Rhamondre Stevenson will miss the game due to covid. Stevenson is a rookie but he is a beast. Together with Damien Harris who is nursing a hamstring injury, they are a two headed monster. The Patriots may have to rely on J.J. Taylor, as veteran Brandon Bolden is also nursing a banged up knee. The Patriots relied on the run game to beat the Bills earlier this season. With how banged up the backfield is, Mac Jones will have to throw more than three times.
With Harry dealing with a Hip injury, Bourne, Meyers, the tight ends, and Gunner may have to step up. Kristian Wilkerson has been moved up to the 53 man roster for this game. Wilkerson and Olszewski had good chemistry with Jones in the preseason, will this be the breakout game for either? The Patriots need it and now would be the time.
Mac Jones maybe getting some direct pressure if center David Andrews cannot go. Andrews is nursing a shoulder injury. Andrews is having a pro bowl calibur season, although he was snubbed. The Patriots have had issues with their line a few times this season, especially right tackle. So we know how bad things can be if they lose a cog to that unit.
Buffalo may be tough to stop on offense as they may be aided due to injuries from Barmore (Knee), Bentley (Knee, Ankle), and Phillips (knee) could all be out or at the very least far from 100%. The they just lost Deatrich Wise to covid. Buffalo is a tough opponent offensively and having a banged up defense after the bye week this late in the season is not good for the Patriots odds of victory.
This is going to be a game where "Thor" Chase Winovich finally makes an impact. He's been quiet all season and the Patriots are going to need him. Josh Uche should also be active. Maybe the two Wolverines can pretend their playing the Buckeyes and eat Josh Allen for lunch.
Even kicker Nick Folk who has been on the injury report all season, is still listed but with how he's been kicking, I'd be more worried about if his holder goes on the report.
With all that, the Patriots maybe relying heavily on Mac Jones this game. Mac only threw 3 times versus Buffalo. It seems like everytime he has to throw he's under pressure. Hopefully he can be protected. If he is, David Andrews comments should make the Bills worry.
Andrews said, "“I think that’s something you do when you get older and start progressing: starting to have more fun and just being able to take a breath a little bit here and there. I remember what it was like being a rookie.”
If Mac Jones is losing his rookie mentality, that could spell doom for the Bills as he's been compared to some of the better quarterbacks over the best 40 years. If his rookie jitters are gone he can show just how much like his comparisons he is. Let's hope the Buffalo defense is still in a good coma from holiday dinner.
On another note, the Patriots will not be able to call up a replacement for Jake Bailey if needed as the Steelers stole Corliss Waitman off the practice squad. Kinda makes one wonder if the Patriots are testing how good of a punter Quinn Nordin is in practice.
And one last thing. Although the season is still on going, with how banged up the Patriots running backs have been this season, they're sure to be paying attention to the NCAA. Do it all and primarily receiving back Calvin Turner Jr. from the great University of Hawaii has declared for the NFL draft. Not only is Turner an excellent back but he's a hell of a special teamer and kick off specialist. Areas the Patriots need and pride themselves in. He's definitely a better player overall than spark plug J.J. Taylor.
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