Five bold predictions as the Patriots get ready to host the Lions

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Nov 29, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Adrian Phillips (21) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

Five bold predictions for the Patriots in week five

Team holds TJ Hockenson under 75 receiving yards

While the Patriots still seem unable to incorporate $50 million dollars’ worth of tight ends into their own offense, they’ve seen plenty of teams beat them with a tight end so far in 2022. In week two, Steelers’ tight end Pat Freiermuth was able to beat safety Adrian Phillips for a touchdown. Week three saw Ravens tight ends combine for three touchdowns and just last week Packers tight end Robert Tonyan found a soft spot between linebacker Mack Wilson Sr. and safety Devin McCourty for a touchdown. It doesn’t get any easier this week with T.J. Hockenson.

Talking tight ends.

BB previews the Lions passing attack on the Belestrator. pic.twitter.com/qQgEOeAcaA
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 6, 2022

If the Lions are without the services of receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and running back D’Andre Swift on Sunday, I think it will be easier for the Patriots defense to key in on Hockenson in the passing game. A week after he gained 179 yards through the air, I think the Patriots (especially with a healthy Kyle Dugger) can limit Hockenson to under 75 yards receiving.

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