With week one in the books there is a lot to unpack before the Patriots take on the Miami Dolphins in a Prime-Time matchup on Sunday night football (September 17th at 8:20). Below you can find everything you need to know before tuning in this Sunday as well as my review from game number 1!

My Review of Week 1

The beginning of this game was ugly. There is no denying that. A first quarter disaster, the Philadelphia Eagles jumped out to a swift 16-0 lead following a Mac Jones pick-six and a subsequent Ezekiel Elliott fumble–a problem persisting from his days in Dallas–on the very next drive. Similar to last season, the offense played abysmally once again through the first 15 minutes of this game, with the defense needing to carry the team’s success. However, through the rest of this game, I was given hope. Facing a Super Bowl favorite in the first game of the season is never an easy task, especially when that team has one of the most electrifying offenses in the league; it’s not easy to defend a dual-threat QB and two superstar WR’s. Despite this challenge and the woes of the first quarter, the Patriots rallied and dare I say it, outplayed the Eagles through the rest of the game. Did they win? Unfortunately not, but a 25-20 loss with multiple chances to take the lead in the waning minutes can be called a moral victory (if you believe in those). Mac Jones looked poised in the pocket and threw for over 300 years and three touchdowns (two to Kendrick Bourne and one to Hunter Henry). The defense played stoutly. They did not let up a touchdown outside of one in the first quarter (curtesy of Ezekiel Elliott’s fumble). Kayshon Boutte’s inability to get both feet in bounds on a 4th down passing attempt in the final seconds of the 4th quarter on a potentially go-ahead drive was ultimately to difference maker. I cringed a little at the rushing attack by the Patriots, but that is to be expected with multiple starters out on the O-line. Although the Patriots have started 0-1, I am excited to see how the offense continues to grow and hope to see the defense continue to shut down opponents.

Injury Report Heading into Sunday Night

Just like any other team, the Patriots are no strangers to injuries. The injury report includes the following players: OT Trent Brown (Concussion), OL Sidy Sow (Concussion), CB Jonathan Jones (Ankle), G Cole Strange (Knee), OL Mike Onwenu (Ankle), and WR DeVante Parker (Knee). Sow and Brown both were placed on concussion protocol following last weeks game while Jones appeared on the report during Thursday’s practice. Parker, Strange and Onwenu were all inactive for week one.

As it turns out, almost all of these players are key to the Patriots’ success. Four of the six players who are questionable for Sunday’s game are offensive linemen. Mac Jones needs to be protected. Missing four starters against a tough divisional matchup is far less than ideal, but the good news is that Strange and Onwenu will most likely suit up. Both have been full participants at practice. Jonathan Jones would be another huge loss if unable to play due to the fact that he is historically very effective against Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill. The speedster typically is a nightmare for opposing defenses, but Jones has held him to an average of 24.5 yards and zero touchdowns since 2018. DeVante Parker will hopefully make his way back to the lineup this week as the Patriots’ deep-threat to replace rookie Kayshon Boutte who was unable to make key plays against the Eagles. It seems as though most of these players will be game-time decisions. Only time will tell.

Week 2 Predictions

The Dolphins are coming off a big win from last week, where QB Tua Tagovailoa threw for over 450 yards and three touchdowns. An absolutely monster performance. However, the Patriots may have the edge over the Dolphins in most aspects of the game this week on paper. Despite the poor rushing performance last week, I like the matchup against Miami’s run defense because the Patriots should have Cole Strange and Mike Onwenu back in the line up instead of two rookies. Miami’s run defense was also shredded by the Chargers last week. Rhamondre Stevenson and Ezekiel Elliott should be excited. The Patriots should also enjoy an advantage against the run on defense. The Dolphins faltered in their run game against the Chargers defensive unit and the speed and quickness of the Patriots defensive line and linebackers should similarly hold the Miami run game in check. My only worry is if Bill Belichick decides to commit too much to slowing down Tyreek Hill. The game plan will be interesting.

