Well as Shrek once said, “That’ll do.”
Cam Newton is out. Brian Hoyer is in. The Patriots and Chiefs are set to do battle on a ‘special edition’ of Monday Night Football.
Last Sunday, The Patriots showed their muscle and ran the ball down the Raiders throat. New England pushed their way to 250 yards on the ground, good for most of any team in week three. That 250 yards is the second most of any team in a single game thus far this season. (The Packers ran for 259 yards in week 2 vs the Lions)
That rushing attack could really help them as the season goes along. More specifically though, this week against the Chiefs. Kansas City once again looks like a powerhouse as they thoroughly manhandled fellow AFC favorite, Baltimore, dominating in all aspects of the game. Moreover that vaunted offense looks the part once more as they are averaging 30 points per game and are in the top 10 in most major offensive categories.
This week the rushing attack could be the difference in just how much Patrick Mahomes gets to touch the ball, and let’s face it, the fewer times he does the better.
Here is what’s happening in week four:
First Down: With Cam Newton having been placed on COVID-19/IR, the Patriots have six players listed on the injury report. However, most should be good to go if last week was any indication. Special teamer Cody Davis was ruled out, but Sony Michel, Adam Butler, Shaq Mason, Isaiah Wynn, and Julian Edelman all will likely give it a go. Moreover, N’Keal Harry isn’t listed after being questionable for last week.
On the Chiefs side, there is a big name on their report as the only player with a status in doubt. Stud defensive lineman Chris Jones is questionable with a groin injury. Jones is one of the best interior rushers in the game and would be a major loss for the Chiefs if he wasn’t able to go.
Look for the Patriots to attack the interior should Jones be unable to go.
Second Down: Delving into the rushing attack it is important to note the impressive depth the Patriots have at the position. Right now New England has Sony Michel, the versatile Rex Burkhead, and the undrafted but impressive rookie J.J. Taylor. That group was responsible for the lights-out performance last week.
However, this week they get a big boost with James White back in the fold. White has dealt with unspeakable tragedy within his family. (he and his family continue to be in all our thoughts and prayers) White will no doubt boost the passing game and no one would be surprised if he posted over 100 total yards.
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphins
by Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
One other important thing though is the potential return of second-year back Damien Harris. Harris has the potential to dethrone Sony Michel as the lead back. He can also do it all and has much more breakaway speed than Michel.
When Harris gets back I think he gets at least 10 touches per game. After that his production will likely warrant more. Simply put, Harris is a stud. His presence, whenever he gets activated off IR, will be huge.
Third Down: As mentioned above the Patriots rushing attack will be their best friend on Sunday. Similar to how they controlled the first half of their playoff game during the Patriots last Super Bowl run, they need that effort again.
Luckily for the Pats, they have a number of things in their favor. One is the deep stable of runners they have. The other is their offensive line is among the best in the league with studs all over the place.
On top of those things though, the Chiefs also possess the sixth worst rushing defense. Currently they are allowing 153 rushing yards per game. They have also allowed 115 yards or more in every game this season, meaning it wasn’t one fluke rushing game that inflated that total.
Simply put the Patriots can run on this team, and need to if they want to win.
Fourth Down: With the shortened window to practice and no real preseason, one would expect there to be more penalties. With New England though, that is not the case. The Patriots have yet to commit an offensive penalty this year. They have also committed a league-low seven penalties in three games. The next lowest total is 12 with the Raiders, Giants, and Rams all tied at that number.
Moreover, the Pats have only committed two types of fouls: defensive holding and defensive pass interference. Funny enough as well, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Stephon Gilmore, is the leader in the clubhouse with three penalties.
On top of that the Patriots are second in the NFL at +4 in turnover margin. (Tennessee is first at +5)
To no one’s surprise New England is once again one of the most disciplined teams in the NFL.
Prediction: Chiefs 34, Patriots 23
The Patriots have the players in the defensive backfield to matchup with the Chiefs loaded offense, but sometimes great players make great plays. Patrick Mahomes can do similar things to Russell Wilson. That spells bad news for the Patriots, who I am not sure will be able to contain the Chiefs attack. Look for the Patriots to hang around for a while, but the Chiefs to separate with a late touchdown to put the game out of reach. Don’t be surprised if James White has a big game. He is a huge piece of this team.
