Patriots 2022 Season

[Goldstar88]

If I had to predict the rest of the season for the Pats as of October 10, 2022, I'd go:

@CLE - Win
CHI - Win
@NYJ - Win
IND - Win

BYE

NYJ - Win
@MIN - Loss
BUF - Loss
@AZ - Win
@LAV - Loss
CIN - Win
MIA - Win
@BUF - Loss (even if BUF just plays backups)

That puts them at 10-7 to finish the season which is also what I predicted before the season.

Their 2nd half schedule is definitely brutal but I do think this 6-game stretch they have here is a big one. Already 1-0 in it with the next 5 against CLE, CHI, NYJ (2x), IND.

I think the Pats could surprise some people though with some signature wins late in the year against Miami and Cincinnati at home. Or maybe they lose one of the MIA/CIN games but beat Buffalo in Week 18 because by then Buffalo might already have a seed clinched and will play only backups.

Like others, I'd be stunned if they finished 6-11 this season but if they do, then hey I'll admit I was dead wrong.

I had predicted 8-9 before the season started. If the defense and o-line perform like they did yesterday, could see another 10-7 season. I’m just not sure you can win against good teams or in the postseason using a strategy of relying on the defense to do all the heavy lifting and then running the ball 3 out of 4 plays on offense. Fans want to see pass heavy offenses, the league knows it and the games are officiated in a manner to favor those teams.

[MarcusSmartFanClub]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

[Goldstar88]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

Apologies for the overestimate. They ran the ball 35 times yesterday and attempted 21 passes. Do you think that will work against good teams or in the postseason?

[Vermont Green]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

Apologies for the overestimate. They ran the ball 35 times yesterday and attempted 21 passes. Do you think that will work against good teams or in the postseason?

That was in a game with a big lead.  On the season, I think it is 149 rushing attempts, 139 passing attempts.  I don't think the play calling is the issue.    They are 20th in the league in total passing yards.  9th in total rushing yards.  I think they lack big play weapons in a more general sense.  They don't have the real big play receiver treats that other teams do, I don't think their QB is quite there yet, and neither is the O-Line.

It is a good news, bad news thing.  Nothing wrong with having a team with a good defense that can run the ball.  They just need a little more punch from the passing game to be a top team.  To have success in the playoffs.  It is interesting to me that the O-Line is providing the blocking for the run game just fine.  A little less so with pass protection.  The line is key to both though.

[Goldstar88]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

Apologies for the overestimate. They ran the ball 35 times yesterday and attempted 21 passes. Do you think that will work against good teams or in the postseason?

That was in a game with a big lead.  On the season, I think it is 149 rushing attempts, 139 passing attempts.  I don't think the play calling is the issue.    They are 20th in the league in total passing yards.  9th in total rushing yards.  I think they lack big play weapons in a more general sense.  They don't have the real big play receiver treats that other teams do, I don't think their QB is quite there yet, and neither is the O-Line.

It is a good news, bad news thing.  Nothing wrong with having a team with a good defense that can run the ball.  They just need a little more punch from the passing game to be a top team.  To have success in the playoffs.  It is interesting to me that the O-Line is providing the blocking for the run game just fine.  A little less so with pass protection.  The line is key to both though.

I think Parker could be that big play WR. He’s already shown glimpses with the 5 catch, 156 yard game a few weeks back. Who is the last receiver to put up that kind of yardage on only 5 Rec, Moss? He had zero targets yesterday. Moranis mentioned that he thought it was detrimental to a QB’s development by leaving the training wheels on too long. That they need to be given the opportunity to make plays and learn from mistakes. I’m starting to agree with that sentiment.  I think in the second half of the season the Pats have to transition to team that passes more and runs less. If they finish 9-8 or 10-7, make the playoffs and then get blown off the field again, I don’t consider that to be a successful season.

[Vermont Green]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

Apologies for the overestimate. They ran the ball 35 times yesterday and attempted 21 passes. Do you think that will work against good teams or in the postseason?

That was in a game with a big lead.  On the season, I think it is 149 rushing attempts, 139 passing attempts.  I don't think the play calling is the issue.    They are 20th in the league in total passing yards.  9th in total rushing yards.  I think they lack big play weapons in a more general sense.  They don't have the real big play receiver treats that other teams do, I don't think their QB is quite there yet, and neither is the O-Line.