The pass game should be in favor of both offenses. A wide range of reliable targets gives Mac Jones a plethora of choices while going through progressions. While they may not be superstars, the variety may cause problems for the decent Miami secondary. The Dolphins wide receiver corps is one of the best in the league, with star power in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. It’s quantity versus quality this week. Who will prevail? The Patriots have the edge in terms of matchups this week in my opinion, but need to play a sound and mistake free game in order to get their first win of the season.

With the start of the NFL season rapidly approaching and the Week 1 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles on the horizon, here are the most important developments coming out of New England!

Bailey Zappe Waived by the Patriots

Accompanying the end of the pre-season schedule are, of course, the final decisions on who makes the roster and who does not (90 players down to 53). In a surprising move, the Patriots elected to waive all of their backup quarterbacks, including Bailey Zappe, a fan favorite from last season. Zappe reportedly claimed to have been ‘blindsided’ by the decision–especially from receiving no explanation–after playing a decently significant role on the team last. The former backup QB appeared in four games last season, throwing for over 700 yards and five touchdowns against three interceptions. These appearances include his entering the game midway through an October loss against the Chicago Bears, in which Zappe was given a standing ovation by fans  chanting, ‘Zappe! Zappe!’ due to the poor performance from starter Mac Jones: two three-and-outs and an interception to start the game. Jones later successfully regained his starting spot and remained for the rest of the season, but considering how disappointing the 2022/23 campaign culminated, it is no secret as to why many fans desperately wanted to see more of Bailey Zappe as losses continued to mount. Despite the surprise to Zappe and the Patriots’ fanbase, the quarterback reportedly ‘stunk’ throughout training camp and the pre-season; staying rostered in a cut-throat league like the NFL requires continued success, not just the memories of former heroics. Still, the decision to waive Zappe without the curtesy of a conversation describes an interesting move from the Patriots’ front office, who chose to sign Matt Corral (formerly rostered by the Carolina Panthers), to serve as Mac Jones’ backup. Zappe now finds himself signed to the practice squad for the foreseeable future, and time will tell whether or not he can overcome this obstacle and regain his position on the 53-man game day roster.

Rhamondre Stevenson Praises Ezekiel Elliott’s Versatility and Work Ethic

On a more positive note, this week, Rhamondre Stevenson–the Patriots’ No. 1 offensive threat–showed his support for the new running back in town. Rhamondre praised Ezekiel Elliot’s versatility as a runner, blocker and pass catcher. Stevenson also noted the intangibles, like Elliott’s hard-working nature as a ‘student of the game’ and role as a helping hand to some of the younger players who are still learning the ropes to the NFL. These words are promising ahead of the new season because in many cases, the signing of a new veteran prompts the younger player to view the newcomer as a threat to his position; instead, Stevenson recognizes the potency Elliott may bring to the Patriots offensive plan by providing a second effective running back to alleviate some of the workload. Coming off of his worst year stat-wise in the NFL, Ezekiel Elliott can expect to see a significantly lightened workload compared to the amount of use he saw on the Dallas Cowboys, which will lessen injury risk and hopefully keep him productive throughout the season. The good news for Rhamondre Stevenson–a 25 year old in the prime of his career–remains the fact that his numbers are unlikely to take a dip this season as he retains his starting position with Elliott as a security blanket to keep Stevenson healthy (avoiding injury at this point in his career is of utmost importance to longevity). Patriots fans should be excited to see what this duo can do in the upcoming season without the worry of Stevenson becoming disillusioned with the front office’s decisions.

Week 1 Projections

The New England Patriots are slated to start the new season on Sunday, September 10th against the Philadelphia Eagles: the team that is widely regarded to be one of, if not the best in the NFC. The matchup frames the Patriots as 4.5 point underdogs as the Eagles–coming off an impressive 14-3 season–are predicted to handle business in Foxboro. However, hope remains for the Patriots due to the home-field advantage and the return of post-retirement Tom Brady, who will be in attendance to give the team some extra motivation. The Eagles must attempt to shake off their Super Bowl loss from last season and get back on track (something easier said than done). Will the Patriots impress in their first outing next weekend or are we in for a similar showing as last season?