Scott Logush
Associate Editor
The New England Patriots put up an absolute stinker when they took on the Dallas Cowboys on the road. Multiple turnovers from Jones and a strong Cowboys’ offense resulted in the worst loss Bill Belichick has suffered in his entire career. It can only go up from here, right?
Notable Injuries
We have a CVS receipt of an injury report here for both teams, with 23 total players with injury designations. Christian Gonzalez is likely out for the season according to reports, and Matt Judon missed practice with a torn bicep so I doubt he will suit up any time soon. Other notable injuries include Cole Strange with a knee injury, Jonathan Jones with an ankle injury, Christian Barmore with a knee injury, and Davon Godchaux with an ankle injury. All of them were limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday. The trade for J.C. Jackson was to give New England some reinforcements in their secondary, and likely driven by the Gonzalez injury.
The Saints have multiple injuries to key players as Derek Carr continues with his right shoulder injury, tackle Ryan Ramcyzk battling a foot injury, guard Andrus Peat not practicing with a concussion, and tight end Juwan Johnson not practicing due to a calf injury. Center Erik McCoy is also dealing with a knee injury, but was a full participant on Thursday.
Key Matchups
The Saints have a sneaky good defense with veteran staples in Cam Jordan coming off the edge, Demario Davis at linebacker, Marshon Lattimore at corner and Tyrann Mathieu at safety. New England’s offense has been a nightmare to watch. Between Mac Jones being under pressure 60 times this season, the eighth most in the league, and him having 10 turnover worthy plays already, he had 14 last year, he may be playing for his job in New England. Combine that with an offensive line that has been injured and inconsistent, and a group of pass catchers that leaves a lot to be desired, I think New England’s struggles continue.
The Saints have the pieces on offense outside of the quarterback. I was hesitant on Derek Carr before the season and he’s been a bottom third quarterback so far this season. While the shoulder injury certainly plays into it, he’s out there on the field and should be evaluated appropriately. He’s been kept relatively clean, which works well with New Orleans’ strong offensive line and New England being down Matt Judon and their two main interior defensive linemen battling injuries. Michael Thomas headlines the receiver group with Chris Olave following up his rookie campaign with a strong sophomore season that includes the eighth most targets in the league. Carr is actively holding this team back right now, but it should be enough to beat New England.
Prediction: 24-18 Patriots
I was torn on this one, but the Derek Carr injury seems to be too significant for the Saints to overcome. I just do not trust Derek Carr, and I believe in Belichick’s ability to force him into mistakes. I also believe Mac Jones bounces back this week and plays like he did before Dallas as New Orleans does not have a pass rusher near Micah Parsons’ caliber.
2023 Prediction Record: 4-0