It is a good news, bad news thing.  Nothing wrong with having a team with a good defense that can run the ball.  They just need a little more punch from the passing game to be a top team.  To have success in the playoffs.  It is interesting to me that the O-Line is providing the blocking for the run game just fine.  A little less so with pass protection.  The line is key to both though.

I think Parker could be that big play WR. He’s already shown glimpses with the 5 catch, 156 yard game a few weeks back. Who is the last receiver to put up that kind of yardage on only 5 Rec, Moss? He had zero targets yesterday. Moranis mentioned that he thought it was detrimental to a QB’s development by leaving the training wheels on too long. That they need to be given the opportunity to make plays and learn from mistakes. I’m starting to agree with that sentiment.  I think in the second half of the season the Pats have to transition to team that passes more and runs less. If they finish 9-8 or 10-7, make the playoffs and then get blown off the field again, I don’t consider that to be a successful season.

I don't disagree.  I think it is the hierarchy of things they are trying to establish as a team though.  They have to start with the basics.  Then as the team gels, they can expand.  We all agree that more big plays would be helpful but I don't agree that you just throw a young team into the deep end and expect them to start making big plays.  You start basic, and build as you have success.  You can't short cut that.  You build week over week and to some extent, season over season.

[nickagneta]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

Apologies for the overestimate. They ran the ball 35 times yesterday and attempted 21 passes. Do you think that will work against good teams or in the postseason?

That was in a game with a big lead.  On the season, I think it is 149 rushing attempts, 139 passing attempts.  I don't think the play calling is the issue.    They are 20th in the league in total passing yards.  9th in total rushing yards.  I think they lack big play weapons in a more general sense.  They don't have the real big play receiver treats that other teams do, I don't think their QB is quite there yet, and neither is the O-Line.

It is a good news, bad news thing.  Nothing wrong with having a team with a good defense that can run the ball.  They just need a little more punch from the passing game to be a top team.  To have success in the playoffs.  It is interesting to me that the O-Line is providing the blocking for the run game just fine.  A little less so with pass protection.  The line is key to both though.

I think Parker could be that big play WR. He’s already shown glimpses with the 5 catch, 156 yard game a few weeks back. Who is the last receiver to put up that kind of yardage on only 5 Rec, Moss? He had zero targets yesterday. Moranis mentioned that he thought it was detrimental to a QB’s development by leaving the training wheels on too long. That they need to be given the opportunity to make plays and learn from mistakes. I’m starting to agree with that sentiment.  I think in the second half of the season the Pats have to transition to team that passes more and runs less. If they finish 9-8 or 10-7, make the playoffs and then get blown off the field again, I don’t consider that to be a successful season.

The coaching staff probably would be opening up the playbook more and give more audibling responsibilities to the QB if a rookie, 3rd string, just drafted out of a Division 2 college, kid wasn't now the starting QB due to injuries to Mac and Hoyer.

[Goldstar88]

Good thing they don’t run 75% of the time. It’s almost like you have to create facts to fit a narrative.

Apologies for the overestimate. They ran the ball 35 times yesterday and attempted 21 passes. Do you think that will work against good teams or in the postseason?

That was in a game with a big lead.  On the season, I think it is 149 rushing attempts, 139 passing attempts.  I don't think the play calling is the issue.    They are 20th in the league in total passing yards.  9th in total rushing yards.  I think they lack big play weapons in a more general sense.  They don't have the real big play receiver treats that other teams do, I don't think their QB is quite there yet, and neither is the O-Line.

It is a good news, bad news thing.  Nothing wrong with having a team with a good defense that can run the ball.  They just need a little more punch from the passing game to be a top team.  To have success in the playoffs.  It is interesting to me that the O-Line is providing the blocking for the run game just fine.  A little less so with pass protection.  The line is key to both though.

I think Parker could be that big play WR. He’s already shown glimpses with the 5 catch, 156 yard game a few weeks back. Who is the last receiver to put up that kind of yardage on only 5 Rec, Moss? He had zero targets yesterday. Moranis mentioned that he thought it was detrimental to a QB’s development by leaving the training wheels on too long. That they need to be given the opportunity to make plays and learn from mistakes. I’m starting to agree with that sentiment.  I think in the second half of the season the Pats have to transition to team that passes more and runs less. If they finish 9-8 or 10-7, make the playoffs and then get blown off the field again, I don’t consider that to be a successful season.

