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Three key matchups to watch as Patriots go for third win in a row

By Fran Brown

Jan 2, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2022; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots safety Kyle Dugger (23) reacts after intercepting a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) celebrates his touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots running back Rhamondre Stevenson (38) celebrates his touchdown run against the Cleveland Browns during the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports /

Key matchups for the Patriots in week seven

Rhamondre Stevenson vs Cleveland front seven

Stevenson has truly become the number one back in New England over the past two weeks as he has put up 237 yards and two rushing touchdowns. Of course, this has come with the injury to fellow back Damien Harris and the two rookie backs Kevin Harris and Pierre Strong have yet to emerge. Damien Harris was listed as a full participant in practice, but I expect Stevenson to continue to take the lion’s share of carries once again this week.

The Bears have surrendered at least 117 rushing yards in five of their six games so far this year, giving up 203 to Green Bay in week two and a whopping 262 to the Giants in week four. After a good day on the ground in Cleveland, the Patriots offensive line has risen to the third spot in PFF’s rankings of all 32 units. If weather is a factor, and rain is in the forecast for Foxboro on Monday night, I can see the Patriots keeping the ball on the ground and a big night from Stevenson.

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