Three key matchups to watch as the Patriots try to make playoff push

Key matchups for the Patriots in week nine

Jalen Mills vs. Michael Pittman

Jonathan Taylor gets the most attention on the Colts offense which you would expect after his terrific 2021 season, but he has struggled so far this year with a poor line in front of him and he may not even play on Sunday as he deals with an ankle injury. Instead, the focus might be on wide receiver Michael Pittman who leads the Colts with 51 receptions for 528 yards and averages 10 targets per game. At 6’4, Pittman is tough matchup for whoever is covering him, and he has had some monster games this season (13 receptions on 16 targets for 134 yards in week six). Even without Ryan, Pittman was Ehlinger’s favorite target against Washington, pulling in seven of nine targets for 53 yards. Last year, J.C. Jackson was able to do a great job against Pittman, holding him to one catch on five targets for seven yards. Of course, Pittman was ejected in the third quarter for fighting with Kyle Dugger.

Jalen Mills figures to be the Patriot who will assume duties covering Pittman on Sunday, especially with his size advantage over Jonathan Jones. Mills has been up and down so far in 2022, allowing opposing quarterbacks to complete 63.9% of their passes his way although he does have two interceptions. His best game came in week six in Cleveland when, primarily covering Amari Cooper, he allowed only three completions on eight attempts and had a pick. The Patriots will need that effort on Pittman Sunday afternoon.