After not having any end zone pass attempts in his first two starts, I think we me finally see one or two from Mac Jones this week. While he's been great at moving the chains and protecting the ball, Josh definitely needs to give Mac some end zone throws before the playing field is clogged up with bodies.
QUARTERBACK PREDICTION- Winston throws more picks than Mac throws touchdowns. Jalen Mills has a hand in at least one of them.
SEEING RED- Season stats after two games are a crapshoot. No matter the time, red zone stats are also hard to compare if you are just looking at the results. Regardless, the Saints are currently a top ten offense and defense inside the 20 while the Patriots are a league worst 32nd on offense. Having actually watched the Patriots games, I'd agree that the red zone is a bit of a problem for this year's Patriots team. It was also a problem for them last season (24th) and in 2019 (26th).
NOT THE STRENGTH THAT WAS EXPECTED- The Patriots offensive line was expected to be a strength this season. Two games in, it is far from it. Although Mac has only been sacked 4 times, he's been hit way too often. If we were to go through the tape and highlight guys not doing their jobs, we can easily go to the tape of the offensive line. Two games in, the line is responsible for 5 penalties (Wynn with 3). At this point, Trent Brown is still questionable with a calf injury. HIgh expectations were also expected for the Saints offensive line. Like the Patriots, they have been without a key starter due to a calf injury. The Saints will continue to be without their starting center, Erik McCoy. Second year player Cesar Ruiz will once again be sliding over from his right guard position to snap the ball.
WATCH OUT FOR- The Patriots defense needs to be ready for two potential game changers. One is the wildcat offense with Taysom Hill in the game. Hill has been on the field for 32 offensive plays this season. In his 4 rushing attempts he's gathered 17 yards and 2 first downs. He's also had one pass attempt which went for another first down. The other game changer is a total Bill Belichick guy, Chris Hogan. Did you know he used to play lacrosse? Nicknamed 7-11 because he's always open, the former Patriot has an uncanny ability to be all alone 50 yards down the field.
AIN'T THAT SPECIAL- The Saints are currently a top 5 return team for both punts and kickoffs. The Patriots should help them stay in those spots by not having them even think about returning the ball. If Jake Bailey could remember that angling a punt to go out of bounds inside the 10 is good, but as a kickoff is bad, that would be great.