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How can the New England Patriots win on Sunday?

By Lou Scataglia

FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 04: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots tackles Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Gillette Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - NOVEMBER 04: Stephon Gilmore #24 of the New England Patriots tackles Davante Adams #17 of the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Gillette Stadium on November 4, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots are going to be without Mac Jones for a few weeks, at least, so how can they get the win on Sunday in Green Bay?  It’s going to be a tough task for New England, who just lost an ugly game at home against the Baltimore Ravens last Sunday.

While the offense was clicking a bit, the defense did not do enough to win.  It’s clear that the Patriots are somewhat of a one dimensional team, which isn’t good, and with Mac Jones now out of the lineup for the future, this holds true even more.

The Patriots have been one of the best defensive teams in the NFL over the last decade.  They continually rank in the top 10 in most defensive categories, and this philosophy of football cannot change, especially when the offense is clearly limited.  Brian Hoyer is expected to get the start in place of Mac Jones.

Hoyer is as veteran as they come, and should be able to at least keep the Patriots’ offense on the field for a little bit.  The Packers are in a bit of a different era after three games in 2022.  They are currently the 27th ranked scoring offense and the 6th ranked scoring defense.

For the Patriots, they rank 25th in points scored and 22nd in points against.  However, New England only allowed 34 points after two games.  To me, it’s clear what needs to happen.  If their averages hold up, the Patriots are likely to score around 17 points on Sunday, and I think anything more might be asking too much for them.

The Green Bay Packers have an average rushing defense, allowing about 113 yards per game.  They are much better against the pass, ranking 7th in the NFL.  So, I think the gameplan is clear.  Once again, the Patriots will need to run the snot out of the ball, limit turnovers, and not rely on Brian Hoyer’s arm.

It’s simple in writing, but obviously will prove to be difficult.  I do think the Patriots defense can perform significantly better on Sunday than they did in week three.  Aaron Rodgers has limited weapons, and the Packers’ offensive line isn’t fully healthy.

I’d expect the team to be able to get some pressure on the quarterback, the Green Bay does not have a legitimate WR1.  The score is going to be ugly, and I think if the Packers break 20 points, the Patriots won’t have enough to win, but I see a path for them to do so.

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