-David Albiani is a Staff Writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the New England Patriots. Follow him on Twitter at @david_albiani
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
Clark, Ira, and Ian give their four teams that didn't make the NFL […]
-
Ep 109: Hall of Fame Voter Ed Bouchette Joins The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 12, 2022 at 6:28 pm
Long time Steelers writer and current Hall of Fame voter, Ed Bouchette […]
-
Ep 108: Hall of Famer Bryant Young Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 1:45 am
Pro Football Hall of Famer Bryant Young returns to the show to talk with […]
-
Ep 107: Pro Football HOF President Jim Porter Returns To The Showby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 6:58 pm
Clark and Ira are once again joined by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's […]
-
Ep 106: Remembering Pat Tillman w/ Former Cardinals Coach Dave McGinnisby Full Press Coverage on April 21, 2022 at 12:43 pm
Former Cardinals head coach Dave McGinnis joins Clark and Ira to remember […]
-
Ep 105: Who Are The Top 5 Quarterbacks of All Time?by Full Press Coverage on April 15, 2022 at 12:46 am
Who is the most underrated quarterback of all time? The most overrated? […]
-
Ep 104: John McClain Joins The Show To Talk Retirement and Houston Sportsby Full Press Coverage on April 8, 2022 at 2:50 am
Former Texans beat reporter for the Houston Chronicle, John McClain, joins […]
-
Ep 103: Discussing The New NFL OT Rules With Upton Bellby Full Press Coverage on March 31, 2022 at 10:11 pm
Former NFL executive Upton Bell joins Clark and Ian to discuss the latest […]
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Ep 230: Early Rookie Draft Seasonby Full Press Coverage on May 10, 2022 at 7:58 pm
-
Ep 229: Fantasy Fallout From the NFL Draftby Full Press Coverage on May 6, 2022 at 10:52 pm
-
Ep 228: Pre-NFL Draft Dynasty Rookie Draftby Full Press Coverage on April 27, 2022 at 2:52 am
-
5/11 - Patriots Depth Chart, Contract Issues, Smoked Meat, and Ernie Adams With Matt Chathamby Full Press Coverage on May 11, 2021 at 7:54 pm
Matt Chatham joins Steve, Murph, and Clare to talk Patriots depth chart, […]
-
5/4 - Good, Bad, and Ugly From NFL Draft With Evan Lazarby Full Press Coverage on May 4, 2021 at 7:39 pm
Evan Lazar of CLNS Media joins Steve, Murph, and Claire to recap the […]
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
Ian and John discuss the Warriors commanding 3-0 series lead over the […]
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
Ian and John discuss the Red Sox recent surge, the Warriors lead over the […]
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
Ian and John discuss the Celtics big game two win over the Heat as the […]
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning and their 2-0 series lead […]
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
Ian and John discuss the Tampa Bay Lightning's quest for a third-straight […]
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
Ian and John react to the Celtics game seven win over the Bucks and Jayson […]
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
Ian and John discuss the release of the NFL schedule.
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
Ian and John react to Tom Brady's post-retirement contract with Fox to […]
-
Ep 38: Tyreek Hill Traded To The Dolphinsby Full Press Coverage on March 24, 2022 at 12:10 am
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Tyreek Hill from the Chiefs to the […]
-
Ep 37: Matt Ryan Traded To The Colts; Jameis Returns To NOLA; Mariota to ATLby Full Press Coverage on March 23, 2022 at 6:00 pm
Ian and Braden react to the trade of Matt Ryan to the Indianapolis Colts […]
-
Talkamania Episode 226by Talkamania on May 16, 2022 at 11:23 pm
-
Talkamania Episode 225by Talkamania on April 2, 2022 at 3:03 pm
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 183 "The Streets Been Waiting"by Boot 2 The Face on May 15, 2022 at 4:59 pm
Sponsored by athleticgreens.com/EMERGING
-
Boot 2 The Face Episode 182 "Mr. Toni Storm"by Boot 2 The Face on May 2, 2022 at 12:30 am
Marty and Rucker here again talking baseball, new action figures and the […]
-
Ep.38: Titles, Tantrums, and Assorted Clowneryby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 7:59 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Ep 9: Wildly Early Predictions Of The 2022 Patriots Scheduleby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:24 am
-
Ep 114: Paul Londonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 2:00 pm
-
Ep 131: Packers Fan Series with LosDeeMixby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 8:49 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
The Game talks about Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom as well as Yankees and ROY Talkby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:04 pm
-
Ep 110: New Playoff Teams In 2022; Best Matchups On NFL Scehduleby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 3:42 am
-
Ep 231: Sons of Dynasty Draftsby Full Press Coverage on May 19, 2022 at 9:28 pm
-
Warriors Take Commanding Lead; How Can The Celtics Rebound? (5/23)by Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:37 pm
-
5/23 - Red Sox; NBA Playoffs; Tom Brady Roastby Full Press Coverage on May 23, 2022 at 3:32 pm
-
Celtics Rebound In Game Two; Series Heads To Bostonby Full Press Coverage on May 21, 2022 at 11:00 am
-
Lightning On Way To A Three-Peat? (5/20)by Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 4:18 pm
-
5/20 - Tampa Bay Lightning; Celtics Blow Out Heatby Full Press Coverage on May 20, 2022 at 1:41 pm
-
5/16 - Celtics Advance; Jayson Tatum; Golden State; NBA Playoffsby Full Press Coverage on May 17, 2022 at 4:35 pm
-
NFL Schedule Release Reaction (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 14, 2022 at 10:45 am
-
Tom Brady's New Broadcasting Deal (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 9:45 pm
-
Celtics, Bucks Game Six, NBA Playoffs, Joel Embiid and James Harden (5/13)by Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:38 pm
-
5/13 - NBA Playoffs, Tom Brady's New Deal, NFL Schedule Releaseby Full Press Coverage on May 13, 2022 at 3:21 pm