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Three key matchups to watch as Patriots travel to Minnesota

By Fran Brown

Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills (2) argues with the back judge after being flagged for a penalty against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 16, 2022; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New England Patriots defensive back Jalen Mills (2) argues with the back judge after being flagged for a penalty against the Cleveland Browns in the second quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: David Andrews #60 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after an injury during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 20: David Andrews #60 of the New England Patriots walks off the field after an injury during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on November 20, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /

Key matchups for the Patriots in week twelve

Patriots offensive line vs Minnesota front

The Patriots offensive line is a mash unit at this point. David Andrews returned from a two-week absence and immediately suffered a thigh injury which will reportedly sideline him for a few weeks although he was spotted at practice on Tuesday. Isaiah Wynn left the win over the Jets with a toe injury and should miss time while Trent Brown did not start due to illness and struggled on Sunday. To help with depth, the Patriots signed Conor McDermott off the Jets practice squad.

The Vikings come in with a great pass rush of their own as linebackers Za’Darius Smith (9.5 sacks) and Danielle Hunter (six sacks) have been a handful for opposing teams this season. The line will have to be able to slow them down in order to give Mac Jones time to find an open receiver. The good news is the Vikings have been brutal against the run over the past three weeks, allowing 463 yards on the ground (154.3 yards per game). On a short week with a depleted line, maybe the Patriots try to rely on the run and keep the Vikings offense off the field.

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