The New England Patriots are having a tough time finding the end zone this season, scoring on only 24% of their offensive drives. This puts them at the bottom of the league, with only the New York Giants behind them. As they prepare to face the Washington Commanders, who have recently traded away their two edge rushers, there are concerns about both sides of the ball in this matchup.
First, let’s take a look at the Patriots’ offense. Quarterback struggles and a lack of firepower have plagued them throughout the season. While quarterback Mac Jones has shown promise, the Patriots’ passing game has been lacking a vertical element. They have struggled to stretch the field and push the ball to the perimeter. This deficiency in their passing attack could be a significant hindrance against the Washington Commanders’ defense.
The Commanders, despite losing some key pieces on their defensive line, still have a formidable unit. The Patriots may not have to worry about those edge rushers they traded away, but the Commanders have other weapons in their arsenal. Their secondary is well-equipped to defend against short and intermediate passes, which has been the Patriots’ bread and butter this season. It will be a challenge for Mac Jones to find open receivers and create big plays against a solid Commanders’ defense.
On the other side of the ball, the Patriots’ defense has been a bright spot for the team this season. They have been able to keep their team in games and make crucial stops. One significant factor in their success has been retaining J.C. Jackson, their star cornerback. Had they traded him away, it would have been a massive blow to their defensive unit.
However, the Washington Commanders’ offense hasn’t exactly been lighting up the scoreboard either. They have struggled to find consistency, and their quarterback situation has been far from ideal. Still, the Commanders have shown flashes of potential, and facing the Patriots’ defense will be a test.
In order to have success against the Commanders’ defense, teams have typically needed to throw the ball down the field and push it to the perimeter. Unfortunately for the Patriots, this is an area where they have struggled. Without a strong vertical passing game, they may find it difficult to exploit Washington’s defensive weaknesses effectively.
As we look ahead to this matchup, it’s clear that both teams have their own set of challenges to overcome. The Patriots need to find a way to generate more explosive plays in their passing game, while the Commanders will need to establish consistency on offense. Betting odds for this game are currently favoring the Patriots, but it’s a matchup that could go either way, depending on which team can address its weaknesses and execute its game plan effectively on game day.
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