Scott Logush
Sports Editior
The Patriots find themselves down a starting quarterback, and sitting in last place in their division as they gear up to travel to Lambeau field and take on Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. Injuries are mounting up for both sides, and it’s time to take a look at each situation and see if New England can get back on track.
Key Injuries:
Without a doubt, the ankle injury Mac Jones suffered against the Baltimore Ravens is the most important entry in this week’s injury report as he seemingly couldn’t walk after the game, and did not practice at all this week and has officially been declared OUT, it’s the Brian Hoyer show. Defensive linemen Lawrence Guy also did not practice this week and will be out as well. As for the Packers. Tackle Elgton Jenkins was battling a knee injury but will play, cornerback Jaire Alexander remains questionable.
Key Matchups:
As far as how these two teams matchup, it’s pretty interesting. The Patriots have a very depleted secondary but cornerback Jonathan Jones is emerging as a legitimately good starter on the outside after spending the vast majority of his seven year career as a slot corner. I’m actually very sad that Mac Jones is not playing this weekend because he played in a very different way against Baltimore. He was taking chances, throwing the ball deep and trying to create more than what was there. It showed up when looking at advanced metrics too, where he ended up with five big time throws but also four turnover worthy plays. The Brian Hoyer show just does not inspire me at all, we know what he is.
As for the Packers, their secondary can stop New England’s passing attack with ease, and Aaron Rodgers is still my bet for quarterback one in the NFL, so I have no concerns about him. I think it’s going to be a very one sided game.
Final Prediction: 28-18 Packers
