Sunday marks a severe take a look at for the 7-2 Patriots.
The Patriots journey down south to take on the 6-2 Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa.
Right here’s what we’re waiting for within the matchup that can function CBS’s No. 1 crew, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo and Tracy Wolfson, on the printed:
• It’s one other week with out beginning working again Rhamondre Stevenson, who remains to be nursing a toe harm. Anticipate to see TreVeyon Henderson, Terrell Jennings and D’Ernest Johnson at working again. Johnson was elevated final week, as properly, however didn’t see any snaps on offense. Henderson and Jennings performed nice in Stevenson’s place. Henderson generated an enormous play within the passing recreation, and Jennings scored his first NFL landing. The Patriots will want to have the ability to run the ball to beat the Bucs.
• The Patriots’ offense sputtered within the second half final week when Kayshon Boutte wasn’t on the sector. The Patriots can be with out Boutte on Sunday in opposition to the Bucs as he continues to nurse a hamstring harm. It will likely be attention-grabbing to see if rookie Kyle Williams or slot receiver DeMario Douglas sees extra snaps this week. If it’s Douglas, then Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins might want to play extra snaps exterior. If it’s Williams, then it’s an enormous second for the rookie wideout, who’s caught simply two passes on six targets this season. One factor is obvious, nevertheless: The Patriots will miss Boutte, one of many NFL’s prime deep threats this season.
• Linebacker Christian Elliss (hip) can even miss Sunday’s recreation. The Patriots have rotated their linebackers subsequent to Robert Spillane all season with Elliss, Jack Gibbens, Marte Mapu and Jahlani Tavai all seeing snaps. Spillane has performed phenomenal soccer this yr. Elliss, Gibbens, Mapu and Tavai have all performed strong, as properly. Anticipate to see Gibbens play nearly all of snaps subsequent to Spillane.
• Will Maye proceed to have the ability to threaten downfield with out Boutte? It will likely be tough. The Buccaneers rank fourth in DVOA (protection adjusted worth over common) defending the deep a part of the sector. They’ve a harmful secondary with safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith and cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum all taking part in good soccer. The Bucs additionally pressure quarterbacks to do away with the ball shortly.
• The Bucs’ heavy blitzing method will take a look at the Patriots’ offensive line and working backs. Stevenson is among the NFL’s greatest at blitz pickup. Henderson has struggled in that function as a rookie, and Jennings is inexperienced on the professional stage. Don’t be stunned if the Patriots preserve tight ends Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper and fullback Jack Westover in to assist out the road and backs.
• Accidents aren’t solely affecting the Patriots. The Bucs can be with out extensive receiver Chris Godwin and working again Bucky Irving. With wideouts Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan additionally on injured reserve, it makes a ton of sense for Patriots cornerback Christian Gonzalez to shadow Emeka Egbuka, who has 34 catches for 562 yards with 5 touchdowns as a rookie after being chosen within the first spherical. If Gonzalez can erase Egbuka, then the Bucs may have hassle shifting the ball on offense.
• The Patriots desperately wished to signal Godwin in free company this offseason, however the extensive receiver, coming off of an ankle dislocation, elected to take a paycut to stay with the Bucs. The Patriots pivoted to signing Stefon Diggs. Godwin has six catches for 52 yards in two video games. Diggs has 45 catches for 508 yards with two touchdowns. Halfway by means of the primary season of their three-year offers, the benefit goes closely towards Diggs, who’s additionally been an incredible chief.
• With 13 touchdowns and two interceptions, Mayfield has had an incredible season, rivaling Drake Maye’s. A robust efficiency on this recreation may assist out both quarterback’s MVP candidacy, because it’s a nationwide 1 p.m. recreation. Mayfield has been laboring a bit in two straight video games with a 58.1% completion price and one landing and one interception earlier than a Week 9 bye.
• The Patriots have to keep away from accidents. They averted making any additions on the commerce deadline, and accidents are beginning to pile up a bit. Getting out of this recreation wholesome with the Jets, Bengals and Giants subsequent up on their schedule earlier than a bye can be a win.
• This can be a winnable recreation for the Patriots, who’re 2.5-point underdogs. Nonetheless, the win streak should come to an finish sooner or later, and a loss right here can’t disappoint Patriots followers an excessive amount of. We see a 24-20 Bucs win.