I don't disagree.  I think it is the hierarchy of things they are trying to establish as a team though.  They have to start with the basics.  Then as the team gels, they can expand.  We all agree that more big plays would be helpful but I don't agree that you just throw a young team into the deep end and expect them to start making big plays.  You start basic, and build as you have success.  You can't short cut that.  You build week over week and to some extent, season over season.

Right, that’s why I said second half of the season.  This is year 3 of the rebuild and Mac’s second year with the Pats. I’m assuming he will be back sooner than later as the team chose not to put him on the IR. Not sure I would call the Pats a young team at this point. Other than Strange who is a rookie and Jones who is a 2nd year QB, all other starters are veteran players.

[Neurotic Guy]

Pats offense doesn't feel as bad to me as it does to others.  Love the RBs.  They lack the #1 receiver, but I'm seeing a solid set of NFL receivers who seem to be getting open more recently than they were in the first couple weeks.  Parker, Meyers, Agholor, Bourne, Thornton - with Henry and Smith (when back).  Love Stevenson catching balls out of the backfield (man he was good on Sunday). There are weapons there if Zappe/Jones have time.  Loving that the running game is opening things up a bit.  Wish I could feel better about the pass protection.

[Ed Monix]

Honestly I know it wouldn’t happen…but I wonder what it would take for the Patriots to trade for Trevor Lawrence? He’s obviously not quite the saviour the Jaguars hoped he’d be and Mac Jones is actually from Jacksonville.

There’s some type of precedent for this type of trade with Giants trading Rivers along with multiple picks for Eli Manning.

[Goldstar88]

Honestly I know it wouldn’t happen…but I wonder what it would take for the Patriots to trade for Trevor Lawrence? He’s obviously not quite the saviour the Jaguars hoped he’d be and Mac Jones is actually from Jacksonville.

There’s some type of precedent for this type of trade with Giants trading Rivers along with multiple picks for Eli Manning.

I’m not sure I’d prefer Lawrence over Jones, TBH. Sure he has superior physical tools, but I’d rather have the smarter player, which I believe to be Mac.

[Moranis]

Honestly I know it wouldn’t happen…but I wonder what it would take for the Patriots to trade for Trevor Lawrence? He’s obviously not quite the saviour the Jaguars hoped he’d be and Mac Jones is actually from Jacksonville.

There’s some type of precedent for this type of trade with Giants trading Rivers along with multiple picks for Eli Manning.

I don't think they can.  The Jags aren't trading Lawrence.

[Phantom255x]

Clowney and Ward are out for Cleveland. That's big, Clowney was like their best run stopper. Should be another big day for Stevenson and our running game.

Pats really have a chance to take advantage here. I said going into the Detroit game, going 5-1 in the next 6 games would be nice and probably do-able. They're now 1-0 and the next 5 games are @CLE, CHI, @NYJ, IND, NYJ. Chicago also looks helpless and while the Jets are no longer pushovers, I do feel good about us matching up against them.

Maybe they lose 1 to IND or NYJ but honestly, I think they should win all the others. That'd put them at 6-4 and firmly in the playoff hunt. Or hey, maybe they win the next 4 in a row and get to 6-3 entering the bye and in a good spot in the playoff picture.

Of course, it'd be nice to maybe get Mac Jones back in the Bears game (or the one after)

[rocknrollforyoursoul]

Clowney and Ward are out for Cleveland. That's big, Clowney was like their best run stopper. Should be another big day for Stevenson and our running game.

Pats really have a chance to take advantage here. I said going into the Detroit game, going 5-1 in the next 6 games would be nice and probably do-able. They're now 1-0 and the next 5 games are @CLE, CHI, @NYJ, IND, NYJ. Chicago also looks helpless and while the Jets are no longer pushovers, I do feel good about us matching up against them.

Maybe they lose 1 to IND or NYJ but honestly, I think they should win all the others. That'd put them at 6-4 and firmly in the playoff hunt. Or hey, maybe they win the next 4 in a row and get to 6-3 entering the bye and in a good spot in the playoff picture.

Of course, it'd be nice to maybe get Mac Jones back in the Bears game (or the one after)

Definitely good news for NE. Cleveland's D was already bad, so NE should be able to score quite a bit. Cleveland's offense is pretty good, but so is NE's D. Pats should win this game, and they have a good shot at running the table in this 6-game stretch.

[Goldstar88]

Least the defense looks good again.