STATE OF THE UNION AFTER BASHING THE CLEVELAND DOGS 38-15

No Mac Jones, No Problem

No Mac Jones, no problem, as Bailey Zappe led the boys to another victory! Bailey was near perfect on the stats sheet and minimized the turnovers which led to some quality QB play from the Western Kentucky product. Mac Jones is on the mend and will suit up next week assuming he is cleared. Bailey Zappe proved to be an interesting backup and one that can fill in very well if Mac goes down again. Say what you want about the whole offensive coordinator fiasco, but Zappe clearly balled behind some strong teamwork and proper game planning.

Stevenson Leads the Way

Rhomondre Stevenson is THAT DUDE! He has evolved into a serious RB1 candidate that will challenge Damien Harris for the carry ratio throughout the season. Rhomondre doesn’t have that elite pass catching ability but makes up for it with some strong running and minimizing fumbles. The offensive line played very well, and Trent Brown looked like the dominant left tackle of the past. David Andrews is rocking but there’s something special with Trent Brown as he can shut down an entire side of the defense with his power. The group was strong on Sunday only giving up 2 sacks.

Two Tight End Package

The receiving group was 24-31 on receptions to targets. It was nice seeing Hunter Henry finally having a big game with a 61-yard and 1 TD performance. His fellow tight end went 60+ yards as well, so it was awesome to FINALLY witness these two TE’s going to work. With so much money on a two tight end package, the Patriots must find ways to get Hunter and Jonnu activated. Devante Parker has been a go-to for this offense and he’s been very reliable. The same can be said for Jakobi Meyers who’s becoming a WR1 at his current rate. Kendrick Bourne continues to find himself the odd man out and has recently been brought up on trade talks. It sucks, but the Patriots are solid at WR and could clear up some space with some moves.

The Defense Held It Down

Massive performance by the defense as the Patriots held the Browns to 6 points in the first 3 quarters. Kyle Dugger is THAT GUY! He is going to develop into one of the best safeties in the NFL and I’m here for it all. Dude has the playmaking ability and elite game, which was on display vs the Browns as he led the team in tackles at 8, had 2 passes deflected, and collected an interception. Matthew Judon continued to terrorize the backfield. Christian Barmore was very dominant until a knee injury took him out of the game and it seems the Patriots staff are fearing the worst. He would be a massive loss to this defense so let’s pray for the best. Deatrich Wise seems to have found that next gear as he collects another sack for his 22/23 campaign. This was a great game by the Patriots linebackers as they executed their assignments and caused havoc everywhere. I’m still missing the Josh Uche factor, whose speed and size should make him a nightmare for other team’s offenses. 

The Road Ahead: Chicago vs New England

Bill Belichick will have an extra day to get the boys ready as they welcome the Chicago Bears into Foxborough for a Monday night primetime game. Patriots open up as -7.5 favorites which they should cover easily because of the Patriots strong play and Chicago Bears very weak play. The Bears are not good this year and this defense should have a field day containing Justin Fields who hasn’t thrown for 200+ yards in any game all season. I expect another controlled game that even if Mac Jones is starting, the Patriots will ground and pound and play action their way into another comfortable win.