![]() Doubs leads the team with 14 catches while Lazard has battled injuries and has just six. He's trying to find some rhythm with an almost entirely new set of receivers which includes rookies Romeo Doubs and Christian Watson as well as veterans Randall Cobb and Allen Lazard. Rodgers is averaging 229 yards per game through the air, which would represent a career low. Predicting the Patriots to have the edge in a matchup against Aaron Rodgers seems comical, but so far Rodgers hasn't been able to find much success in life without Davante Adams. Based on those numbers, they can expect to see a steady diet of Jones and Dillon. Sunday's struggles left New England's run defense reeling, ranking 19th in the league in yards (115) and 22nd in per carry average (4.9). The Packers average 128 yards per game on the ground, which ranks ninth, and a healthy 4.7 per carry (10th) as well. Dillon has been held largely in check, averaging just 3.5 yards per rush, but he is a load and will stress the interior of the defense. Jones has been outstanding thus far, averaging almost 7 yards per carry with most of that production coming over the past two games. The guys up front will need to be ready for the Packers tough tandem of Aaron Jones and A.J. ![]() The Patriots missed his presence inside, but the Ravens enjoyed success on the ground before he left as well. Lawrence Guy was forced to leave in the second half with a shoulder injury and did not return. The Ravens enjoyed far more success on the ground with their running backs than expected as they combined for 13 carries for 83 yards, and Jackson was exceptional with 110 yards on eight carries excluding three kneel downs to end the game. Sunday against Baltimore was a different story, and it wasn't all about Lamar Jackson. But neither Miami nor Pittsburgh is considered to have a potent rushing attack. The Patriots run defense was outstanding in the first two games of the season. It will also be interesting to see if Bill Belichick gives Kendrick Bourne additional opportunities to make plays, as the receiver has been productive with his limited chances. Hoyer will need to get the ball out quick and find ways to get the ball into the hands of his receivers, and perhaps make an effort to get tight ends Hunter Henry and Jonnu Smith more involved. Green Bay only has seven sacks in three games with linebackers Rashan Gary (3) and Preston Smith (2) doing the bulk of the damage, but the Pack ranks ninth in the league in sacks per play, getting to the quarterback 8.2 percent of the time. The Pack also has a solid safety tandem in Adrian Amos and Darnell Savage, and that secondary also benefits from solid pressure created up front. If Alexander can't go his snaps will be divided among Rasul Douglas and Kelsean Nixon, who will join starter Eric Stokes. Green Bay ranks seventh in the league, allowing 189.3 yards per game through the air. But the Packers pass defense is quite formidable, and Hoyer will have his hands full anyway. His status is uncertain heading into Sunday. The Patriots may be catching a huge break in this matchup after Green Bay's standout corner Jaire Alexander was forced to leave the victory over the Bucs with a groin injury. The Patriots can't afford many of those breakdowns on the road at Lambeau Field. The Patriots offensive line had an up and down afternoon against Baltimore, opening some holes at times but also enduring a few lapses in key moments. De'Vondre Campbell is an active inside linebacker playing behind nose tackle Kenny Clark and ends Jarran Reed and Dean Lowry. The Pack won't be easy to run against despite the high average per carry. They will need to continue getting that type of production, especially if Brian Hoyer is forced to take the reins as Jones deals with an ankle injury. ![]() Stevenson in particular enjoyed a strong afternoon, consistently creating extra yards with his vision and toughness. The Patriots will likely try to continue using the two-headed monster of Damien Harris and Rhamondre Stevenson, both of whom were efficient in the loss to the Ravens. However, the Packers are allowing almost 5 yards per carry, and that total ranks 25th in the league. Green Bay is stingy across the board, allowing 113 yards per game on the ground and just 302 per game overall. © 2023 Pittsburgh Steelers.The Patriots will face a significant challenge going against a Packers defense that has been dominant in the early going, whether Mac Jones is available or not. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |