Here we go again kids…Everyone is 0-0; everyone is dreaming that their team makes the post season, everyone is hoping their team stays healthy – especially this Patriots team. Added to that worry is this rookie class. First-round Pick LT (cough) Will Campbell , Second rounder RB TreVeyon Henderson. How and when will Kyle Williams fit into the WR rotation – Not to mention drafted to early Safety Craig Woodson. Who will play centerfield? Josh Farmer role in spelling Barmore and Mr Money Bags Milton Williams? Not to mention my man Jared Wilson who will start at LG. That’s a ton of weight put on a bunch of men who have never played an actual NFL snap. But as you all know that’s what I’m here for. This is my job, it’s what I do – I cut the Keys…will the Patriots turn them is the question. Here are my Monster Keys to Patriots victory.
Crush That Fly
Make no mistake this team will live and die by the play of the handsome bastards on this offensive line. A line that has never played together. A line whose left side is being anchored by two rookies, two old men, and a fat guy. Let this group get its feet under them. Run it, Run It, RUN IT. While it’s tempting to attack Carroll’s cover three through the air, we can not do it early. Run Early. Run often. Don’t Run at Maxx Crosby. Make him chase. Run Left and up in between – Get Malcom Koonce on his heels and help Campbell as much as you can.
Campbell is playing people. Brady was on how many consecutive injury reports ?
Stacks, Bunches and Henderson Oh My
When you have a line that is not… how should I say it- GOOD…you need to help them out. Play action is going to be huge on Sunday. And Drake Maye is going to need to get the ball out fast and let these playmakers make plays themselves. Maye is going to have to make hot reads at the line and get the ball out of his hand QUICK . This is where Popp Douglas and Diggs go to work. Get the short game going, hit mid-range crossers and take advantage of the Sea – I mean Raiders cover three working against them. Yes there will be a shot or two taken downfield, but the playmakers legs are the main weapon Sunday. Get them bunched up, get them in motion. Get Me My YAC , Move the chains.
Mr. Henderson and comapny
I know he wont be the lead back in 2025, but he is be the best back on this roster. McDaniel needs to utilize this young man in a way that will One: Keep him healthy. And two: exploit the Raiders defense. get Henderson out into space. this is not a large man 5’10’ 200 lbs , get the wheel routes going quick tosses to the outside. no more than 15 to 17 touches. keep him fresh and out of the tent.
The Weeklies
If you’re new to the show the heading is self explanatory.
Own Third Down
Yes on both sides of the ball. NE was 29th last season when it came to converting thirds to first – the Raiders were 30th…hence all the new coaches. It’s paramount with the Patriots running early that they convert on third down. Do not allow Jacoby Meyers to beat you here.
Win The Turnover Battle
Just three teams with a negative turnover number have finished above .500 since 2020 – almost 70% of teams who won this battle alone last season it was 78% .. I’m looking directly at you Drake Maye
Limit the Laundry
Let’s see how disciplined Mike’s team can be, I’m asking for ZERO presnap penalties “yea…fat chance”.
Own the Red Zone
Sixes not three’s people. Force this Raiders team to settle.
Win these battles win the war
Set the Edge – Who will step up and set the edge on this team? Who will keep Ashton Jeanty from turning this into a track meet that I fear this Patriots team can’t win? Be it a set play or bouncing off defenders and heading to the corner Jeanty is a beast who bounces off blocks and finds daylight. This can’t happen if the Pats want to start off 2025 with a W.
Bracketology – if we were sure Chrstian Gonzalez was going to be on the field Sunday this would be easy, but we aren’t, and I don’t believe he will be. So will it be bracket coverage on the Raiders # 1 WR or one of the best tight ends in the league. I choose bracket the latter. Carlton Davis III it is…I loved this signing. Davis is the perfect number two CB, but when the number one guy is MIA, next man up. Davis is going to have to limit Meyers to a pedestrian roll on Sunday. I think he’s up to it. Yes Bracket coverage on a TE, you heard me right. Brock Bowers as of writing this is the Raiders number one weapon and he needs to be treated as such.
Pressure – The Pats have a lot of money tied up in this defensive line. They are going to need to start earning that money quick. Get into Geno Smith’s chest collapse pockets, help the DB by making him as uncomfortable as possible.
Thats it my rabid readers – Week one is winnable. The problem is, the Raiders see it that way as well. New England has the better coaching staff, the better quarterback, and dare I say it, the better weapons across the board. Thanks for stopping by!
As always well as New ways you can follow me on Twitter at Tmurph207s new profile same takes
