PATRIOTIC HOG REPORT – STATE OF THE UNION “RIGHT AS RAIN!”

As Is Tradition…

An old saying for a tradition as old as time, the Patriots beating the Jets… AGAIN! It would have been tragic for the Patriots if they had gone back-to-back losing weeks to the Bears AND the Jets. Nick Folk is MVP as the team collected 15 points off his leg alone. The guy has been one of the best additions to this team for multiple seasons now since he has been in the league since 2007. Mac Jones was capable all game and that’s the best way I can put it. The Jets defense was fast and solid, and Mac lacked the elite playmaking ability that you see out of the NFL’s best. I hope he continues to get healthier and can either improve his fitness and/or play calling adjustments because right now Bailey Zappe and Mac are on the same level. Neither have done anything to establish themselves as a clear cut #1. Rhomondre Stevenson did another solid job of handling the rock and led the backfield in snaps.

This week, though, he also led the team in receiving yards as Mac loved finding him on the checkdowns and swing routes. Damien Harris had 37 yards on 11 touches but couldn’t get the breaks as his counterpart did. Jakobi Meyers had evolved as the clear-cut number 1 WR, even if Davante Parker is healthy. Meyers’ ability to separate and make consistent catches have not gone unnoticed. It still sucks to see Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith collecting just 4 receptions between the two of them, as you would like each to get 3-4 touches a game. Agholor and Bourne found themselves with only 1 target each and are clearly on the back side of that depth chart.

Wilson on the Run

Devin McCourty bagged two interceptions off Zach Wilson as he couldn’t help but try to force plays that Devin was all too familiar with, as he snuffed out every play the Jets had to call with either a tackle or pass deflection. Ja’Whaun Bentley had a nice game collecting 3 tackles and an interception. Judon had only 1 tackle but seemed to still force Zach to run out of the pocket multiple times. Josh Uche finally had a great game as he collected a much-needed sack as his speed was no match for the Jets o-line. Everybody really played solid on the defense this game and minimized what could have been a tragic loss to an AFC East rival.

The Road Ahead: Indianapolis vs New England

The Patriots will welcome the Indianapolis Colts into Foxborough as the team looks to continue winning, and for some better play from Mac Jones. It’s that halfway point so this offense must keep getting better or they will flake out of the Wild Card in a heartbeat. New England also remained quiet on the trade front as the deadline came and went without so much as a rumor for the Patriots to get excited about. This season is still for the offense to either win or lose because the minimal explosive plays and pedestrian play calling at times is very evident and easy for defenses to shut down. Mac Jones was sacked 6 times as this line has struggled all season. Maybe a healthy Trent Brown can solve that issue and possibly provide some inspiration for Mac Jones as well.